Topic: Global Trade

The Act-- a legal vestige of American protectionism mandating that all goods transported between U.S. ports to be built, owned, and operated by U.S. vessels – has been waived in the recent past when Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf.

While most shipping analysts maintain that the undervalued Chinese Yuan should still be a concern for U.S. exporters, there are those who say that surging demand may make it less of an issue in the near future.

While the economy is slowly showing signs of bouncing back, its uneven recovery throughout the world has myriad impacts on global trade patterns, commodity flows, and subsequently freight transport flows, according to the findings of a recent research report from the International Transport Forum.

According to a new report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, trade flows are ramping up.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke met late last week with representatives from key U.S. apparel importers and retailers, including J.C. Penney, VF Americas and Polo Ralph Lauren, at the Commerce Department to discuss trade benefits created by recently passed legislation designed to help U.S. companies increase their apparel sourcing from earthquake-stricken Haiti.

Research into the sourcing potential and practices in Africa, Eastern/Central Europe, and Asia/China reveal big differences—and big opportunities—for supply chain management professionals.