Arthur O'Meara - O'Meara and Associates, Inc.

oops displayed glowing on a futuristic screen

Why AI Tools for Tariff Classification May Lead You Down the Wrong Road

Harmonized Tariff Schedule / Arthur O'Meara

AI has made remarkable strides in automation, efficiency, and data processing. In many industries, AI tools have improved accuracy and streamlined decision-making, often outperforming human capabilities. When it comes to tariff classification, AI’s reliability is, shall we say, debatable. It’s even given us a new definition for “hallucination.” For businesses engaged in international trade, proper […]

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A globe wrapped in chains of tariff signs and duties, symbolizing trade barriers and global limitations, Trade barrier, Duties and restrictions in global commerce

Most Commonly Asked Questions About Supply Chain Security

Uncategorized / Arthur O'Meara

Today’s world is interconnected and fraught with risks. Securing supply chains has become more crucial than ever. What started as a post-9/11 initiative to prevent threats like smuggling and terrorism has evolved into a comprehensive system for safeguarding the global flow of goods. Supply chain security now encompasses not only physical threats but also cybersecurity,

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Two cargo workers looking over documentation in a warehouse.

Most Commonly Asked Questions About the HTSUS

Navigating the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) can feel like trying to decode a foreign language – but it’s an essential skill for anyone involved in international trade. As the official system for classifying imported goods and determining duty rates, the HTSUS plays a critical role in ensuring compliance, calculating tariffs, and

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Semiconductor chip with a flag of China and US on it.

Higher Tariffs on Tungsten and Silicon Products: What You Need to Know

Global Trade / Arthur O'Meara

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced plans to increase tariffs on tungsten and silicon products, with the intent of applying more pressure on Chinese imports. These changes target three subheadings related to tungsten, where tariffs will rise to 25%, and two subheadings for wafers and polysilicon, where tariffs will jump to 50%. These

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Shipping container with Chinese flag painted on it

How Overseas Retailers Are Exploiting American Trade Laws

Global Trade, Incoterms, Uncategorized / Arthur O'Meara

The “de minimis” rule, part of Section 321 of the Tariff Act, allows duty-free importation of goods valued under $800 per day, per individual shipment. While this rule was designed to streamline low-value imports, there is evidence suggesting it’s now being exploited by overseas retailers, like Temu and Shein, to flood the US market with

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Customs inspector talking to dock worker

Vague, Boring, Detailed and Interesting Descriptions on Import and Export Documentation

Incoterms / Arthur O'Meara

Let’s dive into the nuances of crafting Customs descriptions, a critical aspect often overlooked by carriers, filers, and importers. Recently, Customs has flagged issues with vague descriptions on documentation, such as the infamous “spare parts.” While it might seem convenient to be concise, vagueness invites scrutiny. Instead, the goal should be to strike a balance

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A New Name for the USMCA

Global Trade / Arthur O'Meara

Today we are going to talk about the USMCA and how we can rebrand it—we want to make it fancier, prettier, shinier, more marketable. What can we do to change the name? The name is ugly, it’s horrible: the “us—MUK—uh.” It sounds like dirt you drag your enemies through; it should like a bad form of journalism.

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Logistics and supply chain security scenes at a major shipping harbor

Supply Chain Resiliency is Supply Chain Security

Supply Chain Security / Arthur O'Meara

Global Trade Magazine recently published an article highlighting the possibility of a port workers strike at the East and Gulf Coast ports. Those familiar with O’Meara and Associates will recall our previous discussion on the costs associated with delays due to port shutdowns, particularly in LA/LB. Experienced logistics and supply chain management (SCM) professionals are

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hopeless man in the cage, human trafficking

Preventing Forced Labor Violations

Global Trade, Supply Chain Security / Arthur O'Meara

Persecuting a person for the way they were born is one of the most heinous injustices. It punishes a person for something they did not cause, cannot change, and must live with. For example, the oppression of Native American tribes is an ugly chapter in the history of the US and Canada. Native children were

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Delivered Duty Paid: It’s Only Double the Work

Incoterms / Arthur O'Meara

The Incoterms® Rules, published by the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, France, are a set of globally recognized standards for international trade. Arthur O’Meara, Principal of O’Meara and Associates, Inc., holds the distinction of being one of only two ICC-certified Incoterms® Rules instructors in the United States. We are frequently asked about our perspective

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