Global Knowledge®

Please join Amber Road and Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services, Inc. for a free seminar specifically addressing retailers and Financial Returns in Global Trade. 

Learn how your peers have improved the efficiency of their import operations to respond to rapid shifts in consumer behavior and grow their business outside the U.S. Speakers will address strategies for delivering financial returns on your global retail supply chain.

Don’t miss out on this FREE seminar for retailers in NYC!

What: Retail Seminar: Financial Returns in Global Trade - Lunch is included, Networking Reception to Follow.

When: April 17, 2013, 10am – 7pm

Where: Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC
420 Park Avenue South, Between 28th and 29th Streets (Conveniently located between Penn Station and Grand Central)
New York, NY 10016

After a full day of sessions, attendees will enjoy a networking reception at this luxury urban resort in midtown Manhattan. Register to reserve your spot today!

On Thursday, May 17th, the United States announced that it will impose anti-dumping tariffs of more than 31% on solar panels from China. This decision, likely to ratchet up the trade tensions between the US and China, is the result of the US Department of Commerce finding several Chinese solar panel companies guilty of dumping their goods (selling them at below fair-market value).

The United States bought $3.1 billion worth of Chinese solar cells in 2011, which comes to more than half the American market for these devices. The anti-dumping duties are intended to level the playing field for US solar panel makers who may be undermined by Chinese competition, but may not necessarily be high enough to drive the Chinese makers out of the business altogether.  Regardless, this imposition is said to be one of the strongest by the Obama administration in addressing complaints of unfair Chinese trade and economic practices.

This change also comes with opposition from many solar panel installers in the United States who have opposed anti-dumping duties. They believe the inexpensive imports have helped spur many homeowners and businesses to put solar panels on their rooftops.  However, this change is likely to mean a substantial increase in the price of solar panels going forward. High duties are likely to raise costs, slowing demand for the polysilicon that is used to make solar panels.

As per the Department of Commerce, merchandise covered by this investigation is currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff System of the United States (HTSUS) under subheadings 8501.61.0000, 8507.20.80, 8541.40.6020, 8541.40.6030, and 8501.31.8000.

The Commerce Department said a final determination on tariffs would be made in early October.

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American Shipper is reporting that the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to allow the import of all varieties of Fuji apples from Japan.  Of course, certain conditions must be met.  To prevent the import of yellow peach moths and fruit tree spider mites, all shipments will be required to undergo cold treatment and fumigation, which will be supervised by APHIS officials in Japan.