The European Commission wants to make it easier for lightweight drones to fly autonomously in European airspace - with logistics, inspection services and agricultural businesses set to benefit.

Globalization, a seemingly unstoppable trend until last year, suddenly looks less inexorable as President Donald Trump moves to put "America First," and the United Kingdom leaves the European Union. These abrupt policy shifts are forcing executives to rethink strategies based on global economic integration, particularly cost-efficiency initiatives that rely on outsourcing or offshoring business processes.

India's new Goods and Services Tax (GST), its biggest tax reform since independence, will unify a $2tr economy into a single market - and demand massive changes for small businesses that will have to go online to file their taxes.

Britain's thriving car industry could be permanently damaged and its supply chains crippled if the country falls out of the European Union without an interim deal, senior executives warned last week.

National security has been used to justify some pretty silly protectionism in the United States. The Berry Amendment, to pick an egregious example, prohibits the Defense Department from importing any kind of clothing, including "outerwear, headwear, underwear, nightwear, footwear, hosiery, handwear, belts, badges, and insignia." The International Trade Administration, an arm of the Commerce Dept., implausibly insists that the Berry Amendment "has been critical to maintaining the safety and security of our armed forces."

Friction between the U.S. and Mexico over trade is starting to cut into sales for U.S. farmers and agricultural companies, adding uncertainty for an industry struggling with low commodity prices and excess supply.

Challenge: Transit delays and increased inspections by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) caused supply chain disruptions for a leading essential oils wholesaler. CBP requests for information and action had been received, and there were documentation errors. Customs brokerage fees were costly.