Over the past several weeks, our law firm has seen a big increase in the number of Brexit-related phone calls and emails. Naturally, business people from all over the world are concerned about Brexit and want to know how it’s going to affect their international business operations. The inquires range from the simple (what IS Brexit?) to the more complex (will UK insurance … [Read more...]
How to Supercharge Your Exports with a Third-Party Logistics Provider (3PL).
“I have a problem,” the caller said to me. “Our company's textile factory in Vietnam has been sitting idle for several weeks." The caller explained that it's cotton supplier was unable to clear its shipping documents with customs officials. I asked whether the company had a back-up plan to find an alternative supply. "No," replied the caller. "We didn't think we'd ever need … [Read more...]
How Safe are the Sochi Olympic Games?
A special guest post by Global Security Consultant and Political Risk Expert, Paul Crespo. This is the latest post in the series. The 2014 Olympic Winter Games began today in Sochi, Russia. Numerous U.S. multinational corporations such as McDonald’s, Coca Cola, Proctor & Gamble and Visa are sponsoring or participating, and 10,000 Americans are expected to attend. … [Read more...]
The World’s First Bitcoin Lawsuit—in the United States?
Have you ever received an email that is so fascinating that you have to read it out loud to make sure you that you read it correctly? I received one of those several days ago. The email asked the following question: “This past summer I purchased [factory equipment] in [Country X] with Bitcoin. I never received the equipment and [the supplier] won’t respond to my messages. … [Read more...]
Japan’s New 24-Hour Advance Manifest Rule Takes Effect on March 10, 2014.
On March 14, 2014, Japan will join the global effort to make things more difficult for exporters secure supply chains against international terrorism with the implementation of it’s own “24-hour rule.” First implemented by the U.S. in 2002, the 24-hour advance manifest rule requires all inbound cargo carriers to submit complete manifests a full 24 hours before leaving their … [Read more...]