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For importers, taking advantage of the strong dollar hasn’t been easy

Oct 4, 2022
Foreign vendors often prefer to be paid in U.S. dollars instead of their local currencies. Others are adding energy surcharges.
A lot of businesses have been hoping that the stronger dollar would help them save some money on imports — but that hasn't been the case for many.
Daniel Munoz/AFP via Getty Images

The film industry needs customs brokers too

Sep 30, 2022
Olivia Van Dyke, CEO of Film Logic Customs Brokers, talks about the unique challenges of shipping the things that make movie magic happen.
"We ship camera equipment, we ship props, wardrobe, sound equipment," said Olivia Van Dyke of Film Logic Customs Brokers.
Sakis Mitrolidis/AFP via Getty Images

As economies worldwide struggle with inflation, Japan faces another problem: a weak yen

Sep 22, 2022
As many central banks raise interest rates, the Bank of Japan is keeping them low to prop up the economy. That leads to a depreciated currency.
The Bank of Japan headquarters in Tokyo. The BoJ has kept interest rates low to prop up the economy, but the side effects include a depreciating currency.
Richard A. Brooks/AFP via Getty Images

These small businesses still feel supply chain pressures, even if data says they're easing

Jul 19, 2022
Shipping costs, wait times and sourcing materials are still a big problem for business owners in South Carolina and Calif.
Some businesses have had to adjust shipping strategies — like opting to ship by rail — to circumvent delays at ports.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

As baby formula plant reopens, can the U.S. diversify the marketplace?

Jul 11, 2022
Almost all the formula bought in the U.S. is made domestically, and imports face multiple barriers.
The U.S. imposes tariffs on formula imports. Instead of lifting them, the Biden administration is trying to simplify the FDA approval process for certain foreign producers.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Customs brokers are caught in the middle of China tariffs debate

Jul 8, 2022
As the White House decides the fate of the Trump-era taxes, customs broker Gretchen Blough is dealing with more uncertainty.
A truck drives by stacks of shipping containers at the Port of Oakland on May 20.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

More than 40% of baby formula out of stock, data company says

May 13, 2022
Just four companies make most of the baby formula in the U.S. After a recall and plant closure at one, there's not enough supply to meet the need.
When you only have a few companies in the country that make something, shortages are one of the risks, says Brian Dittmeier of the National WIC Association.
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

The trade deficit was partly to blame for the hit to GDP. But there's a silver lining.

Apr 28, 2022
Global turmoil put a cap on U.S. exports, while the easing of supply chain snags allowed Americans to import more.
More imports and fewer exports caused a slight dip in GDP, but that's giving the supply chain a chance to recover.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Trade deals improve relations with U.S. allies — gradually

Mar 23, 2022
A new trade deal with the U.K. will erase Trump-era tariffs on steel and aluminum imported into the U.S., and motorcycles and whiskey exported to the U.K.
Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images

Some small businesses see silver linings in the janky supply chain

Dec 8, 2021
Smaller companies are more nimble than big department stores, allowing them to take advantage of the situation.
The congested supply chain has a lot of businesses scrambling. In some cases, that’s opened up opportunities for smaller, more nimble operators to fill in the gaps.
Mario Tama via Getty Images