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Finance

The financial landscape is changing quickly with mergers and acquisitions resulting from companies more closely defining their producing offerings. This section will also explore financial solutions that manufacturers are implementing.

Recession Changes Trade Finance Picture
As credit becomes more scarce and deals become riskier, trade partners reconsider finance terms and agreements.

Increasing skepticism among trade partners regarding each other's financial health along with tighter credit conditions have manufacturers rethinking the way they conduct global trade deals.

In some cases companies have switched back to contracts that are backed by letters of credit rather than less-burdensome but riskier open accounts or have extended payment terms to gain business. The restrictive climate has had an impact on worldwide trade volumes.

The trade-finance shortage has likely contributed to an expected 10% decline in world merchandise trade volume for 2009, according to a July World Trade Organization report. Credit has begun to somewhat loosen, but pricing is still higher than pre-crisis levels, says Susie Shipley, head of the Royal Bank of Scotland's Global Trade Finance practice.

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Finance Articles & News

VW to Invest $29 Billion in Three Years

Most of the funds will be allotted to production and equipment sites.

11/20/2009

Dell's Net Profit Drops 54%

However CEO says he sees signs that computer industry is emerging from its slump.

11/20/2009

Chinese Policies Continue to Undermine U.S. Manufacturing Sector

The latest report from a Congressional panel warns against Chinese trade, cyber activities.

11/19/2009

Supply Chain Risk Becomes Strategic Imperative as Need for Cost Cutting Continues

Cost-cutting measures continue to supersede longer-term investment-driven directives.

11/19/2009

Improved Sourcing Capabilities for Manufacturers

MFG.com unveils new global web platform

11/18/2009

Labor Department Provides $55 Million in Green Jobs Grants

Funds target training initiatives for minorities and other underserved groups

11/18/2009

Capital Flows to U.S. Surge Despite Dollar Weakness

Fourth consecutive month of positive net flow

11/17/2009

U.S. Government Creates New Financial Fraud Task Force

The Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force is aimed at investigating and prosecuting mortgage, securities and corporate fraud, as well as recovering funds for victims.

11/17/2009

GM Reports $1.2 Billion Loss

Company says it will step up repayments of aid

11/16/2009

Grant Money Available to Wisconsin Manufacturers

Funds can be used for lean implementations and product-development processes

11/16/2009

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