Analyst Insight: Getting a grip on global trade management means mastering the three T's: taxes, tariffs and terms. These elements, which can easily amount to 20 percent of the final product cost in extreme cases, are more than capable of swamping everything we do with leaner inventories, optimised transportation and lower component costs. Despite this fact, many companies still approach this problem as a bit of an afterthought. - Kevin O'Marah, Chief Content Officer and Head of Research, SCM World

Buyers and sellers appear generally optimistic about the prospects for trade and the economy this year. Let's hope they're not whistling in the dark.

The U.S. has seen a substantial portion of its manufacturing base eroded by cheap overseas production. American workers blame free trade. So why should we speed up the process?

Was there ever a time when trade wasn't a polarizing subject? Judging from the endless debate, it's either the key to economic prosperity, or a catastrophe for the common worker. There seems to be no middle ground.

Widespread market volatility since the economic crisis of 2008 means that traditional forecasting methods are insufficient, says Charles Chase of SAS. Fortunately, advanced technologies for collecting and analyzing vast amounts of real-time data are giving companies new ways to sense and even shape demand.

Many of today's customs house brokers rely on legacy systems. Increasingly, new Customs and Border Protection rules and regulations are challenging the capacity of these systems. Beyond just functional limitations, many firms are finding that older technology can be expensive to operate and maintain. Sometimes, maintenance demands are so great that in-house IT staff must focus all their time and energy on keeping these systems operational. Real risks accompany the decision to stick with older systems.

Amber Road, a provider of global trade management solutions, has acquired EasyCargo, a Shanghai-based GTM solutions provider specializing in complex Chinese trade regulations.

Livingston International has released TradeSphere, software designed to automate trade compliance and reduce human error in the highly regulated and complex world of international trade.