Trade Consulting Services

We’re not debating policy—we’re interpreting the math. In international trade, numbers speak louder than opinions. Too often, people talk about tariffs, duties, and VAT as if they're theoretical or "projected" costs. But when you're exporting to markets like Brazil, Colombia, or India, you're dealing with real, current costs—not forecasts. And those costs are shaping the global trade conversation, especially around the idea of reciprocity. Before forming a perspective on trade policies, it’s worth understanding what’s actually happening at the ground level. Not politics. Not the speculation. But the hard numbers. If you're in export, logistics, or policy analysis, this checklist should be your starting point: ✔ Break down duty + VAT + fees for each country ✔ Know your Total Landed Cost (TLC) inside out ✔ Use tariff databases to benchmark real costs ✔ Track how those costs impact product competitiveness ✔ Separate data interpretation from policy opinions The math is already there. You just have to know where to look. #GlobalTrade #SupplyChainStrategy #InternationalBusiness #ExportInsights #TradePolicy #TariffsAndDuties

Most import delays don't start at the port. They start at your desk - with bad paperwork. Standard Import Package: 1. Commercial Invoice  *Prepared By:* Exporter   *Primary User(s):* Customs, Broker, Importer  This document shows the sale between the buyer and seller. It lists the goods, their value, and payment terms. 2. Packing List *Prepared By:* Exporter   *Primary User(s):* Customs, Forwarder, 3PL      This list details how items are packed. It helps with inspections and logistics. 3. Bill of Lading / Air Waybill  *Prepared By:* Carrier or Forwarder   *Primary User(s):* Carrier, Customs      This is a contract for transport. It proves ownership and details the shipment. 4. Certificate of Origin *Prepared By:* Exporter / Chamber   *Primary User(s):* Customs      This document certifies where the goods come from. It can affect tariffs. 5. Import License / Permit *Prepared By:* Importer   *Primary User(s):* Customs      This license allows the goods to enter the country. It’s often required for certain products. 6. Insurance Certificate *Prepared By:* Insurer / Exporter   *Primary User(s):* Importer, Carrier  This certificate shows that goods are insured during transit. It protects against loss or damage. 7. Customs Declaration (e.g., Entry Summary, SAD) *Prepared By:* Broker/Importer   *Primary User(s):* Customs     This document provides details about the goods for customs clearance. 8. Other Documents *Prepared By:* Varies   *Primary User(s):* Customs, Importer  This may include inspection certificates, MSDS, or fumigation certificates. Common Mistakes & How to Prevent Them: 1. Missing or Incorrect HS Codes   *Prevention Strategy:* Use validated tariff classifications. 2. Inconsistent Descriptions  *Prevention Strategy:* Maintain a master data sheet for SKUs. 3. Wrong Incoterms *Prevention Strategy:* Align terms across all documents. 4. No Certificate of Origin *Prevention Strategy:* Pre-check FTA eligibility and requirements. 5. Incorrect Values *Prevention Strategy:* Ensure the declared value matches the invoice. 6. Wrong Consignee Details *Prevention Strategy:* Double-check against records. 7. Expired Import Permits *Prevention Strategy:* Track license validity in a compliance calendar. Final Compliance Checklist Before Submission: Are all documents complete & accurate?  Any region-specific requirements? Have all trade parties reviewed and confirmed? Smooth imports dont just happen. They're the result of documentation excellence. CTA: If you found this helpful, follow for more trade compliance insights.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had conversations with clients across Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Africa (EMESA) who are navigating the new era of #trade policy uncertainty. It’s clear that trade policy is no longer a background factor: It’s center stage—and boardroom critical. And while the headlines might focus on China and the US, the ripple effects are already hitting businesses in our region: from pricing pressures to supply chain reconfigurations. What’s clear: businesses can’t afford to wait and see. - Companies must assess where they’re exposed—product by product, market by market. - They need a “tariff command center”—an agile team that can scenario-plan and act fast. - And above all, they must build geopolitical muscle: the ability to respond strategically to shocks that may not follow past patterns. At Boston Consulting Group (BCG), we’ve been working side-by-side with clients across EMESA to navigate this uncertainty—not with panic, but with clarity and readiness. Our latest article breaks down the EU’s phased approach and how companies can respond: https://lnkd.in/eA7Sf8h2 Here’s my key takeaway for you to keep in mind: #Resilience is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Trade works best when it is direct, efficient and inclusive. This is a principle we’ve seen reinforced time and again as new connections reshape global flows and unlock economic opportunity. In today’s world, that means rethinking how regions like Latin America connect to each other and to the world, not by relying solely on traditional corridors but by developing routes that reflect current realities and future demand. What we are seeing across Latin America confirms this shift. Countries such as Brazil, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic are making coordinated, long-term investments that are redefining how goods move across the region. These are not isolated upgrades. They signal a broader realignment in how Latin America sees its role in global trade. This is already in motion. In Brazil, we are electrifying cranes at the Port of Santos, reducing emissions while boosting productivity. In Ecuador, our port and industrial park model is increasing efficiency and cutting transit times. And in the Dominican Republic, we are investing $760 million to expand the Port of Caucedo, raising capacity to approximately 3.1 million TEUs and enabling $3.9 billion in new investments to strengthen supply chains across the Americas. These examples show how Latin America is increasing capacity with technology, innovation and decarbonisation. Together they are creating a sustainable trade corridor that reflects the needs of a more regional, multipolar world.

One thing that has always intrigued me is the widespread confusion between preference "eligibility" and actual preference "utilization". Many assume that once a free trade agreement or preferential scheme is put in place, traders will automatically reap the benefits. The reality is far more complex. Traders often encounter compliance challenges, or find that the preference margin doesn’t justify the additional red tape, leading them to opt for the most-favoured nation (MFN) tariff instead. With more than 600 regional trade agreements in place, this raises a crucial question: What share of global trade still takes place under the MFN conditions by the World Trade Organization? I am sure that the answer will surprise you. But before I tell you why, let me clarify that calculating this with precision—down to the national tariff level—is a number crunchers' nightmare. The challenges include limited data availability and the sheer scale of information involved. Yet ,my colleagues Tomasz Gonciarz and Thomas Verbeet rose to the occasion and produced a fascinating Staff Working Paper which dives into this intricate topic that was published yesterday (link in comments). Among the many fascinating insights is the chart below, illustrating how broad sectors of world trade utilize preferential schemes. For example, preferences seem to be proportionally very important for sectors like fruits &vegetables, transport equipment, and clothing and textiles, but not so much for other sectors. Key Insights: 1️⃣ Despite the proliferation of trade agreements, over 80% of international merchandise trade still takes place under MFN conditions, underscoring the enduring significance of WTO rules; about half of world trade takes place in MFN-duty free tariffs lines (i.e. pay no tariff). 2️⃣ While 22% of global trade is eligible for preferential tariffs, only 17% effectively benefits. Factors such as complex rules of origin, administrative burdens, or a business decision not to change the supply chain in order to comply with the rules contribute to this underutilization. 3️⃣ Trade remedies like anti-dumping and countervailing duties modestly impact global trade as a whole, affecting only 1.3% and 0.6% of global imports, respectively, though they can be quite significant in certain sectors (just think of steel and other metals...). 4️⃣ Bilateral tariff measures between the United States and China affect a significant share of their trade flows, but account for just 1.9% of global imports. Are you surprised by any of these numbers? What’s your perspective? Will MFN remain the MVP of global trade? #Economy #Economics #TradePolicy #WTO #MFN #GlobalEconomy #Tariffs #Customs #InternationalTrade #Tradenerd

Sustainable Supply Chains 🌎 Sustainable supply chain practices have become central to how businesses manage risk, meet regulatory expectations, and maintain access to global markets. Supply chains today reflect not only operational performance but also broader environmental, social, and governance exposure. Strategic alignment with suppliers requires more than contractual compliance. It demands clear sustainability criteria during procurement, structured capacity-building programs, and transparent performance evaluation. These measures enable companies to build more reliable partnerships while supporting industry-wide progress. Traceability and data are critical enablers. With growing scrutiny across the value chain, companies need robust systems to monitor material flows, track impacts, and generate actionable insights. Metrics tied to emissions, water use, and human rights conditions help prioritize interventions and benchmark performance over time. Efficiency must also be redefined. Reducing waste, optimizing logistics, and lowering energy intensity contribute not only to cost management but also to climate mitigation and operational continuity. Integrated planning across business units enhances responsiveness to disruption while aligning with decarbonization goals. Technology adoption accelerates this shift. Digital tools such as blockchain, AI, and advanced analytics enhance visibility and accountability. However, their value depends on the quality of the data, the clarity of governance frameworks, and the organization's ability to act on the insights generated. Sustainable supply chains are built on consistent standards, collaborative innovation, and long-term thinking. Companies that treat supply chain sustainability as a strategic function are better positioned to navigate uncertainty, unlock new value, and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals. #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #climatechange #supplychain

🔍 With the 8th July deadline in our rear view mirror the question I have been pondering on where US trade policy really headed? The tariff fog is lifting… but be prepared for storms in this new, unpredictable landscape. For me, three defining features are already clear about what the future really holds. 🔒 More protectionist baseline Pre-‘Liberation Day’, effective US import tariffs averaged just 2–3%. Those levels are gone for good. Expect a permanently higher floor, with the 10% "baseline" tariff as the 'go to' rate. 🛡️ Sector-sensitive shield Steel, autos and semiconductors are now deemed “strategic”. Protection will vary by sector, creating bespoke barriers rather than one-size-fits-all tariffs. 🌪️ Dynamic & unpredictable Today’s calm could become tomorrow’s gale. Ongoing Section 232 probes into steel and aluminium warn of surprises in the future, particularly when non-economic factors are at play. ⚖️ What does this mean for the economy? Trade frictions combined with policy whiplash are real growth killers. Our in-house modelling at PwC shows this protectionist turn could shave around 0.5 pp off UK GDP over the medium term. 🚀 From tactics to strategy Since ‘Liberation Day’, businesses have been in wait-and-see mode assuming there would be a reversion to a norm. That has not been the case. For businesses, now is the moment to execute and cement more longer-term decisions which reflect a new state of affairs. #TradePolicy #USTrade #Protectionism #SupplyChain #UKBusiness PwC UK

The geometry of global trade is about more than tariffs. Export controls also matter – and increasingly so (see exhibit). 🌍 My colleagues have published an interesting new article (link in the comments) covering: (1) the fundamentals of export controls; (2) export control trends affecting global trade: (a) the proliferation of restrictions, (b) the fracturing of alliances, and (c) the growing application of extraterritorial authority; (3) how export controls are disrupting industries; and (4) how companies can proactively address export controls: (a) adapt product design to account for export control risk, (b) reassess the supply chains of existing products, (c) understand how export controls can affect your (and your competitors') operations, and (d) ensure legal and compliance teams are up to the task. 📰 From CCL to FDP to ITAR, they also demystify acronyms that we're all likely to become more familiar with. 🔤 It is written by Cindy Levy, Matt Watters, and Shubham Singhal; with Bryce Bittner, Doron Hindin, and Isabella Bennett; and edited by Joanna Pachner. 🖊️

Export Documentation Checklist For Sea Shipments (Ocean Freight): Make sure these documents are ready before shipping by vessel: 1. Commercial Invoice – Details the transaction between buyer and seller (value, terms, description). 2. Packing List – Describes each package: quantity, dimensions, weight, HS codes. 3. Bill of Lading (B/L) – Proof of shipment and ownership, issued by the shipping line. 4. Export Declaration / Shipping Bill – Essential for customs clearance. 5. Certificate of Origin – States where the goods are made (helps with import duty benefits). 6. Insurance Certificate – Covers cargo during transit (important for CIF terms). 7. Letter of Credit / Bank Documents – Needed for bank-related payments. 8. Dock Receipt – Confirms delivery of goods at the port. 9. Mate’s Receipt – Issued by ship’s officer once cargo is loaded. 10. Dangerous Goods Declaration – Mandatory for hazardous cargo. 11. Inspection Certificate – Required for regulated goods like food or machinery. For Air Shipments (Air Freight): These documents are usually required for shipping by air: 1. Commercial Invoice 2. Packing List 3. Air Waybill (AWB) – Provided by the airline or freight forwarder. 4. Export Declaration / Customs Filing 5. Certificate of Origin 6. Insurance Certificate 7. Security Declaration – Confirms cargo is safe for air transport. 8. Dangerous Goods Declaration 9. Inspection Certificate (if applicable) Pro Tip Even one missing document can delay or stop your shipment! Always double-check your paperwork before exporting