Global trade is expected to grow by leaps and bounds in coming years. What's already growing rapidly is the number of free trade agreements that companies have to keep track of when they're importing or exporting goods.

There are more than 500 free trade agreements, and William Methenitis, global director of customs and international trade at Ernst & Young, said the pace at which new agreements are being put in place is accelerating. "It has picked up in the last five years," he said. "In the last two or three years you've seen it grow quite a bit."

Each agreement sets out different rules for different types of products, so the proliferation poses a challenge for companies that import or export goods. "It's a huge data exercise to be able to analyze them," Methenitis said.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to Treasury & Risk, part of your ALM digital membership.

  • Critical Treasury & Risk information including in-depth analysis of treasury and finance best practices, case studies with corporate innovators, informative newsletters, educational webcasts and videos, and resources from industry leaders.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Treasury & Risk events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including PropertyCasualty360.com and Law.com.
NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.