Monday, December 31, 2012

Global Trade: Year in Review

As the year 2012 comes to a close this evening, it brings to mind some of the more exciting and tumultuous events that occurred in the global trade community this year.  

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

A Brief History of Piracy Volume 1

Piracy has struck fear into the hearts of maritime workers since time immemorial.  So long as there have been ships at sea carrying cargo worth plundering, pirates have been there to seize it.  

Monday, December 3, 2012

Activity Codes

Types of U.S. Customs Bonds

There are many different activity codes associated with US Customs bonds.  Most of these bonds are activity code 1, the importer bond; however, the other types of Customs bonds play an interesting role in global trade. 

Monday, November 26, 2012

Montana by Horseback

There are countless ways to enjoy the rugged beauty of Montana’s wilderness, but none can re-create the visceral experience of a trail ride on horseback.  

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Foreign Trade Zones FTZ

What is a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)?


Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) are areas granted a special status by the Foreign Trade Zone board. Within the boundaries of a Foreign Trade Zone, goods imported from another country can be stored without being subjected to Customs duties until entered into the commerce of the United States.  

Friday, November 9, 2012

Winter Just Happened

In Montana, we have a complex relationship with winter. The crisp air and the natural sound-dampening effect of snow make for a uniquely beautiful environment.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Hurricane Sandy

Hurricanes are never a small problem. The destructive winds, rain, and surges they carry across large swaths of coastline are only a portion of the problems they pose.  The after-effects of a hurricane can be just as damaging as the storm itself.  

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Customs Bond Processing: Lead Time

Customs bond processing is not terribly complicated, but it can seem that way without knowing the lay of the land.  There are a few important things to keep in mind in regards to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing a Customs bond

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

What is ACE?

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is hard at work developing and improving the new Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system.  Since many who work in the global trade arena will be affected to some extent by its implementation, it makes sense to understand a bit more about it.  

Friday, October 12, 2012

Global Trade Trends Vol 2

This has been an exciting, even tumultuous quarter for global trade.  Several major events have rocked the community recently, and three of these events come to mind as being particularly momentous.  

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Country of Origin Marking

For goods sold and traded in global commerce, many countries require a mark associated with the country of origin.  A “made in USA” sticker or engraving on a mug, or tag on a piece of clothing is country of origin marking at work.  

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone BisonYellowstone National Park is one of the most staggering examples of natural beauty the world has to offer.  The untamed splendor of the park is something visitors travel thousands of miles to see. 

Friday, September 21, 2012

Liquidation Information

Liquidation is a natural element of the importing process.  It refers to the procedure in which a shipment of goods has its classification, value, duties, and taxes assessed in finality by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). 

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Wishing for Winter

It’s not often that Montanans look forward to winter.


Usually there’s no need to look forward to it because it’s always just behind the bend.  A popular Montana idiom is that we ordinarily enjoy about 9 months of winter and 3 months of bad skiing. 

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Valuation

Valuing goods is an important aspect of filing requirements for importing goods into the United States of America.  Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must be provided not only with the classification of the goods being entered into commerce, but their accurate value as well. 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Liquidated Damages

Liquidated damages are a noteworthy element of the importing process when something has gone awry.  A breach of bond conditions will result in these liquidated damages being assessed by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after liquidation has occurred. 

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Supplemental Duty Bills Explained

A supplemental duty bill is issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when it is determined upon liquidation that additional duty is due.  In other words,  the duties that have been paid on a liquidated entry are believed to be insufficient.  

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Customs Bond Penalties Explained

Bond claims are an important element of the importing process to understand.  A breach of bond or violation of law can start off the process.  A breach of bond will result in liquidated damages from Customs; a violation of the law results in a penalty.  

Friday, August 24, 2012

Inspection Tech

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is one of the oldest agencies in American history, and has always been an integral element of the American government.  Since 1789, Customs has managed the collection of duties related to the import of goods into the United States.  

Monday, August 20, 2012

Panama Canal Will Graduate to Three Lanes

The construction of the Panama Canal was one of history’s most impressive engineering accomplishments. The swath cut through the American continents has forever altered the routes of oceangoing commerce. 

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Montana Ski Areas

This is the time of year that many Montanans start to think about the ski season.  It’s 90 degrees outside, rain is a distant memory, and the hills are choked with smoke. 

Monday, August 13, 2012

Customs Bonds 101 Questions and Answers Vol 2

We had so many great questions from the attendees of our recent webinar, we decided to publish a few volumes of them, along with answers for our readers here on TRG Peak.  The first volume was published two weeks ago--this is volume two:  

Friday, August 10, 2012

Marine Cargo Insurance

Marine cargo insurance is an excellent risk management tool when used efficiently. Most global sourcing business owners hold marine cargo insurance in some capacity

Monday, August 6, 2012

Montana Red Flag Warnings

If you’re unclear on what a red flag warning is, it means that fire danger is imminent.  Almost anything could spark a blaze that could cause serious damage to countless acres of wilderness and residential zones.  

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Top 5 Importing Mistakes

There are many things an importer must keep track of to run a successful operation.  Here are 5 avoidable mistakes that can keep even the best operations from reaching their full potential:  

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Customs Bonds 101 Questions and Answers Vol 1

We recently gave a presentation on the basics of U.S. Customs Bonds, called “Customs Bonds 101.” During the presentation, the attendees asked so many excellent questions, we felt like it would be a good idea to share some of them.  

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Merchandise Processing Fee Error

During the week of June 11th, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) began their process of re-liquidating entries between October 1st and November 4th, in order to retroactively charge for the increased Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF).  

Monday, July 23, 2012

Supply Chain Management Tips

There are myriad motives for every importer to keep a close eye on supply chain management.  It is much easier to keep problems in check with a systematic and organized approach to the import process. 

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Camping in Montana

Life in Montana is anything but mundane.  We at TRG are lucky to live and work in this land of secluded beauty that is Montana, and we work hard to be here.  

Monday, July 16, 2012

Merchandise Processing Fee Increased

Supplemental duty bills are one of the many Customs duties that can cross an importer’s desk.  Improperly classifying goods can result in one of these bills; so can the results of a pending anti-dumping or countervailing ruling,

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Import Support

The world of international trade is multi-faceted. Importers in particular bear a heavy burden when receiving goods into the United States.  Amongst their many obligations, when an importer receives goods into the USA, they are solely responsible for complying with laws and regulations associated with the process.    

Monday, July 9, 2012

Montana Pastimes with TRG

Grilling in MontanaSummertime in Montana isn’t complete without some time spent outdoors in the beautiful scenery provided by nature.  Grilling is a spectacular way to bring good people together to share stories and delicious food. 

Friday, July 6, 2012

Customs Duties Revisited

In a previous article, Customs Duties Deconstructed, we covered some of the less-common, but highly important categories of Customs duties, like Anti-Dumping Duty, Countervailing Duty, Supplemental Duty, and everyone’s favorite, Duty Free—which if you remember, is still a duty. 

Monday, July 2, 2012

Montana Wildfires Still Raging

Part of the beauty of living in Montana is the unpredictable nature of nature itself. It can be crystal clear bluebird skies one minute, and snowing the next.  Lately, the random weather Montana is so famous for has fueled a major disaster. 

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Customs Duties Deconstructed

What are Customs duties?


There are many different duties U.S. Customs and Border Protection may require an importer to pay.  Some are related to the origins of the goods in question, and some to the goods themselves.  It’s always a good idea for importers to keep a working knowledge of what these duties are, what they affect, and how. 

Thursday, June 21, 2012

What is a Supply Chain?

There are many acronyms, industry-specific terms, and pieces of jargon thrown around in the world of global trade.  Recently, a friend asked what should have been a reasonably simple question, “What is a supply chain?” 

Monday, June 18, 2012

Surety Bond Types

A surety bond is a contract between three parties: an obligee (the party being promised something), a guarantor (a surety agency), and a principal (The party making a promise). There are many types of surety bonds that are issued across the country.  

Friday, June 15, 2012

Customs Bond Processing

There are often many questions that arise in relation to the U.S. Customs Bond Renewal Process.  We’re going to take a few minutes to clear up any questions our audience might have about how a bond is placed, terminated, or replaced. 

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Montana Weather

This week, the weather in our home base of Montana has been a bit of a rollercoaster.  Our own Jordan Jarosky's recent experience with it motivated him to provide us with a heroic tale of bicycles, lightning bolts and hailstones... 

Friday, June 1, 2012

Customs Compliance: C-TPAT

The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, affectionately known as C-TPAT, is a program US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched in order to better protect Americans, while still facilitating trade to the fullest extent possible. 

Friday, May 25, 2012

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day was originally celebrated to honor those who died in the American Civil War, and was celebrated by different people on different days.  

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Global Trade Trends

2012 has been somewhat of a rollercoaster year for global trade.  Let’s take a moment to highlight some of the game-changers we’ve seen since January.  

Friday, May 18, 2012

Montana Meet Approaches

The Montana Meet is nearly upon us, and the buzz of excitement around our offices is palpable. Every year, TRG sponsors summertime activities, from float trips and hikes to barbecues.  

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Montana Hiking Hotspots

Anyone who has lived in the mountainous regions of Montana for very long is well aware that almost every trail here is a hiking hotspot.  All it takes is a moment’s drive or bike ride to reach world-class hiking and nature watching areas. 

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Import Compliance

Import compliance is one of the most significant issues a modern importer must deal with in their line of work; it affects nearly every aspect of the importing process.  

Monday, May 7, 2012

FDA

An Importers Friend in Regulatory Responsibility

The U.S. government has created various programs that allow for fair and safe trade.  

Thursday, May 3, 2012

The International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA)

The only international trade organization giving a voice to the U.S. importer/exporter

The ICPA is a tight-knit group of 2,000+ members of the trade community.  

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Customs Bond Underwriting

Now and then, clients will ask us:  What is underwriting?  How does it work?

There are a few answers to those questions—some are industry-specific, and some are agency-specific.  Let’s start with the first and most general question, What is underwriting?  

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Montana Hot Springs

Hunting and fishing are popular Montanan pastimes; however there is another unique hunting activity that people in Montana are drawn to. 

Friday, April 20, 2012

Discover your US Customs Bond

At TRG, we believe in the power of education and relish the opportunity to share our specialized knowledge with others.  The only thing we enjoy more than sharing knowledge is sharing valuable knowledge. 

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

5 Tips for ISF Success

Importer Security Filing (ISF) is a government mandate requiring importers to file additional data elements for all shipments entering the U.S. via ocean cargo.  

Friday, April 13, 2012

Anti Dumping Education

There are many regulations that Customs Border and Protection (CBP) has implemented to ensure equal opportunity for importers in the US market.    

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

What is ISF?

Developments in national security protocol have introduced a host of requirements importers must fulfill  One of these requirements is Importer Security Filing (ISF) and Additional Carrier Requirements, also known as 10+2.    

Thursday, April 5, 2012

HTS Codes and HS Codes

Knowledge regarding a list of important acronyms is helpful for anyone participating in the global trade arena. Having a good working vocabulary of these terms can make it much easier to keep up with international trade issues.  

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Montana Playground

The state of Montana is known for vast beautiful landscapes, endless blue skies, pristine rivers, and sky stretching mountain ranges.  This huge playground attracts the most enthused of outdoor enthusiasts. 

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Port to Port?

Questions often arise in relation to marine insurance.  At first, the terms relating to this niche product may seem complicated, but in reality, there is very little ambiguity. 

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Reminder: Map Your Supply Chain!

Editors Note: Our friends at Trade Innovations produce some excellent articles, and from time to time we like to share them with our audience.  This is an article by Kelby Woodard that we couldn't help but post.   

Monday, March 12, 2012

Summer Fun in the Rocky Mountains

With attitudes of winter in our midst, thoughts of summertime activities still linger.  While riding through the Rocky Mountains on board or skis, we are eagerly awaiting the first signs of the summer season.  

Friday, March 2, 2012

Are Single Entry Bonds Cost Effective?

If you recall from my previous post, U.S. Custom Bond Basics For Importers, a Customs Bond is a financial guaranty between an importer, the insurance/surety agency issuing the bond and Customs & Border Protection (CBP). 

Friday, February 24, 2012

Trade Barometer: The Baltic Dry Index

There are countless methods entrepreneurs and investors use to gauge their decisions and make informed choices regarding their investments.  Although the use of some of these informational tools may not affect the decisions of every business owner, there are some systems that can provide a useful glimpse into the global trade economy.  Let’s take a look at one of Wall Street’s most useful metrics in relation to shipping: the Baltic Dry Index, or BDI.

The Baltic Dry Index is an amalgamation of shipping costs calculated by international shipping brokers.  It is seen by many investors and stock traders as an economic barometer, informing their financial decisions by providing information on the strength of demand for global trade.  The index provides a sense of the global economy’s pulse, contrasting the amount of cargo space on shipping vessels with the demand for that space.  Because new ships are a substantial investment, there are very few built every year, and therefore the amount of cargo space remains relatively static. The BDI contrasts the (mostly unvarying) variable of cargo space with its demand.  Throughout history, the BDI has fluctuated significantly.  For example, in 2008 the Baltic Dry Index fell over 90%, from its all-time high of over 11,000 to less than 700.  Although it has rebounded since then, it hasn’t come close to its pre-2008 numbers.  This year, it dipped to a new all-time low, indicating that shipping demand must have dropped considerably from years past.

This seems to correlate with some recent global events.  Greece is on fire; the streets are littered with glass and protestors.  Vital oceanic routes are under threat of being blocked in some parts of the world.  These, along with countless other factors likely contributed to the BDI’s latest drop.  A wave of uncertainty regarding the future of shipping and global commerce has swept across the market, and it shows in the BDI.  Just as with any dip in an economic barometer, some see doom, and some see a window of opportunity.  It is up to the reader to decipher the information, and decide what it really means to them.  Regardless of the perspective one might take, keeping an eye on the Baltic Dry Index makes it possible to keep watch over the broader pulse of international trade, and stay informed on what the future may hold.

 

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Monday, February 13, 2012

U.S. Customs Bond Basics for Importers

What is a U.S. Customs Bond?

Very few importers are aware of why they need a Customs Bond, or what the bond actually does.  Simply put, a U.S. Customs Bond is a document that Customs & Border Protection (CBP) require all importers of record to have.  If an importer does not have the bond, they will not be able to take their goods from the port of entry.  CBP will hold the goods until the importer attains the Customs Bond.  The importer will then be subject to the associated fines or penalties for importing without a Customs Bond.

Most Customs Bonds are filed as Import Bonds.  This document acts as a financial guaranty between the Insurance/Surety company issuing the Customs Bond, the Importer of Record, and CBP.  The Import Bond provides a guarantee to CBP that they will collect import duties, taxes, fines or penalties, if not from the importer then from the insurance/surety company who issued the bond.  To explain further, CBP requires all importers to file an Import Bond in order to clear their entries, even if the goods are duty free.

Whether you know it or not; if you are importing, you have a Customs Bond.  The size of your bond requirement is dependent on the dollar amount of imports that you are receiving, and the rate at which they are taxed.  For example, the smallest and most common Customs Bond is a $50,000 bond.  $50,000 is in no way reflective to the price of the bond, rather it refers to a percentage of the amount of duties and taxes associated with receiving the imports.  This bond amount will suffice for imports requiring up to $500,000 in duties and taxes, which equals a rough estimation of about 5 million dollars of goods imported.  To explain further—let's say on an annual basis you import 1 million dollars worth of goods.  Associated with these imports are roughly $100,000 in duties and taxes.  The $50,000 importer bond will be sufficient.

It is essential for importers to become familiar with their Customs Bond.  This knowledge will prove particularly beneficial in situations where the volume of imports increases or decreases from year to year.  An informed importer will be able to determine what size bond they need on file to cover those imports, and they will avoid any penalties or overcharges that they may incur for having a bond that is not of the appropriate size.

Check back later for more U.S Customs Bond Basics for importers.  Here, knowledge about your Customs Bond is IMPORTant!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Our Fun Loving Northeasterly Neighbor, Bridger Bowl

Trade Risk Guaranty is located in beautiful Bozeman, MT.  Part of the allure of locating our main office in Bozeman is the exceptional outdoor fun that can be had year-round.  One of the best examples of Bozeman’s cornucopia of fun and adventure is Bridger Bowl, a world-class community ski area located only 15 miles Northeast of town. 

Skiing in the Montana Rockies is an inimitable experience because of the mountain range’s unique geography.  An arid climate, frigid weather, and sizable distance from the coastline combine forces to form Montana’s legendary “cold smoke” snow, as it is known to locals and visitors.  This snow is not like other snow, in the sense that it is almost lighter than air and is resistant to clumping up and packing.  The result is an unparalleled experience of gliding through a cloud while only tentatively attached to the ground beneath.  Most people are helplessly addicted to the Montana Rockies after their first ride through these fabled snowflakes.

Bridger Bowl is a non-profit ski area, which means that money collected by the organization goes straight back into its infrastructure and expansion.  The latest territorial addition is accessed by the Schlasman’s lift, which leads to a section of the mountain that had long been off-limits to pass holders.  It offers expert terrain, slope angles as extreme as anyone could ask for, and of course, plenty of deep powder.  If Bridger’s terrain isn’t enough draw, the family atmosphere is more than enough excuse to get up there.  From the ski school classes to the bustling Jim Bridger Lodge and Deer Park Chalet, Bridger Bowl exudes a sense of community uncommon in other mountain resorts. 

That is why several of our employees have returned to this mountain year after year, since their childhood.  I have personally enjoyed racing down the slopes of Bridger Bowl since I was three years old, and I am not alone in my love for Bridger Bowl here at TRG.  On a given powder day, you might see just about any TRG employee spending one of their personal days amongst the glistening trees and snow-capped mountain peaks.

We are lucky to be located where we are, and we don’t take it for granted.  Esprit de Corps is one of TRG’s 8 Core Values, and being part of Bozeman and Bridger Bowl’s communities is definitely being part of something special.  The spirit of community and adventure are omnipresent here, and we gladly take part every day.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Headn’ South for a Good Ole’ ICPA

What’s your favorite time of year?  The Holidays, your child’s birthday, tax season, anytime it snows?  For the international trade community, the International Compliance Professionals Association’s (ICPA) annual conference is a highlight of the year.  It’s a conference you can count on to provide you with top education and networking opportunities available in the industry.  If you haven’t been before, it’s time to start planning to attend.

 

2012 Conference: Atlanta, Georgia: March 18th – 22nd   Click here to register!

Sessions Range From:  ACE, Achieving Consistent HTS Classifications, Ask the Legal Eagles, Avoiding Import Mistakes, Broker Management, Internal Compliance, Export Audits, Incoterms

 

2013 Conference: Honolulu, Hawaii

 

Spread the word!  Visit http://icpainc.org/ to learn more and become a member!

 

TRG is a proud sponsor of the International Compliance Professionals Association.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

60 Degree Harmonized Tariff Schedule Education

A Collective Effort:  The Harmonized Tariff System is global product classification system.  The World Customs Organization (WCO) maintains the Harmonized Tariff Description and Coding System (HTS) with over 170 countries in participation.  The first six digits of the HTS code categorize all items involved in international trade and are consistent throughout all countries involved in the HTS. The suffix (two to four digits) is country specific; the U.S. suffix consists of four digits.  The U.S. HTS is primarily a classification system to unvaryingly identify goods and secondarily a commodity specific tariff system. 

        Internal Auditing:  The importer of record is responsible for providing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with the correct HTS classification on all import entries and/or ISF filings. It is important to introduce or maintain procedures that result in accurate information concerning your products.  Innovated technologies allow the importer to refrain from relying on third parties to presume the HTS classifications on your behalf. Your company could be over extending import related costs each year by paying a higher tariff rate than required. CBP regards the importer’s HTS compliance seriously enough that the revenue collection agency will fine the importer for paying too much in CBP duty per import!

        Proactive Evaluation:  HTS codes are continually changing to allow for new product innovations and technology.  Governments worldwide evaluate new revenue sources and seek to balance their trade with other countries. U.S.  HTS codes are created with an expiration date to allow for updates.  Because of this, it is important to consistently evaluate the validity of the codes that you are filing with. This ongoing internal compliance project should be reviewed at minimum, on an annual basis.

Helpful Hint:  Filing a Post-Entry Amendment (PEA) prior to entry liquidation or an administrative protest post liquidation will allow you to fix HTS classification mistakes.  It is recommended that these are completed quarterly.  Click here to see a sample PEA.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Gallatin County: Forging our Future

Everyone needs a friend.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit organization that has been working hard for generations to make sure children and young adults don’t have to grow up without the vital influence of friendship.  This goal is accomplished with the assistance of ordinary, yet extraordinary people who are willing to put forth the effort to make a difference in someone’s life.  Big Brothers Big Sisters started its own life almost a century ago as two separate entities, both determined to help children in need of guidance and friendship.  In 1979, these organizations joined forces to form Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.  By the time of the merger, the combined reach of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America included 357 agencies, all dedicated to befriending and mentoring young people.

A good mentor has the potential to permanently change a person’s life for the better.  The efforts of mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program have positively affected countless lives throughout the organization’s history.  Whether it’s playing catch, riding bikes, reading books, or offering an open ear to share hopes and fears, Bigs (as they are called in the program) provide an irreplaceable influence in the lives of our nation’s young people.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gallatin Valley is the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters here in Bozeman, Montana where TRG is based.  Just like every other BBBS office in the country, they offer an unparalleled experience for less fortunate young people.  It’s not uncommon to see Big Brothers and Big Sisters out on the ski slopes or hiking through Montana’s resplendent outdoor trails, providing opportunities that would most likely never have been extended otherwise.

January is national mentoring month, and BBBS is always in need of donations and volunteers.  Becoming a mentor is not a particularly difficult process for people who are willing and able to contribute their time and attention to someone in need.  Donating money or items for matched pairs of young people and their mentors to use in activities is even easier.  Something as seemingly insignificant as a baseball glove, a set of movie tickets, or a bookshelf can be infinitely helpful in the lives of young people.  Fundraisers like “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” are another enjoyable way to participate in or donate to an exceptional organization and an extraordinary cause.  Trade Risk Guaranty supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gallatin Valley because of the positive impact they have on the entire community and its future. 

Young people will grow up to rule the world—with the help of organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters they will have a better chance to meet their full potential.  Responsible Citizenship is one of TRG’s Eight Core Values, and it is perfectly reflected in the values of Big Brothers Big Sisters.  Keep up the good work Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gallatin Valley, we’re with you.  Here’s to another century of success.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Where the ‘Cool Kids’ will be in 2012

By Kelby Woodard


The year 2011 will undoubtedly go down in the record books as an uneventful one for the global supply chain, which was exactly what most of us were looking for after the economic tumult of the previous few years.  In regards to supply chain security, however, we should be prepared for a very interesting 2012.  A few events in 2011 point to a very fun year if you like a little excitement with your supply chain.

By far the most interesting event of 2011 was the ‘Occupy the Ports’ movement.  These misguided protestors intended to shut down the West Coast ports and bring attention to the supposed harm our global supply chain inflicts on the American economy.  Fortunately, the immediate effect on the movement of goods was negligible to slightly annoying.   The biggest winner in these protests was the security teams in the ports, who were fully prepared and acted in a highly professional and effective manner.  The plans and procedures implemented in the years following September 11th were vital during these protests.  I predict that the ‘occupy’ movement will continue to try to convince Americans that the global supply chain does not in fact create jobs, or help keep inflation in check, or actually create prosperity.  As a result, the actions of the Occupy movement in 2012 could prove to be interesting for those of us who thrive on solving complex supply chain security problems.

Wal-Mart recently revealed that they are conducting an internal investigation focused on possible violations to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).  When the world’s largest commercial supply chain publically recognizes that it may have issues with corruption and fraud at high levels, you can bet it will be headline news in 2012.  That in turn will mean a renewed focus on ensuring the integrity of every supply chain operation.  In case you think only the mighty are affected, take a look at what happened at Fry’s Electronics in 2011.  Former Fry’s executive Ausaf Siddiqui was sentenced to six years in prison for receiving over $65 million in kickbacks from vendors.  Siddiqui was a highly respected sourcing executive and was able to perpetrate his crimes over many years.  Is it surprising that with the billions of dollars being spent on commercial supply chains that no one may be tempted to earn more than their fair share?  With a little focus on the part of supply chain security teams, more similar revelations are likely to manifest themselves in 2012.

Finally, there is China.  The Conference Board (one of the most prominent business forecasting organizations in the world) predicts China’s economic growth will gradually slow to 3.5% from 2017 to 2025.  While that may not sound too catastrophic, anything less than a 9% growth rate in China will inevitably result in social instability.  After trillions of stimulus dollars spent by the Chinese government (that may sound familiar), the flexibility to respond to economic downturns will be extremely limited in the coming decade.  We may witness the slow decline of China’s preeminence in global trade beginning in 2012.  The result would not only have a tremendous impact on the global economy, it may also shift significant supply chain risk to the ‘world’s factory’.

That’s why the ‘cool kids’ will be hanging out in supply chain security in 2012.

All Rights Reserved--Trade Innovations, Inc. 2012