The International Freight Forwarders and Customs House Brokers Association of Atlanta changed its name to the Atlanta International Forwarders and Brokers Association to better reflect its location, according to a notice on the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America website.
The Chamber of Commerce is sending a delegation of business leaders to Myanmar from Feb. 24-28, said a press release. The delegation includes 50 representatives of U.S companies from a various industries, including agribusiness, automotive, electronics, energy, retailing, telecommunications, and others. It's the first major U.S. business delegation since President Barack Obama’s visit to the country in November 2012, the release said.
Matson Logistics contracted for 65,000 square feet, with the ability to increase to 125,000 square feet, of distribution center space in Savannah, Ga., the company said in a press release. “Our new operation expands on our ability to move retail goods in through the Port of Savannah,” said Mark Ferzacca, assistant vice president of sales for Matson Logistics Warehousing. “More companies are using East Coast distribution centers to have their product closer to a rapidly growing regional market.”
UPS said it will triple the reach of its Worldwide Expedited service, delivering in two-to-five business days to more than 220 countries and territories, according to a company press release. Worldwide Expedited is an air service for international shipments.
Haiti joined the Textile and Apparel Alliance for TPP, uniting with 30 other countries asking for “strong and fair” textile rules in the TPP agreement, according to an Alliance press release. Those rules should “include a yarn forward rule of origin, long tariff phase-outs for sensitive products and strong and effective customs rules and resources,” said Gregor Avril, executive director of the Association of Industries of Haiti, in the release.
International business and advocacy groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform, are praising the Department of Justice and the SEC for their enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, but say critical issues with the law remain unresolved. More than 30 organizations signed the letter, sent Feb. 19 to the DOJ and SEC, said a press release.
Albania will accept “merchandise passports” later this month, a move that should boost U.S. trade with the country, according to the U.S. Council for International Business. Countries in the passport system, ATA Carnets, waive customs duties and taxes on various goods brought into a country temporarily. Albania will join the Carnets system on Feb. 25, said a USCIB press release.
The Board of Directors for the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) approved a revision to its recommended "Terms and Conditions of Service" document , the NCBFAA said. The NCBFAA replaced the wording of the "Company as agent" section of the document. The terms of service now say:
Despite the fact that most apparel sold in the U.S. is manufactured overseas, more than 70% of the added value of that apparel is done in the U.S., according to a study sponsored by the Trans-Pacific Partnership Apparel Coalition. The coalition said the study (here) "showcases the substantial contribution that millions of American workers make to apparel manufactured overseas."
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is holding a series of meetings during a Feb. 11-13 business delegation to Mexico City, Mexico. Senior executives from 20 key U.S. companies are looking to identity significant investment opportunities in the country and expand existing business opportunities for U.S. exporters. While in Mexico, the delegation will meet with federal and regional government officials as well as Mexican business leaders to promote pro-trade and pro-growth economic policies in both countries.