Tough New US Rules a Challenge

Seaports have traditionally been very vulnerable entry points to the United States. And, as focus on homeland security has increased since September 11, American officials have sought to impose new security measures to better monitor the goods that are constantly entering US ports. To ensure that biological, chemical, or other weapons are not concealed in incoming cargo, US officials initiated new programs, including the Container Security Initiative and the Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism. These programs require that foreign ports voluntarily comply with new security measures or face having their goods barred from American markets. According to this article in the Bangkok Post, these programs are catching Thai traders between a rock and a hard place. The US is Thailand's second largest export market, but costs, time constraints, and logistics make ready compliance extremely difficult. Nevertheless, as one exporter admitted, "all exporters are likely to implement the measures, since no one wants to face the prospect of being unable to do business in the US market." – YaleGlobal