It's supposed to be a trade dispute between the U.S. and China over solar cells. But that's not the real story. What's more interesting is the way in which the Commerce Department determines whether imports are being ''dumped'' in U.S. markets. The formula might be based on prices in countries that have little or nothing to do with the matter at hand. It all comes down to whether or not the exporting nation in question is considered a ''market economy.'' And that decision is often more political than economic in nature, according to attorney William Perry, a partner in the trial department of Dorsey Whitney. He talks about the trade tensions that are simmering below the surface of relations between the U.S. and China, and offers his view on how the system should be improved.

What's eating the American transportation infrastructure? Corrosion. Even the strongest structures eventually fall victim to natural law, but the process is accelerated by human neglect. When will the next bridge collapse? Absent regular care and maintenance, ''it's not a question of whether – it's a question of when,'' says Richard Grant, a principal with Russell Corrosion Consultants. He pinpoints the crisis that's affecting every metal-based structure in the nation's transportation network, and talks about what we must do address it. It's time to ''shift our mindset from reactive to proactive,'' he says.

Is the reshoring trend for real? Sean Adkins, managing director and operations practice leader with West Monroe Partners LLC, a business and technology-consulting firm, talks about the factors that are making China a less attractive place to source manufacturing for consumer markets in the western hemisphere. Wages in China are on the rise, he says, and importers must shoulder additional costs such as the need for buffer stock and longer supply lines. But will the U.S. be the main beneficiary of this trend? What about Mexico, and other low-cost sources of production closer to home?

The art of storytelling isn't just for movies and works of fiction. Celebrated screenwriting guru Robert McKee, whose students over the years have included more than 50 Academy Award winners, explains how the elements of story can help businesses to enact change within the organization, attract investors, market and advertise products, and cope with crises that threaten to destroy a company's public image.

Why are companies doing such a poor job of retaining and attracting top talent in supply-chain management? Jake Barr, chief executive officer of Blue World Consulting LLC, and a former supply-chain executive with Procter Gamble, has some tips for how companies can hang on to their current employees, find new ones and ensure that candidates have the right skills to manage modern-day supply chains.

What do you need to know about the changes in international trade law and regulation that are coming in 2014 and beyond? SupplyChainBrain Managing Editor Bob Bowman talks to Peter Quinter, chair of the Customs International Law Group of Gray Robinson. They cover new developments in the U.S. and abroad, touching upon the many stages involved in sourcing product and getting it to markets around the world. Listen and learn how you can prepare for the new regulatory regime.