Dustin Hoffman received excellent advice in the movie The Graduate: "Just one word...plastics." Every recent college graduate is looking for something similar - that one piece of advice that will provide them will all the answers, and make the future they've dreamed of one step closer to reality. I hate to disappoint, but my advice probably won't be the key to your future. It will, however, at least give you something to think about it. I've got one word you: trade.

Trade Planner 3.0 scenario-based planning solution optimizes sourcing and distribution
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Management Dynamics and FTZ Corporation Announce Strategic Partnership
Alliance will Integrate and Expand the Use of Foreign Trade Zones in Global Trade Management

The Retail Industry Leaders Association reacts after a hearing about China’s exchange rate policy and the current trade imbalance that went before the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Economic Policy, states the American Shipper magazine. The hearing discussed legislation that would allow duties to be imposed on Chinese imports to address currency undervaluation allegations.

“Higher tariffs have never proven to be a wise solution for American economic growth,” said Stephanie Lester, RILA vice president for international trade. “RILA supports economic engagement with China and addressing our trade gap with China. We firmly oppose legislation that threatens to cut off access to the U.S. market and drive up prices for consumers.”

RILA has warned that higher tariffs would negatively effect U.S. businesses and its consumers.

To read more about RILA's reaction, click here.

Presented by Management Dynamics and World Trade Magazine, expert speakers from Ocean World Lines and Management Dynamics will take a look at the foundation technologies for a direct import program, explore the implementation options by working with a global logistics provider, and discuss a number of successful case studies.

According to the World Trade Organization, global trade is set to rebound in 2010 with growth expected at 9.5%. Exports from developed economies are expected to increase by 7.5%, while shipments from the rest of the world should rise by around 11%. This strong expansion will help recover some, but not all, of the ground lost in 2009, when global trade contracted by 12.2%. For more information, click here.

BusinessWeek reports that China Trade surplus fell making many believe that China is not just an exporting country anymore.

How have you managed your first week since complying with 10+2?

Leading Manufacturer Streamlines Inbound Supply Chain to Efficiently Manage Growth

In November, BBC's Box finished its year-long global journey and landed back in London with some new facts about its round-the-world journey, which I found to be a great illustration of the challenges we all face in our global supply chains. For example: