Future Forwarding UK

The U.S. Department of Labor has launched four free self-assessment tools to help businesses identify and manage labour risk across global supply chains.

For organisations sourcing from international markets, the suite covers a lot of ground — from country-level labour violation data and high-risk goods identification, to structured due diligence frameworks and sub-tier supply chain traceability.

Whilst the tools are aimed at U.S. importers, the underlying issues they address are global. Visibility, accountability, and proactive risk management are increasingly the baseline expectation, not the gold standard.

Our latest blog breaks down what each tool does and where it fits into a broader compliance strategy.

Read more → https://okt.to/UxESlp

The latest chapter in U.S.-China trade relations is unfolding — and it's quieter than many expected.

China has launched two formal counter-probes into U.S. trade practices, responding to Section 301 investigations the U.S. initiated earlier this month across 16 trading partners. The investigations target supply chain disruption and green energy trade, with a six-month timeline and the possibility of extension.

What's significant for businesses operating across both the U.S. and UK markets is the tone of this moment. Both governments are raising concerns through proper diplomatic and legal channels — bilateral talks in Paris, WTO meetings in Cameroon, and a planned presidential visit to Beijing in mid-May. This is managed friction, not a trade war.

That said, the frameworks being established now — around technology exports, industrial capacity, and green energy products — could have real implications for global supply chains well into 2027.

Our latest thought leadership piece examines what's driving these investigations, what each probe covers, and what organisations with cross-border exposure should be watching.

🔗 https://okt.to/Z1x0NI

We’re pleased to share that our Scotland branch is moving to a new location. This move reflects how our operations in the region are developing, allowing us to support customers more effectively and continue delivering the reliable service you expect.