As global economic sands continue to shift, and the world emerges from the impacts of the worldwide pandemic, supply chains continue to struggle to find footing. Pete Mento, commercial director, U.S. customs and compliance for DSV Air and Sea, is not surprised that the supply chain is still reeling from the pandemic.

“I’m not surprised in the slightest,” says Mento, who assists companies with import and export compliance, audit defense, and cargo security programs. “The pandemic put a spotlight on problems ranging from infrastructure to over dependence on a small number of suppliers and so much more. The trade did very little to change the processes and attitudes toward procurement. What's more, much of the needed change has to be driven by governments, and the resources for that are scarce.”

Mento specializes in the elimination, recovery, and minimization of trade-related duties and taxes. With a master’s degree in government (trade theory focus) from Harvard University, he is a former stand-up comedian who has conducted sold-out lectures to tens of thousands of people from university lecture halls to night clubs. A sought-after speaker, Mento is presenting a highly anticipated global economic and geopolitical update at AIAG’s North American Customs and Trade Town Hall scheduled for November 7, 2024, at the Marriott Courtyard in Livonia, Michigan. This is AIAG’s first live customs town hall event in four years.

Mento says that current supply chain stressors affecting the automotive industry include “continuing protectionism” and the new attitude of using tariffs as a replacement for diplomacy.

“Regardless of who takes the White House in November, nothing points toward a global change in the use of duties to influence global economic changes,” he points out.

Mento’s session at the Customs and Trade Town Hall will focus on global impacts to the supply chain including some “currently in flight” and others that may affect international business. “There is conflict all over the world and no clear end in sight for any of these wars, which is also a significant concern for the automotive industry,” he notes.  “And worst of all is a lack of desire to change when it comes to the supply chain and procuring from just a few nations.”

While he has been impressed with the speed at which ocean carriers have been able to adapt to new circumstances, he is concerned with “the lack of change that inflation seems to have had on Western attitudes regarding procurement.”

At the AIAG North American Customs and Trade Town Hall, Mento says he will deliver “a fast-paced, memorable, and highly entertaining” look into the future of the global economy and how it will impact trade.

The Customs and Trade Town Hall is packed with a full day of sessions and networking. Significant early registration savings are available until Monday, October 7, 2024. 

Attendees can earn 6 NCBFAA credits (National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of American) for participation in this event. A block of rooms is set aside at the Marriott Courtyard Livonia for $129 per night, but please don’t delay. The event includes lunch, a networking reception, and exhibit hall.