Hong Kong and China closures for the New Year’s Celebration!!!

Most Hong Kong offices and factories are closed February 7-10

Most China offices and factories are closed February 6-12

PLAN EXTRA TIME FOR YOUR IMPORT CARGO

There is typically a shipping surge to move as much cargo as possible out of China prior to the holiday, and space is at a premium. Often cargo is “bumped” as vessels and aircraft overbook. You can expect a backlog of freight once business resumes after the holiday.   Please allow extra time for your cargo moving during this period. If you have particular concerns on expected delays, please call our Logistics Division who will work with you to mitigate delays.

Space will be at a premium, be sure to book your cargo early!

C U S T O M S / S E C U R I T Y

U.S. Customs & Border Protection Intercepts Counterfeit Computer Products
December 13, 2007

Savannah, GA — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Savannah Port of Entry have seized over $100,000 in computer keyboards with counterfeit Microsoft “flag” logos. more...

CBP Textile Enforcement 2007 Fiscal Year in Review
December 13, 2007

Washington - During fiscal year 2007, CBP continued to focus on its textile enforcement strategy on imports of high risk textiles and apparel. CBP uses a variety of actions, ranging from verifying foreign production to targeting suspect supply chain movements to auditing high risk firms to seizing violative goods. more...

CBP Expands Filer Support as Part of ACE Transition
December 31, 2007

By January 2008, U.S. Customs and Border Protection plans to add 11 new client representatives across three new offices in Detroit, Otay Mesa, Calif., and Champlain, N.Y. The additional staff are intended to provide additional customer support for the trade community as CBP continues to implement its new commercial trade processing system, the Automated Commercial Environment. more...

Cargo tracking and security market needs major catalyst, says ABI
12/20/2007

While there is healthy activity in cargo tracking and security, it is difficult to determine where the market is headed, as it hinges on whether or not a set of requirements and mandates is placed on shippers.

Which entities will provide the push when there is little pull in the market, especially for increased security? Who will be responsible for this role - the US government or the World Customs Organization? more...

CBP Officers in Atlanta Intercept Counterfeit Handbags Worth More Than $4 Million
December 20, 2007

Atlanta — U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Atlanta made a significant seizure of handbags bearing the counterfeit trademarks for “Louis Vuitton.”

CBP officers and import specialists discovered counterfeit merchandise in a shipment that was selected for examination. Handbags were seized with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of more than $4 million and a domestic value of $478,032. The shipment also contained jewelry that lacked the required country-of-origin markings. more...

ACE Help Desk Has New Email Address

Due to the conversion to Outlook by U.S. Customs & Border Protection, the ACE Help Desk’s email address has been changed to acehelpdesk@cbp.dhs.gov and the email address ace.helpdesk@customs.treas.gov is no longer valid.

CBP RELEASES PROPOSED “10+2” SECURITY PROGRAM

The long anticipated notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)—the Advance Trade Data Initiative otherwise known as “10+2” was formally published in yesterday’s (January 2) Federal Register.  The proposal would require both importers and carriers to submit additional information on cargo to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before the cargo is brought into the United States. The NPRM is focused on imports entering the U.S. by water. The due date for comments is March 3, 2008. more...

S H I P P I N G

Ports of Long Beach and Long Angeles Approve $35 per TEU Clean Truck Fee

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have approved a new a Clean Truck Fee of US$35 per TEU on all loaded containers moving in and out of the ports by truck effective June 1, 2008.  This fee will support the ports’ Clean Trucks Program which will ban all pre-2007 model trucks from the ports by 2012.  The ban will be phased in starting in October 1, 2008, with a ban on all trucks built before 1989.  By January 1, 2010, only trucks built after 1993 will be allowed, and by January 1, 2012 all trucks serving the ports must meet 2007 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission standards. The new tariff rules adopted by both ports will also require trucks to register with the ports and to be fitted with radio frequency identification devices (RFID) by June 30, 2008, which will provide emission compliance information and other details.  The truck ban and RFID requirement represent only a portion of the originally proposed Clean Trucks Program.  In addition to the ban on older trucks, and the new Clean Truck Fee, the plan also called for sweeping changes to the harbor trucking industry.  These portions of the program are still under consideration by the Ports.  The Federal Maritime Commission is also currently reviewing the program for any possible violations of the Shipping Act of 1984.

Panama Canal lock bidding process start

THE Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) on the “design-build” contract for the new locks under the Canal’s Expansion Program. Four global consortia will now move forward with their bids on what will be the largest and most important project under the $5.25 billion expansion. more...

Far East Carriers Announce Strategy for 2008 - 2009 Contract Period

Carrier members of the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) have published a five-point plan for the 2008-2009 contract period.

TSA’s five-point plan for 2008: more...

ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY FEELS THE CHILL

The 2007 commercial shipping season on the St Lawrence Seaway is winding down under the toughest early winter in years, following heavy snowfalls and winds as well as ice formation in the channels.  But what was more significant was the possible double-digit drop in traffic that had not been anticipated.  However, major developments in transportation and trade trends — notably the drying up of steel imports from Europe and high ocean rates — changed the evolution of cargo shipments on the waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the industrial heartland of North America. The cautious optimists seem to outnumber the pessimists when considering the outlook for 2008, despite the persisting credit crisis in the United States. As one shipping executive said: “Steel depends on a healthy manufacturing, where a weak US dollar stimulates exports, and aggregates depend on a healthy economy.”  Figures to the end of November put total Seaway cargo at 38.7m tonnes, compared to 43.6m tonnes a year earlier. Lloyd’s List, 12/21/2007.

W O R L D   T R A D E 

Statement from USTR Schwab, regarding today’s announcement of the trade deficit numbers
12/12/2007

"U.S. productivity, generates income growth, and expands U.S. higher paying jobs. Ninety-five percent of world consumers are outside our borders and are increasingly buying our products and services.  Global, regional and bilateral trade agreements, such as the U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreement just passed by Congress, help expand our trade, support our economic growth and provide benefits to U.S. workers, consumers, companies, farmers and ranchers." more...

Statement by USTR Schwab on today’s signing of the U.S. – Peru Trade Promotion Agreement
12/14/2007

"This agreement solidifies a relationship with a critical ally in Latin America.  For over 14 years, Peru has enjoyed duty-free access to the U.S. market under the Andean Trade Preference Act, which will now be made permanent.  And finally, U.S. farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and service providers will enjoy the same access to Peru’s growing market. more...

United States and Vietnam Hold First Meeting Under Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
12/17/2007

Washington, D.C. - United States Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab met in Washington today with Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of Vietnam's Office of Government for the first ministerial meeting under the U.S.-Vietnam Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).  The meeting was focused on Vietnam’s implementation of its World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments as well as ways to further deepen trade and investment relations between the United States and Vietnam. more...

U.S. and China Announce Memorandum of Understanding on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade at SED III
12/12/2007

Washington, D.C. - The United States and China concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade on the occasion of the Third Meeting of the Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED III).  This MOU is a first ever between the two countries in focusing on the role of international trade in illegal logging. more...

H O L I D A Y S / S E M I N A R S

Chinese New Year

Hong Kong – 7 to 10 Feb 08     China – 6 to 12 Feb 08

Central Europe Trade Mission
April 19 – 23, 2008

MISSION DESCRIPTION:
Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, along with our co-sponsors, JP Morgan Chase, The Horton Group, e|n|w|c law firm and InterLaw seek to open doors for Wisconsin companies looking to establish or expand business contacts in Prague and elsewhere in Eastern Europe. During this trade mission, your appointment schedule will be tailored to your company’s specific needs. Your schedule may include the following:

• Briefings from the U.S. Department of Commerce
• Economic and political updates
• Meetings with financing sources
• Financial institutions
• Manufacturing plants
• One-on-one visits with potential suppliers, agents, distributors and other targeted entities

For more infomation:
PragueTrade_Mission_Brochure_12.07.pdf
RBPragueItinerary12.07.pdf
RBTravelArr12.07.pdf

Half-Day Seminar   January 18th, 2008 (Friday)   12:45pm to 4pm

CSCMP-Milwaukee Roundtable,

Milwaukee World Trade Association and the Wisconsin Institute Jointly Present:

Government Contracting:  Business Opportunities and Supply Chain Challenges

Speakers:

* Aina Vilumsons, Executive Director, Wisconsin Procurement Institute  
* Chris McGovern, Materials Mangement Director, Derco Aerospace Inc
* Mark Going, Logistics Programs Director, Derco Aerospace Inc
* Philip Bail CPCM, US Gov’t Contracts Manager, Derco Aerospace Inc

Place:          RADISSON WEST HOTEL
Directions:  (Intersection of Hwy 45 north & North Ave.)  2303 N. Mayfair Road,  Milwaukee, WI 53226    

Cost:    $40.00 pre-paid with RESERVATION    $50.00 paid AT-THE-DOOR
Last minute call-ins and cancellations must be made prior to noon on MONDAY, January 14^th, 2008.

ON-LINE RESERVATION:
CSCMP-Milwaukee offers on-line registration and payment via PayPal.  
Access PayPal through the Programs page on CSCMP Milwaukee's website: www.cscmp-mke.org                            
Or Mail To:    CSCMP-Milwaukee Roundtable
                       Attn:  Bob Schmidt
                       1390 E. Bolivar
                        St. Francis, WI 53235

                       Bob_Schmidt@Wixon.com

Make check payable to  “CSCMP-Milwaukee Roundtable”

“GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT”

The Delafield Hotel, Delafield WI

Session Moderator:  Guy Kwaterski, The Vollrath Co LLC

The Global Supply Chain begins with the selection of suppliers and proceeds through the preparation of documentation, movement of goods and concludes with the collection of the obligation to pay.  Senior Management is thinking in terms of the Global Supply Chain, and so should we in the ICE Group.

The program will begin with an introduction to the concept of Global Supply Chain Management as it relates to US corporations and suggest the role the Credit Manager should play in the design and operation of a corporate program.

Program Session 1:  SOURCING

     Selection of the Supplier & Qualifying the Supplier

Program Session 2:  FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Program Session 3:  LOGISTICS AND TRACKING

     Physical Transfer of Goods, Documentation & Record Keeping, and Compliance

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  Attendance at the ICE Meetings is open to others from your company.  Please make this notice available to them if they too will benefit.  This meeting in particular will apply to a variety of functional areas, please invite traffic, logistics, sales, and management.  They all register as member representative. 

For an online meeting notice, click here.

To register online, click here.

Your ICE Group offers Timely Topics year after year!  Join us on January 23...
"ICE--It's all about education & networking"! 

MARCH 18, 2008 - Davian's Conference Center, Menomonee Falls WI:

DOING BUSINESS IN NORTH AFRICA  Jim Walker, of the British Arab Commercial Bank's Head office in London, will join us and provide a thorough review of countries in this region.  More details to follow.

MWTA Ethnic Social
January 24, 2008     4:30-7:00PM
Tulip Restaurant ,    117 N. Jefferson St. Milwaukee, WI
deadline date for reservations: January 12, 2008

http://mwta.com/
 

February 7, 2008  Dinner Meeting

Program I: Global Supply Chain (co-sponsored by CSCMP)
Program II: Manufacturing Critical-path Time
Speaker: Roxanne Baumann, WMEP
Location: Radisson Hotel, Wauwatosa