Well, wonders never cease. Last year, I prognosticated that we just might see the implementation of C-TPAT for exporters and that ITDS would take us one step closer to the elusive "single window." Where are we now? C-TPAT for exporters: Done. ITDS: Not done, but edging closer and closer toward becoming reality. OK, to be fair, I also said we'd see momentum on Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and Trans-Pacific Partnership: Wrong and wrong. (Note to self: Don't quit your day job.)
So what about 2015? International trade challenges abound, but I don't know that anyone can safely say we'll see resolution regarding GSP renewal, TPP or implementation of several free trade agreements that are in the works. Despite next year's Republican House and Senate majorities that historically would bode well for most cross-border trade programs, in my view, it's anyone's guess how things will shake out between this administration and Congress on the trade front. Perhaps we'll at least see "fast track" Trade Promotion Authority restored in 2015. Then again, the past few years seem to have eradicated the term "consensus" from the vocabularies of many inside-the-beltway decision makers. Hopefully, the need to address urgent problems such as port congestion and our aging infrastructure will trump political self-interest and lead to some truly bi-partisan solutions.
It certainly is good news that, at long last, we have a new Commissioner of Customs. Hopefully, Commissioner Kerlikowske will continue his predecessors’ legacy of keeping the trade agenda front and center — as well as continuing to develop, promote and invigorate government-industry partnership efforts and programs.
Robert J. Pisani, Partner, Pisani & Roll