Analyst Insight: Anyone doing business in today's economy knows that "business happens." The dynamic pace of business means the contract you sign today may not be the right contract for tomorrow. This is why academics, lawyers, and judges are starting to argue for more relational contracts where good ethics are embedded into the overall intent and framework of a commercial contract. When that happens, relational contracting could become a welcome "new normal." - Kate Vitasek, faculty member of the University of Tennessee's College of Business Administration, and principal author of six books on the Vested business model and methodology.

Just who's responsible for weighing that ocean container? After several years of thrashing out a rule to combat the problem of misdeclared weights, regulators and rulemaking bodies still can't seem to agree.

The Paris Climate Agreement resulted in a commitment by 195 countries to enact strict policies to address global climate change. Now manufacturers will have to fall into line.

Here's a question for U.S. exporters who were grievously harmed by the West Coast longshore labor slowdown in late 2014 and early 2015: Would it make you feel any better to learn that you were the victims of "a street brawl"?

Analyst Insight: Over the next few years, numerous new regulations are coming into effect worldwide, requiring pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, dispensers and others up and down the chain to build serialization, verification, and traceability into their supply chains. While there is tremendous potential ROI and added value from these investments, right now all the focus is on the race to comply before the deadlines hit. Those who get there first will likely have a head start in finding additional value from these newfound capabilities. - Bill McBeath, Chief Research Officer, ChainLink Research

After years of delay, the automation of importer filings, involving multiple government agencies, is upon us. Say hello to the "Single Window."

Analyst Insight: An enterprise-wide global trade strategy increases supply chain cost and service performance for all trading partners and enables importers and exporters to comply with mandatory trade and security regulations. Companies that prioritize best-in-class global supply chain trade practices, maintain effective global transport / trade organizations and employ enabling technologies are the best positioned to capture the economic and brand benefits available in growing and changing global markets. - Don Anderson, Principal, Tompkins International

As pharmaceutical companies have expanded target markets and outsourced production over the last decade, the supply chain has become increasingly global, virtual and vulnerable. As a result, counterfeit activity is thriving - and patients have suffered and died from counterfeit and contaminated drugs.

Analyst Insight: The demand for increased efficiency in China distribution is driving some incremental improvements in supply chain. Growth is on the rise for domestic transportation, localized supply chain IT solutions are experiencing revenue growth, and the amount of automation installed in new facilities is on the rise. Changes are also happening in real estate and there is an increase amongst importing and exporting. - Jim Serstad, Managing Director Asia, Tompkins International