Insights
Return to PublicationsUkraine’s Grain: Ukraine Files Formal Complaint With the World Trade Organization
September 21, 2023.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications
Ukrainian grain exports have been causing quite a stir in Europe for the last few months. In May 2023 several countries protested the European Commission to restrict Ukrainian grain from being imported into their countries. This is because grain intended to be exported to areas like Africa and the Middle East...
Read MoreLost & Found: Unclaimed Property Insights & Opportunities
September 20, 2023.
Tax Publications
What is Unclaimed Property? Unclaimed Property is money or tangible assets that belong to you but are viewed as “abandoned” because there’s been no activity or contact with you for one year or more. Every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U...
Read MoreOctober 2023 Merchandise Processing Fee Update
September 19, 2023.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be adjusting certain user fees on October 1, 2023. The minimum merchandise processing fee (MPF) will be increased to $31.67 from $29.66 and the maximum will be raised to $614.35 from $575.35. MPF is assessed by CPB for most imports into the US on an ad valorem basis, with...
Read MoreForced Labor from the Xinjiang Province of China, U.S. Customs’ Response, and the Effects on Importers
September 18, 2023.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications
Currently, forced labor in China is a heated topic of discussion, review, and high visibility, especially as it concerns imports into the United States of America. The most recent focus on forced labor in China centralizes around textiles produced in the Xinjiang province of China, an autonomous region in the...
Read MoreSection 301 China Tariff Exclusions Extended
September 15, 2023.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications
Earlier this month, on September 6, 2023, the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) announced to the world that it will be extending 352 reinstated exclusions and 77 COVID-19 related exclusions to duties imposed on goods from China pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The USTR imposed Section 301...
Read MoreWhat is CARM?
September 11, 2023.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications
At a quick glance, this project signifies a transformative journey spanning multiple years. It’s a relentless dedication to enhancing and streamlining trade processes, all while championing the twin pillars of efficiency and unwavering adherence to regulations. It’s a reflection of the commitment to making a resounding...
Read MorePanama Canal Operations Disrupted By Severe Drought
September 08, 2023.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications
Warmer waters and drought are severely affecting the Panama Canal, a system that depends on an abundance of freshwater to move ships around the tip of South America. The Panama Canal is a major system that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, contributing significantly to the movement of global cargo....
Read MoreComplete Guide to Sales Tax Holiday Dates Across the US
July 25, 2023.
Tax Publications
A sales tax holiday is a temporary period during which certain goods or services are exempt from sales taxes. It is a policy measure implemented by some governments to encourage consumer spending and boost the economy. During a sales tax holiday, specific items are eligible for tax exemption. These items...
Read MoreContinuing Your Trade Compliance Education
July 19, 2023.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications
As of June 22, 2023 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published their final ruling on requiring continuing education for all individual licensed customs brokers. CBP will now require 36 continuing education credits to be completed during the three years of a triennial period. Brokers must show completion of 36 continuing education credits at the...
Read MoreUnderstanding the OSRA Act of 2022
July 14, 2023.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications
Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (Public Law No: 117-146) was passed by US Congress and put into law by USA President Joe Biden in June of last year. This act may help many different parties and could help alleviate some of the stress and issues occurring with ocean freight shipments....
Read MoreThe Art of Customer Service
July 07, 2023.
Logistics Publications, Tax Publications, Trade Publications
In today’s business world, whether it is electronic or face to face it is vital to provide outstanding customer service. Customer service can be defined as the practice of providing customers with the support to enrich their satisfaction with the company and its products and services. It is...
Read MoreAmazon Implements AI to Identify Damaged Goods
July 05, 2023.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications
Amazon has begun exploring options to automate their fulfillment process as they have had difficulty finding reliable workers and are looking for ways to have Artificial Intelligence take over some of the heavy lifting done in their warehouses and increase productivity. Over the last few months, Amazon has started to...
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