Regulation & Compliance

Because of Drought, Critics of Ethanol Policy Say, Stop Feeding Your Car Corn

August 28, 2012

The worst U.S. drought in more than half a century has rallied critics of the federal renewable fuel standard, which will reserve about 40 percent of the nation's corn crop for ethanol production this year.

Why Europe's Economic Woes Spell Bad News for U.S. Exporters

August 27, 2012

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Schadenfreude is the act of deriving pleasure from observing the misfortunes of others. It helps to explain our enjoyment of tragedy, comedy and reality TV. It's also a convenient emotion to access when we read about economies that are in worse shape than ours. We would be well-advised, however, not to submit to the urge to feel superior to the slow-motion train wreck that is the European Union. What's happening in that dysfunctional coalition promises to have severe consequences for U.S. exporters.

U.S. Efforts to Fight Conflict Minerals Causes Fight with Businesses

August 27, 2012

The Los Angeles Times

U.S. officials deployed new financial weapons to try to end the bloodshed in Central Africa and the exploitation of natural resources worldwide, raising the ire of corporations that said the rules could cost them billions of dollars.

Government Regulations Seriously Impacting U.S. Manufacturing Output, Industry Report Says

August 27, 2012

Bloomberg

Regulations on U.S. manufacturing may reduce output by as much as $500bn this year, according to an industry-sponsored study that cast doubts on President Barack Obama's efforts to trim red tape in the federal government.

Analysis of the 23rd Annual State of Logistics Report

August 27, 2012

SupplyChainBrain

The logistics sector in 2011 was characterized by flat freight volume and higher rates, says Rosalyn Wilson, senior business analyst at Delcan, who researches and writes the annual State of Logistics report. The report is underwritten by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and Penske Logistics.

Why Europe's Economic Woes Spell Bad News for U.S. Exporters

August 27, 2012

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Logistics Costs and Challenges of Sourcing from Inland China

August 23, 2012

SupplyChainBrain

Increasing labor costs in China's heavily industrialized areas, mostly along the coastline, are driving many companies to move production to the country's inland regions, creating a number of logistics and supply chain challenges, according to Greg Spudic, vice president of North American sales and marketing for Dimerco Express.

Johnson and Johnson Plans to Drop Potentially Harmful Chemicals from Certain Brands

August 22, 2012

Environmental Leader

Johnson and Johnson, owner of personal care brands Aveeno, Neutrogena and Clean and Clear, says it will remove a number of potentially harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, from its line of adult consumer products by the end of 2015.

The Latest on Trade Compliance and Logistics in Emerging Markets

August 21, 2012

SupplyChainBrain

In emerging markets, regulations impacting trade and business differ greatly from country to country and changes constantly occur with little or no notice, says Mark Millar, managing partner at M Power Associates, Hong Kong. Because of this, trade compliance is an increasingly important issue for companies doing business in these economies.

Increased Delays, Security Checks at Canada-U.S. Border Cost Canadians More Than $19Bn a Year

August 20, 2012

The Fraser Institute

Canada-U.S. border maintenance costs Canadian governments and taxpayers up to $19.1bn annually, according to a report from the Fraser Institute, a Canadian public policy think-tank.