by Andrea | Dec 2, 2015 | CSME, small business financing
In recognition of the key role that small businesses play in the US economy, Black Friday – the big shopping day after U.S. Thanksgiving Day, is now followed by Shop Small Business Saturday. Sites like these, created for the special day, raise the visibility of small...
by Andrea | Nov 25, 2015 | access to finance, CSME, international trade rules, Recent Trends in Trade, small business financing, tools for importers, Trade and Development, world financial crisis
One of the sessions held at the 2015 WTO Public Forum pre-launched the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation. The Alliance is a public-private partnership being established to support successful implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The WTO Trade...
by Andrea | Nov 19, 2015 | CSME, international trade rules, Recent Trends in Trade
In 2013, the U.S. imported 19% of its overall food supply, says the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This included 80% of its seafood, about 52% of its fresh fruit, and 22% of its fresh vegetable supplies. Understandably, the Food Safety Modernization...
by Andrea | Nov 5, 2015 | CSME, international trade rules, Recent Trends in Trade, small business financing, tools for importers, Trade and Development
Coincidence or not, following closely on the heels of major food poisoning incidents in the United States, the FDA kicks FSMA into high gear. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cautions that there are about 24 multi-state (involving at least two states) food...
by Andrea | Oct 28, 2015 | access to finance, CSME, international trade rules, markets in Africa, Recent Trends in Trade
Starting December 1, coming soon near you – changes to US food label requirements. US food labelling laws require that most foods bear nutrition labeling. Furthermore, the information must be easily read and understood by the ordinary individual under customary terms...
by Andrea | Oct 21, 2015 | CSME, international trade rules, Recent Trends in Trade, tools for importers, Trade and Development
My husband and I recently returned from a trip to Jamaica. As this is where we grew up, we returned laden with several food products that would allow us to continue to experience Jamaican cuisine ever so often. Everything we imported was allowable. However, the...