We have over 200 employees and many of them spend a lot of their time keying in information that has been keyed once, twice, even three times before we have keyed it.
This adds costs to the supply chain in a number of ways - time to key the information. Human error. Mistakes. Fines and penalties.
Many, many orders are keyed electronically these days and I am still amazed that at the end of the line - somehow that data 'gives birth' to a piece of paper - or many, many pieces of paper.
We encourage our customers to transmit data to us as much as possible to avoid extra time and expense. (If we do not have to key in the data, our fees go down because there is less work involved for us.)
For more information on how to speed up your shipments using EDI, please contact us.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Sunday, June 01, 2008
June 2008 Economic Digest - Importing and Exportin
June 2008 Edition
GREENHOUSES
After a long period of continuous growth, greenhouse expansion in Canada stalled in 2007 because of the rising value of the Canadian dollar and higher labour and energy costs. Total greenhouse area under plastic and glass was down last year about one per cent to approximately 20.9 million square metres. Greenhouse operators reported sales of C$2.3-billion. Producers of flowers and plants accounted for two-thirds of total greenhouse sales but, for the first time since 1993, the vegetable area, which was 10.7 million square metres, exceeds plant and flower area which stood at 10.3 million square metres.
TRENDS
A new regulation in New York City requires restaurants that are parts of chains with at least 15 outlets across the country, to post calories on menus and menu boards. This will include fast-food places like McDonald's and Wendy's. The New York State Restaurant Association had vigorously opposed the rule in court claiming that it violated the First Amendment.
VACATIONS
The average working Frenchman spends 37 days each year on vacation, with Italy in second place with 33 days. Britain trails with 26 days of holiday per year, a rise of two days in two years. America comes last with just two weeks off.
JUNGLE
The Madre de Dios region of Peru has been undergoing an ecotourism boom. More than 70 "eco-lodges" cater to tourists from around the world eager to experience a few days in the Amazon. Last year more than 60,000 foreigners visited the area, a 20-fold increase over 15 years. Its success stems from two factors. First, the region comprises vast areas of pristine rainforest, and it is also easily accessible.
MINING
The number of mining deals around the world rose 69 per cent in 2007 with much of the activity happening in Canada. The total value of those transactions was US$158.9-billion, up 18 per cent over 2006. Of the 2007 deals, Canadian companies were targets 32 per cent of the time, up from 23 per cent the year before. Canada was followed by Australia and China. Canadian companies were also the majority of acquirers. They purchased 41 per cent of the time, up from 34 per cent the year previously.
KOSOVO
Some of the statistics from this country's US$3.5-billion economy are surprising. The U.N estimates that 1.2 billion euros worth of goods came into the country while just 100-million euros worth went out. Cash sent from abroad was worth a sixth of the total value of the economy. Kosovo's largest export over the past few years has been scrap metal which is estimated to represent half of Kosovo's export value.
GAS
Recent research shows that in 2007, the gasoline share of consumers' weekly spending in the U.S. ranged from 12 to 16 per cent and is expected to reach 19 per cent this year. Consumers report that they are combining errands and trips, eating out less and doing more things at home to counterbalance rising gas prices. With more than 146,000 U.S. locations, convenience stores are the preferred stop for fuel consumers, attracting nine times more gas buyers than warehouse clubs or grocery stores.
POTATOES
After wheat and rice, potatoes are the world's third most important food crop. In 1991, the world potato production was around 257-million tonnes. In 2007, this figure was 321-million tonnes. There are 110 calories in a medium sized potato and five kilograms are required to produce a litre of vodka. In 2007, China led the world producing 72-million tonnes of potatoes, followed by the Russian Federation, 36-million, India, 26-million, Ukraine, 19-million and the U.S., 18-million tonnes. Each year, farmers around the world produce about 600-million tonnes of wheat.
STIRRING
The teaspoon could become a thing of the past after the invention of a mug that can stir liquid by itself. All the drinker has to do to work the clever cup is gently swirl it. This sets in motion a ceramic ball positioned in the bottom of the mug that stirs the contents.
HOGS
The Canadian government is planning to pay hog farmers up to C$50-million in total to slaughter as many as 150,000 breeding swine. Farmers will receive $225 for every hog they kill and must stay out of the hog business for three years. The $225 price is about four times what a farmer would get for a culled hog on the market today. This cull will reduce Canada's breeding herd by 10 per cent and is the only way to save thousands of hog farmers across the country. Rising food prices and the Canadian dollar having been putting many hog farmers out of business.
MEETINGS
More than 70-million people attended meetings and conferences across Canada in 2006, generating more than C$23-billion in spending. 670,000 meetings were held in Canada in 2006 and 43 per cent of the participants were visitors, including 2.3-million who came from the U.S. or other countries.
ECO-FRIENDLY
With Americans increasingly expressing environmental concerns, manufacturers are taking steps to convey the eco-friendliness of their products. The number of new products with an environmentally friendly claim has grown substantially in the past five years. In 2002, only five such products were launched but in 2007 there were a staggering 328 which was an increase of 200 per cent from the year before. People especially look for eco-friendliness when shopping for household paper products (66%), food (57%) and energy efficient appliances (48%). It is estimated that 200 million American now buy green products.
ART
China's art market overtook France's for the first time last year in world rankings which are still dominated by New York and London auction houses. The global art market, which comprises sales of fine art works--paintings, drawings and photographs--saw an overall rise for the seventh year running, with revenue up 44 per cent on the previous year. China accounted for 7.3 per cent of world sales, after a massive 78 per cent rise.
LIGHTS
An American inventor based in Britain has won a prize for his Rectiv cycle jacket which changes colour as the cyclist brakes. This was the result of him wanting to feel safer cycling around London. The jacket uses an accelerometer to sense movements, changing the colour of LEDs in the back from green when accelerating to red when braking. A tilt switch in the jacket also makes the LEDs in the arm flash amber when the wearer lifts their arm to indicate a turn.
MONEY
A new report suggests that the Canadian Mint should scrap the 1-cent coin, eliminate the nickel, replace the $5-bill with a coin, adding 20-cent and smaller 50-cent coins, and eventually consider creating a $200 bill. Ottawa should immediately scrap the 1-cent coin which is increasingly obsolete, has so little purchasing power that people routinely refuse to accept it, throw it out or stockpile it. The hoarding phenomenon is part of the reason that coin production rose sharply in 2006, particularly of pennies which jumped 51 per cent to 1,160 million pieces and cost $150-million to produce.
RIGHT TURNS
A major global courier company redesigned its routes so drivers would make a minimum of left-hand turns, thus reducing vehicles idling in traffic burning fuel and releasing emissions. As a result, the company shaved more than 48-million kilometres off its deliveries in 2007, saving the cost of more than 11-million litres of gas. It also reduced the truck emissions by 32,000 tonnes (equivalent to 5,300 passenger cars).
EXPORTS
The U.S. now accounts for less than 80 per cent of the market for Canadian exports, the lowest level since 1992, before the NAFTA took effect. China has now risen to third place among Canada's export partners displacing Japan. Britain is in second place. The U.S. is still by far the No 1 buyer of Canada's products absorbing C$354-billion worth. Canada's exports to China rose 21 per cent in 2007 and by 26 per cent to Europe in the same period.
RETAIL
Despite economic uncertainty, online retail sales in the U.S. are forecast to increase 17 per cent this year to a record US$204-billion as consumers continue seeking the convenience of shopping via technology. Internet retail sales, excluding travel, are expected to comprise 7 per cent of total retail sales this year, up from 6 per cent or $175-billion in 2007.
NEW ZEALAND
Wine overtook wool exports in value for the first time and is now New Zealand's 12th most valuable export worth US$610-million, up from $94-million in 1997. Last year, the wine industry sold 1-billion glasses of wine in nearly 100 countries. Exports to Australia are buoyant and New Zealand accounts for over 10 per cent of wines sold in Britain and interest in the U.S. is picking up too.
HOARDING
Rice prices have hit new highs and farmers across Asia are hoarding their crops, raising the prospect of a shortage in Asia and Africa that could lead to widespread unrest. Prices in Asia have doubled since the beginning of the year, driven higher by rising demand, a steady depletion of government stockpiles and a pest outbreak in Vietnam, the world's second-largest exporter after Thailand. Governments around the region are curbing exports to safeguard domestic supplies putting further pressure on prices.
AUCTIONS
An oversized six sheet poster for the 1933 film classic King Kong fetched US$345,000 to top all items in a two-day auction of Hollywood memorabilia. The auction raised $4.1-million from the sale of 1,100 pieces. A velociraptor from Jurassic Park went for $115,000 and a complete Batman costume for $103,500.
NEWSPAPERS
The U.S. newspaper industry has experienced the worst drop in advertising revenue in more than 50 years. Total print revenue in 2007 plunged 9.4 per cent to $42-billion compared to 2006.
DANCING
Salsa has become the biggest international dance craze since the advent of rock'n'roll in the 1950s, and dwarfs even the popularity of the tango during the 1920s. It has spawned a new niche for the tourist industry and is now a major cultural export with almost every city in Europe opening clubs offering classes at all levels. Salsa is also a passion in Japan and is taking hold in India and China.
WOMEN
According to a new UN report, women are still discriminated against in almost every country around the world, despite that fact that 185 member UN countries pledged in 2005 to outlaw laws favouring men. 70 per cent of the world's poor are women and they own just one per cent of the world's titled land.
MOVIES
An Australia-based chain is to introduce the first $35 movie experience this October in Redmond, WA. Luxury touches will include: digital projection, Dolby sound, reclining seats with footrests, seat-side food and beverage service, valet parking. A lounge area will have a full bar and serve entrées. Each of the seven auditoriums will have no more than 40 seats.
Thank you for reading the A & A Economic News Digest. For more information visit our website www.aacb.com or contact A & A Contract Customs Brokers Ltd. at strehler@aacb.com.
Past issues of the A&A Economic News Digest can be found at http://www.aacb.com/publications/ed/index.asp
GREENHOUSES
After a long period of continuous growth, greenhouse expansion in Canada stalled in 2007 because of the rising value of the Canadian dollar and higher labour and energy costs. Total greenhouse area under plastic and glass was down last year about one per cent to approximately 20.9 million square metres. Greenhouse operators reported sales of C$2.3-billion. Producers of flowers and plants accounted for two-thirds of total greenhouse sales but, for the first time since 1993, the vegetable area, which was 10.7 million square metres, exceeds plant and flower area which stood at 10.3 million square metres.
TRENDS
A new regulation in New York City requires restaurants that are parts of chains with at least 15 outlets across the country, to post calories on menus and menu boards. This will include fast-food places like McDonald's and Wendy's. The New York State Restaurant Association had vigorously opposed the rule in court claiming that it violated the First Amendment.
VACATIONS
The average working Frenchman spends 37 days each year on vacation, with Italy in second place with 33 days. Britain trails with 26 days of holiday per year, a rise of two days in two years. America comes last with just two weeks off.
JUNGLE
The Madre de Dios region of Peru has been undergoing an ecotourism boom. More than 70 "eco-lodges" cater to tourists from around the world eager to experience a few days in the Amazon. Last year more than 60,000 foreigners visited the area, a 20-fold increase over 15 years. Its success stems from two factors. First, the region comprises vast areas of pristine rainforest, and it is also easily accessible.
MINING
The number of mining deals around the world rose 69 per cent in 2007 with much of the activity happening in Canada. The total value of those transactions was US$158.9-billion, up 18 per cent over 2006. Of the 2007 deals, Canadian companies were targets 32 per cent of the time, up from 23 per cent the year before. Canada was followed by Australia and China. Canadian companies were also the majority of acquirers. They purchased 41 per cent of the time, up from 34 per cent the year previously.
KOSOVO
Some of the statistics from this country's US$3.5-billion economy are surprising. The U.N estimates that 1.2 billion euros worth of goods came into the country while just 100-million euros worth went out. Cash sent from abroad was worth a sixth of the total value of the economy. Kosovo's largest export over the past few years has been scrap metal which is estimated to represent half of Kosovo's export value.
GAS
Recent research shows that in 2007, the gasoline share of consumers' weekly spending in the U.S. ranged from 12 to 16 per cent and is expected to reach 19 per cent this year. Consumers report that they are combining errands and trips, eating out less and doing more things at home to counterbalance rising gas prices. With more than 146,000 U.S. locations, convenience stores are the preferred stop for fuel consumers, attracting nine times more gas buyers than warehouse clubs or grocery stores.
POTATOES
After wheat and rice, potatoes are the world's third most important food crop. In 1991, the world potato production was around 257-million tonnes. In 2007, this figure was 321-million tonnes. There are 110 calories in a medium sized potato and five kilograms are required to produce a litre of vodka. In 2007, China led the world producing 72-million tonnes of potatoes, followed by the Russian Federation, 36-million, India, 26-million, Ukraine, 19-million and the U.S., 18-million tonnes. Each year, farmers around the world produce about 600-million tonnes of wheat.
STIRRING
The teaspoon could become a thing of the past after the invention of a mug that can stir liquid by itself. All the drinker has to do to work the clever cup is gently swirl it. This sets in motion a ceramic ball positioned in the bottom of the mug that stirs the contents.
HOGS
The Canadian government is planning to pay hog farmers up to C$50-million in total to slaughter as many as 150,000 breeding swine. Farmers will receive $225 for every hog they kill and must stay out of the hog business for three years. The $225 price is about four times what a farmer would get for a culled hog on the market today. This cull will reduce Canada's breeding herd by 10 per cent and is the only way to save thousands of hog farmers across the country. Rising food prices and the Canadian dollar having been putting many hog farmers out of business.
MEETINGS
More than 70-million people attended meetings and conferences across Canada in 2006, generating more than C$23-billion in spending. 670,000 meetings were held in Canada in 2006 and 43 per cent of the participants were visitors, including 2.3-million who came from the U.S. or other countries.
ECO-FRIENDLY
With Americans increasingly expressing environmental concerns, manufacturers are taking steps to convey the eco-friendliness of their products. The number of new products with an environmentally friendly claim has grown substantially in the past five years. In 2002, only five such products were launched but in 2007 there were a staggering 328 which was an increase of 200 per cent from the year before. People especially look for eco-friendliness when shopping for household paper products (66%), food (57%) and energy efficient appliances (48%). It is estimated that 200 million American now buy green products.
ART
China's art market overtook France's for the first time last year in world rankings which are still dominated by New York and London auction houses. The global art market, which comprises sales of fine art works--paintings, drawings and photographs--saw an overall rise for the seventh year running, with revenue up 44 per cent on the previous year. China accounted for 7.3 per cent of world sales, after a massive 78 per cent rise.
LIGHTS
An American inventor based in Britain has won a prize for his Rectiv cycle jacket which changes colour as the cyclist brakes. This was the result of him wanting to feel safer cycling around London. The jacket uses an accelerometer to sense movements, changing the colour of LEDs in the back from green when accelerating to red when braking. A tilt switch in the jacket also makes the LEDs in the arm flash amber when the wearer lifts their arm to indicate a turn.
MONEY
A new report suggests that the Canadian Mint should scrap the 1-cent coin, eliminate the nickel, replace the $5-bill with a coin, adding 20-cent and smaller 50-cent coins, and eventually consider creating a $200 bill. Ottawa should immediately scrap the 1-cent coin which is increasingly obsolete, has so little purchasing power that people routinely refuse to accept it, throw it out or stockpile it. The hoarding phenomenon is part of the reason that coin production rose sharply in 2006, particularly of pennies which jumped 51 per cent to 1,160 million pieces and cost $150-million to produce.
RIGHT TURNS
A major global courier company redesigned its routes so drivers would make a minimum of left-hand turns, thus reducing vehicles idling in traffic burning fuel and releasing emissions. As a result, the company shaved more than 48-million kilometres off its deliveries in 2007, saving the cost of more than 11-million litres of gas. It also reduced the truck emissions by 32,000 tonnes (equivalent to 5,300 passenger cars).
EXPORTS
The U.S. now accounts for less than 80 per cent of the market for Canadian exports, the lowest level since 1992, before the NAFTA took effect. China has now risen to third place among Canada's export partners displacing Japan. Britain is in second place. The U.S. is still by far the No 1 buyer of Canada's products absorbing C$354-billion worth. Canada's exports to China rose 21 per cent in 2007 and by 26 per cent to Europe in the same period.
RETAIL
Despite economic uncertainty, online retail sales in the U.S. are forecast to increase 17 per cent this year to a record US$204-billion as consumers continue seeking the convenience of shopping via technology. Internet retail sales, excluding travel, are expected to comprise 7 per cent of total retail sales this year, up from 6 per cent or $175-billion in 2007.
NEW ZEALAND
Wine overtook wool exports in value for the first time and is now New Zealand's 12th most valuable export worth US$610-million, up from $94-million in 1997. Last year, the wine industry sold 1-billion glasses of wine in nearly 100 countries. Exports to Australia are buoyant and New Zealand accounts for over 10 per cent of wines sold in Britain and interest in the U.S. is picking up too.
HOARDING
Rice prices have hit new highs and farmers across Asia are hoarding their crops, raising the prospect of a shortage in Asia and Africa that could lead to widespread unrest. Prices in Asia have doubled since the beginning of the year, driven higher by rising demand, a steady depletion of government stockpiles and a pest outbreak in Vietnam, the world's second-largest exporter after Thailand. Governments around the region are curbing exports to safeguard domestic supplies putting further pressure on prices.
AUCTIONS
An oversized six sheet poster for the 1933 film classic King Kong fetched US$345,000 to top all items in a two-day auction of Hollywood memorabilia. The auction raised $4.1-million from the sale of 1,100 pieces. A velociraptor from Jurassic Park went for $115,000 and a complete Batman costume for $103,500.
NEWSPAPERS
The U.S. newspaper industry has experienced the worst drop in advertising revenue in more than 50 years. Total print revenue in 2007 plunged 9.4 per cent to $42-billion compared to 2006.
DANCING
Salsa has become the biggest international dance craze since the advent of rock'n'roll in the 1950s, and dwarfs even the popularity of the tango during the 1920s. It has spawned a new niche for the tourist industry and is now a major cultural export with almost every city in Europe opening clubs offering classes at all levels. Salsa is also a passion in Japan and is taking hold in India and China.
WOMEN
According to a new UN report, women are still discriminated against in almost every country around the world, despite that fact that 185 member UN countries pledged in 2005 to outlaw laws favouring men. 70 per cent of the world's poor are women and they own just one per cent of the world's titled land.
MOVIES
An Australia-based chain is to introduce the first $35 movie experience this October in Redmond, WA. Luxury touches will include: digital projection, Dolby sound, reclining seats with footrests, seat-side food and beverage service, valet parking. A lounge area will have a full bar and serve entrées. Each of the seven auditoriums will have no more than 40 seats.
Thank you for reading the A & A Economic News Digest. For more information visit our website www.aacb.com or contact A & A Contract Customs Brokers Ltd. at strehler@aacb.com.
Past issues of the A&A Economic News Digest can be found at http://www.aacb.com/publications/ed/index.asp
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