The challenges posed by the current economic climate may provide companies with potentially compelling reasons to focus on customs planning, perhaps now more than at any time in several decades. Where trade compliance can add value, companies should actively consider how effective global customs planning can help improve their bottom line.

For many middle market companies, international sourcing, global distribution, and expanding low-cost country manufacturing may be the key to growth. These objectives rely heavily on the trade function of most companies. Historically, the trade function has focused on the customs clearance of imported and exported goods to facilitate timely freight arrangements and help ensure that customs brokers file documentation promptly. Now, however, trade is being transformed from an operational function on the sidelines of corporate awareness to an evolving function that helps mitigate organizational risks and strategically drives value.

Many business leaders are seeing trade management as a competitive area that merits additional resources. Such changes may be difficult for middle market companies to realize despite the fact that this new approach could be a significant factor in driving profitability and shareholder value.