ETC Managing Director Mark Bienstock was featured in California Apparel News in their discussion of how brands are investing in crucial digital tools and traditional methods to reach customers. Click here to read the full article!
Recycled Retail
By; Carli Valinoti, Express Trade Capital
One of the newest sustainability trends is making old garments new again. Evrnu, a Seattle-based textile-technology startup, is making old clothes and fabrics into new fibers that can be used for recyclable fashion.
Although their products are still being tested, Evrnu has just launched a limited run of recyclable unisex sweatshirts for Adidas by Stella McCartney, calling them “EVER-new.” The hoodies will not be available for the public until 2020 but will be given to athletes to promote the new sustainable line. “Right now, in the U.S., consumers dispose of about 80% of their textiles directly into their garbage can. That’s the behavior we’re really trying to tackle,” said Stacy Flynn, chief executive and co-founder of Evrnu. Recycled textiles can be made into premium fibers which can be dyed and woven into new fabrics made for all different types and styles of clothing. In 2016, Evrnu teamed up with Levi’s Jeans and launched a prototype of jeans made only from repurposed cotton T-shirts.
Consumers are becoming more aware of certain industries’ toll on the environment, including the fashion industry. Although creating new fibers still has some detrimental impact, the process uses a fraction of the amount of energy and chemicals used to make polyester clothing. These recycled garments may end up having a higher price-point, but as more people become aware of how sustainability can help the environment, people may be willing to pay more.
ETC takes great pride in working with sustainable and eco-friendly companies. Contact us for all your factoring needs!
Blockchain on Trade Finance
By: Tajinder Marwaha, Express Trade Capital
As the trade finance industry faces challenges related to logistics and fraud, blockchain technology may help in creating transparency and assurance of delivery while still providing confidentiality for trade parties. Blockchain can support cross border trade transactions that otherwise would be difficult due to costs and the documentation process.
90% of the world relies on trade finance and the incorporation of blockchain would speed the delivery of funds and reduce the usage of paper. The trade finance industry still operates in a very old-fashioned manner, which entails manual inputting documents and physical letters of credit to ensure that payments will be received. Blockchain may streamline such manualcomplexity by enabling companies to securely and digitally confirm where products were originated, its transaction details, and other requisite information. Indeed, through blockchain, payments can be processed through a tokenized form depending upon the delivery or receipt of goods. Focusing on just contracts, parties can create their own rules that would ensure automatic payments and eliminate the possibility of missed, or repeated shipments. Incorporating blockchain technology will create greater trust for trade parties that may well result in an increase in global trade.
If you Import from China
By; Carli Valinoti, Express Trade Capital
After meeting with President Xi over the weekend, President Trump announced decisions regarding the bilateral trade dispute. The President announced that while current tariffs will remain in place, he will not move forward with additional tariffs as negotiations continue. Therefore, there are no immediate plans to implement Tranche or List 4 trade-remedy tariffs.
The United States Trade Representative recently concluded seven days of hearings on the proposed List 4. The testimony and comments solicited from the public as part of the List 4 review may influence the products to be included and tariff rate if and when any additional trade-remedy actions are taken. But for now, any action on List 4 is on hold.
If you import from China, Express Trade Capital is here to assist with trade strategies to minimize the impact, apply for exemptions, and process refund claims where exemptions have been granted. Click here to contact Express Trade Capital for expertise and support. We are here to help.