Rising freight rates, slow steaming, seasonal capacity restraints and a number of other issues are forcing export firms to plan their shipping requirements well in advance.

Fast becoming a big fish swimming in the world’s global markets, Mako Networks is a Kiwi exporter that has demonstrated extraordinary focus and patience. And it’s paying off.

In March 2013, Zespri Management Consulting Corporation was found guilty by a Shanghai court of “smuggling” due to under-declaration of the dutiable value of kiwifruit. Sanctions imposed included an assessment of underpaid duties, financial penalty, confiscation of “illegal gains” and imprisonment for the relevant persons involved.

A round up of news and views for New Zealand’s trading companies, compiled by Daniel Silva, Secretary of the Importers Institute.

Many say that China is a relationship-based economy, with contracts not being worth the time it takes to create them. Exporter asked Nestor Gounaris of Shanghai-based advisory firm China Solutions, for his view on if, and how, contracts matter.

Geoff Castle provides some helpful advice on the practical application of transfer pricing.

Greg Reynolds has been reviewing the in-market Western-style education opportunity in Southeast Asia. Why are New Zealand’s tertiary education providers missing the boat?

Leading supply chain and logistics expert Dr Hermione Parsons will be keynote speaker for the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation (CBAFF) conference, to be held in Tauranga in May.