World Trade articles from March 2004

World Trade archives from March 2004

The hidden 'up side' to security.(Inside World Trade)
March 1, 2004... No matter how well you plan and prepare and organize, in the end seasoned executives know that the one sure thing they can count on is the unexpected. Management theorists have cloaked this humbling truth in more elegant language, "the law of...

Taking corruption out of global business levels the field for U.S. companies.(Policy Perspectives)
March 1, 2004... Global corruption totals over a $1 trillion a year, according to experts at the World Bank. It distorts trade, increases poverty and undermines democratic political systems in scores of countries. When a Middle Eastern General uses his...

National Association of Manufacturers sees broad-based recovery emerging.(The Americas)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The NAM, looking forward through 2004, noted optimistic signs that the U.S. economy was emerging after one of the most sluggish recoveries from recession on record. The manufacturing sector appears especially robust. "We expect manufacturing...

Rising euro continues to hurt euro-zone economy.(Europe)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Just how far will the euro rise against the U.S. dollar and what actions will the European Central Bank take? According to a chief economist with the investment-banking unit of UBS in London, the euro could hit $1.40 by the end of the year....

IMF calls U.S. debts threat to world economy.(The Americas)(International Monetary Fund)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Rising U.S. budget deficits and a ballooning trade imbalance of record-breaking proportions has prompted the International Monetary Fund to sound warnings about the financial stability of the global economy. A report prepared by IMF economists...

WTO rules for U.S. in lumber dispute with Canada.(The Americas)(World Trade Organization)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The U.S. has received a favorable ruling from the WTO in its continuing dispute with Canada involving softwood lumber imports. In particular, the WTO Appellate Body said recently that the U.S. "did not violate trade rules in determining that...

More Customs agents along U.S.-Canada border.(The Americas)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert C. Bonner has announced that 1,000 border patrol agents are now deployed along the country's northern border for added security. "Since 9/11 we have tripled the size of our Border...

Competition for the Panama Canal?(The Americas)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... A proposed rail landbridge across Nicaragua is just what some shippers may be interested in, especially as an alternative shipping route for cargo from Asia to the U.S. East Coast. An executive with Canal Interoceano de Nicaragua S.A....

Moderate economic forecast for Australia.(Asia-Pacific)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... There are several positive economic signs developing on Australia's horizon, starting with a higher than expected federal government surplus in fiscal year 2003/04 (July-June). The surplus will spawn tax additional income tax cuts, most likely...

India slashes wide range of taxes, expedites Customs clearances.(Asia-Pacific)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... In a move designed both to stimulate its rapidly growing middle class and to encourage freer international trade, India has cut or abolished a wide range of domestic taxes and tariffs. After a growth of 4.3 percent in fiscal year 2003, India is...

China breaks ground for world's largest shipyard.(Asia-Pacific)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Ground breaking for the largest shipyard in the world has taken place on an island at the mouth of China's Yangtze River. Once the shipyard is completed in 2015, it will have the capacity to produce a total of 12 million deadweight tons of...

EU toughens anti-trust laws.(Europe)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... European Union regulators will be equipped with new tools to fight unfair business practices beginning May 1. Among them, the right to seal off corporate offices to halt the destruction of evidence and entering the homes, cars, yachts and other...

Global logistics goes intergalactic: maintaining Lockheed's supply chain to Mars and beyond.(Cover Story)
March 1, 2004... When the spacecraft Spirit began transmitting images back from Mars to scientists in the U.S. on January 4 this year, no one was happier than engineers at Lockheed Martin. Four years ago, the company was reeling from the loss of the Mars Polar...

The other Asia: Southeast Asia may pose even greater opportunities than China for direct investment and certain kinds of off-shore manufacturing.
March 1, 2004... Much attention has centered on the potential of China in recent years as the globe's most attractive locale for foreign investors. But in focusing so intensely and sometimes exclusively on China, another important market for investment,...

Freight forwarding heads into a world of change: new regulatory environment and IT advancements figure prominently for shippers.
March 1, 2004... What were once proposals are now laws. Actions that once seemed innocent mistakes can now bring swift costly retribution. Changes that have been in motion since Sept. 11, 2001, have now settled into concrete, irrevocable policy. Shippers...

After-sales service revenue can yield even bigger returns: companies that employ best practices global parts supply management enjoy customer service loyalty and cost advantages.(Global Management)
March 1, 2004... U parts inventory is too often not given a spare thought by senior management teams. They're likely to pay attention to this issue only if an important customer threatens to take its business elsewhere, or a significant inventory write off...

Logistics management is mission critical when parts manufacturers go offshore: event management software coordinates auto sector supply chain.(Industry focus: automotive)
March 1, 2004... The automobile industry was one of the first to go global years ago, but of late the globalization imperative is drilling down even deeper as auto parts suppliers, the vendors to the manufacturers, are increasingly going offshore for product....

If you think the letter of credit is dead ... think again.(Finance)
March 1, 2004... I remember being a young investor and hearing that the graveyards on Wail Street are filled with those that have been fight too early. Well, I've been hearing the letter of credit (L/C) is a sunset product for what seems like decades, and many...

What you need to know about RFID in 2004: some must-dos for the year ahead.(Technology)(radio frequency identification )(Illustration)
March 1, 2004... RFID is one of many technologies that will extend the Internet to the physical world. Unfortunately, the focus on the electronic product code (EPC) overshadows the broader context--and power--of RFID. Smart companies will test EPC now and link...

San Antonio International Airport--www.sanantonio-airport.com.(Corporate Profiles)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... SAT, a U.S. Point of Entry, accommodates commercial, cargo and general aviation. Nearly one million square feet available with designated Foreign Trade Zone #80. Over 200 acres of facilities include FBOs, corporate hangars, aircraft maintenance...

Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM): www.hmm21.com.(Corporate Profiles)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... HMM has made its "Cyber Customer Service Center" faster and easier to use, keeping inline with the complicated needs of the cargo transportation business. With Cyber CSC, customers will be able to book on-line and access freight rates. Our...

Printronix: www.printronix.com.(Corporate Profiles)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Established nearly 30 years ago, Printronix is a leading provider of industrial and back-office enterprise printing solutions for customers the world over. The long-term market leader in line matrix printers, Printronix has earned an...

A.N. Deringer Inc.--www.anderinger.com.(Corporate Profiles)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Founded in 1919, Deringer has grown to become one of the leading providers of international logistics services. With over 30 offices coast to coast in the U.S. and a global agency network we provide supply chain solutions for companies moving...

Pilot Air Freight--www.pilotair.com.(Corporate Profiles)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Pilot Air Freight is a full service transportation and logistics company with 65 offices throughout North America, and a worldwide network of overseas agents offering global coverage 24 hour a day, 7 days a week. As your transportation and...

NSCSA--www.nscsaamerica.com.(Corporate Profiles)(National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (America) Inc)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... NSCSA can handle all your cargo needs to the Middle East and the Indian Sub-Continent. In addition, we are the only Ro-Ro/ Container carrier with direct service to Pakistan. Our state-of-the-art vessels can carry every type of freight, no...

Export-Import Bank of the United States--www.exim.gov.(Corporate Profiles)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) assists U.S. companies compete in today's challenging global marketplace. This government agency assumes the credit and country risks that the private sector is unable or unwilling to...

Yellow Global: www.yellowglobal.com.(Corporate Profiles)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... When you need a seamless solution for international shipping needs, Yellow Global can deliver. Integrated air, ocean and land shipping services around the world. Priority services, consolidation and even full container load. Plus complete...

Kenco Logistics Services: www.kencogroup.com.(Corporate Profiles)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Kenco Logistic Services operates more than 17 million sq ft of warehouse space and has 3,000+ employees in 16 states and Canada. Kenco provides contract logistic services for many industry-leading, Fortune 100 companies in the pharmaceutical,...

Port Everglades: www.broward.org/port.(Corporate Profiles)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Port Everglades is one of South Florida's strongest economic engines with annual operating revenues of more than $89 million and total waterborne commerce exceeding 22 million tens in liquid, break bulk and containerized cargoes. More than...

American Systems: www.americasys.com.(Corporate Profiles)(Americas Systems has delivered innovative IT solutions)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Americas Systems has delivered innovative IT solutions for transportation management to retailers, manufacturers and logistics providers since 1989. Building on this experience, the company applies its knowledge to help clients reduce...

Swiss WorldCargo: www.swissworldcargo.com.(Corporate Profiles)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Swiss WorldCargo is the air cargo division of Swiss International Air Lines Ltd. With its global network of more than 150 destinations in over 80 countries and its broad range of airfreight products and services, Swiss WorldCargo generates...

Union Bank of California: www.uboc.com.(Corporate Profiles)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... When cost-effective international trade is integral to your company's success, choosing the right bank is critical. At Union Bank of California, we make it our business to provide our clients with the tools and expertise they need to navigate...

Yang Ming Line (YML)--www.yml.com.tw.(Corporate Profiles)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Yang Ming Line (YML) is an independent all water and intermodal worldwide carrier, with a customer-driven staff supporting YML's state-of-the-art, fully integrated global network. Whether cargo is containerized, oversized or...

The bar code.(Great Moments In World Trade)
March 1, 2004... On June 26,1974, at 8:01 a.m., a clerk at Marsh's supermarket in Troy, Ohio ran a $1.39 10-pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit chewing gum under a UPC scanner and rang up world trade history. Time has long since taken the names of the shopper and...