Data Snapshot of South's Exports
The US Census Bureau recently released a snapshot of the Southern US region's export activity from 2010 through 2012, showing strong growth. The value of the region's exports rose from $38.7 billion at the start of 2010 to $56.7 billion by the end of 2012.
US Census Export Data Snapshot of Southern US
Senate Version of Major Bill Released
The Senate Finance Committee released its version of the Customs Reauthorization Bill Friday evening, March 22, 2013. The bill would strengthen the commercial operations of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It would facilitate trade and improve enforcement of US customs and trade laws, strengthens the private sector consultation process, streamlines CBP’s trade operations, and enhances collaboration across federal agencies.
Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Reauthorization Act of 2013
Customs Bill Summary
Customs Bill Section-by-Section
CBP Issues Sequester Guidelines
For the past two weeks, AAEI has participated in teleconferences with CBP officials concerning the impact of sequester and we have issued guidance in the weekly e-mails sent by AAEI President & CEO, Marianne Rowden. Acting Deputy Commissioner Aguilar issued a guidance notice on March 2, 2013. CBP has an updated FAQ page on its website now. AAEI will continue to monitor the impact of sequester on all government agencies that impact trade, and we welcome feedback from members so that we can advise policymakers.
CBP Sequester Notice - March 2, 2013
CBP FAQ on Sequester Impact
AAEI Partners with Mexico's INDEX
AAEI President and CEO Marianne Rowden and Mexico's counterpart, INDEX President Luis Aguirre Lang, signed an international agreement on June 3, 2012 in Crystal City, Virginia. It creates a partnership between AAEI and the Mexican Council for the Exporting Maquila and Manufacturing Industry (INDEX) to share information on changes in trade laws and trade policies in their respective countries.
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Leadership on Trade Modernization
AAEI is calling on Congress for leadership on Customs Trade Modernization. AAEI submitted comments to the House Ways and Means Committee, Subcommittee on Trade for a hearing on the issue. AAEI supports full funding of ACE, promotion of ITDS, enhancing the CIT's oversight role, and a risk-based approach to trade regulation.
AAEI Comments on Customs Trade Modernization, Facilitation, and Enforcement
C-TPAT Validation Scorecard
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published a presentation on the newly created C-TPAT Validation Scorecard. The scorecard will be used to track improvements in an effort to provide the trade community with better feedback on a C-TPAT members' performances during a C-TPAT Validation. As a new tool, it requires some changes in the C-TPAT Portal and the information that C-TPAT members will be required to update annually. A complete description of those changes is also contained in the document released by CBP.
C-TPAT Validation Scorecard Presentation