So, what is the root behind this summer’s growth spurt? Ironically, it’s coffee. Laos’ coffee products have experienced a major climb in 2011 compared to the past two years (as seen in the graph below). Zepol’s TradeView™ data shows that coffee import totals, year-to-date, are more than twice the number from 2009 and over five times that of 2010. The result is an average increase of 363% in coffee imports to the United States in the past two years.
Besides a coffee boost, Laos has also shown a significant rise in textiles. Articles of clothing and apparel, the largest valued import from the country, are up 23% from last year at this time and 80% from 2009. The climb in Laotian imports is interesting and could be due to a variety of trade outliers, or possibly just over-caffeinated workers. Either way, little Laos is doing big things.       

Also known as the “golden fiber”, jute is a bio-degradable, natural fiber grown in several countries in Asia. In a recent article by BBC News, they explain the process of cultivation as well as the recent popularity of jute that has rebounded amid environmental concerns. Before the 1980s, jute was a widely-used fiber, until synthetic materials, such as plastic, were introduced. Now, worldwide demand for jute is coming back strong, and production is booming in places like Bangladesh. New uses are continuing to be discovered and there is even talk about blending jute fabric with cotton to produce denim, something that could potentially ease the recent spike in cotton prices. Below is a U.S. import trend of jute, top countries supplying jute, and top importers of the product. Data was collected using Zepol’s powerful Bill of Lading database, TradeIQ™.

       

United States imports from Haiti have seen a significant rebound in recent months since the devastating earthquake in January. Initially, imports from the country dropped steeply in January, as much of the country’s infrastructure and roadways were severely damaged. The rebound has been quick, but turbulent. In the months of June and September, most notably, imports reached levels not seen in the last two years, with $60.7 million and $60.6 million respectively. This is a positive sign for the country as they continue to face challenges in the recovery process. 

Although imports from Haiti have risen this year, the diversity of products remains very low. With over 90% of all imports in the apparel sector, the country is heavily dependant on factory work. Other imported products from Haiti include fruits and nuts, oils, and cosmetics. The majority of shipments are coming from the capital city, Port au Prince, and entering the U.S. through the port of Miami. With U.S. imports from Haiti the highest in years, we hope this trend will continue in the upward direction as the country continues to recover.
 

Top logistics provider and long-time Zepol customer, Samuel Shapiro and Company is hosting an import and textile seminar on Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 at the Avia Hotel in Long Beach, California. The morning portion will focus on import compliance and the afternoon session will provide an overview on importing textiles and apparel into the U.S.

Proper training is essential to protect against penalties during a Customs & Border Protection audit. Spending a little bit of money on training now will lead to significant cost savings down the road. As an advocate for continuing education in trade, Zepol is proud to promote this event.

Attendees may participate in one session for $90 or both for $160. Register online at http://www.shapiro.com/html/2010LongBeachSeminar.html.