Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

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Through Trade, U.S. Companies Can Help Export Climate Solutions Globally

May 10, 2023

Megan Hyndman and Victoria Yue are climate trade policy specialists with ITA’s Industry & Analysis business unit.

This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy.

A few weeks ago, we witnessed communities across the world come together to celebrate Earth Day. Tending to Mother Earth has never been more important, especially as climate change and extreme weather are challenging the way global businesses and governments prepare for and respond to disasters. Helping communities become more resilient has never been more important; thus climate adaptation has emerged as an opportunity for governments to collaborate with the private sector to think creatively about ways to ensure a more sustainable future.

Illustration featuring a city skyline featuring building and a park, along with artwork of symbols that include a hand holding a plant, a globe grid with a plant, an image of a water drop, recycling logo, wind turbines, and heart health symbol.

International trade and commerce are intrinsically linked with climate change. The Biden-Harris Administration made climate change a top priority and recent legislation, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, commits funding for programs that strengthen the resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure, water services, public health, and food security systems. The Commerce Department is a leader in efforts to ensure that we are aligning resources with climate priorities, including supporting U.S. trade and investment in technologies that help mitigate and adapt to climate change.

To that end, this week, the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency published a Climate Adaptation Request for Information inviting comments (through June 30) on opportunities and challenges facing exporters of climate adaptation and resilience-related technologies and services in key sectors, including: energy resilience, environmental technologies, resilient transportation systems, digital solutions, and infrastructure and engineering services. We welcome U.S. companies and other stakeholders to provide feedback to ensure that ITA’s trade policy and trade promotion activities are aligned with promoting U.S. industry competitiveness in climate adaption and resilience-related solutions.

At ITA, we continue to help connect climate solutions businesses with global markets and are committed to promoting the deployment of technologies that will reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. In the lead up to the UN Climate Change Conference, or COP28, in December 2023, we are partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to support a U.S. GreenTech business delegation to the United Arab Emirates (COP28’s host country) on May 29 to June 1. U.S. businesses that participate in this mission have the opportunity explore learn more about opportunities to deploy climate solutions in the region. Follow ITA on Twitter to learn more about this mission as it unfolds.

If you are a U.S company advancing climate solutions or are a forward-thinking business leader looking to expand your business into international markets, reach out to ITA. Let’s create a better, more sustainable future for the next generation together!

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The Road to Trade Winds ASEAN: Indonesia

March 6, 2023

Eric Hsu is Counselor for Commercial Affairs at U.S. Embassy Jakarta.

This is the sixth and final piece in a blog series about different markets that will be featured during Trade Winds 2023. This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy.

Looking to grow your business internationally? Indonesia is where you need to set your sights.

As the world’s fourth most populous country with attractive economic fundamentals and strong democratic values, Indonesia has promising market potential for U.S. companies. Total bilateral trade between our countries has also been steadily increasing in recent years, reaching over $44 billion last year. At the same time, Indonesia is a market that requires both time and investment to develop an understanding of policies and regulations and the landscape of local industry, as well as to build relationships with the public and private sectors.

Strong economic growth has facilitated a growing middle class in Indonesia with increasing disposable income. As such, Indonesian households are actively seeking and consuming U.S. products and services. Businesses active in the mining, information and communications technology (ICT), and health care sectors are among the best positioned to benefit from an accelerated expansion in economic activities.

An illustration featuring the ITA logo and the skyline of Jakarta, Indonesia, with two lines of text that read: Road to Trade Winds ASEAN; Indonesia

In the mining sector, Indonesia possesses over one-fifth of the world’s nickel reserves and is the world’s third largest source of cobalt. Both of these are key inputs for clean tech, like electric vehicles, and battery technology. To capitalize on these natural resources, the Indonesian government is pursuing policies to strengthen downstream processes that strengthen domestic production capacity.

The ICT sector is another key commercial opportunity. Digital platforms, including smart phone applications, have become so popular that are now a must-have for daily life in Indonesia, counting active users in the hundreds of millions. To support these digital technologies, Indonesia is modernizing its telecommunications infrastructure to 5G. U.S. companies will find substantial opportunities with related telecommunications equipment and technology that can help further accelerate Indonesia’s digital transformation.

Finally, the Indonesian government has made tremendous strides in expanding access to quality health care. American medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and medicines are helping healthcare providers deliver the best care possible with cutting edge technologies and approaches. That said, companies in this sector must be willing to navigate nuanced procurement, local production and tax requirements in order to succeed.

As a way to provide export opportunities for U.S. companies in this region, the International Trade Administration (ITA) looks forward to hosting a Trade Winds mission stop in Indonesia on March 16 as part of the Trade Winds Trade Mission and Business Forum. Although registration is at capacity, participating companies will have the opportunity to meet with commercial diplomats and country experts to learn more about opportunities in Indonesia during the Business Forum in Bangkok, which will take place from March 13-15, 2023. For more information, visit the Trade Winds ASEAN website.

Over the coming year, the U.S. Embassy Jakarta will create programs focused on expanding access to market opportunities, including the digital economy, energy and health care spaces among other sectors. If your company would like to learn more, please contact us at office.jakarta@trade.gov.

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The Road to Trade Winds ASEAN: Philippines

February 24, 2023

Paul Taylor is the Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines

This is the fourth piece in a blog series about different markets that will be featured during Trade Winds 2023.

The United States and the Philippines have had a very close trade relationship for more than a hundred years. With a bilateral trading relationship valued at over $30 billion annually, the Philippines punches above its weight when compared against that of much larger neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, thanks to our deep cultural, economic, and historical ties, Filipino customers and businesses tend to be knowledgeable and avid consumers of American products. U.S. companies interested in doing business or expanding into the dynamic Indo-Pacific market should strongly consider the Philippines.

The United States is among the Philippines’ top three trading partners and is one of the largest foreign investors which contributes to employment and economic growth across the archipelago. The Philippines’ largest export by value is semiconductor chips, tested, assembled, and packaged in the Philippines for international markets, and a large number of U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturers help train Filipino workers, increasing access to high-paying jobs and helping drive the country’s economy. Estimates are that the Philippines will spend approximately $4.4 billion on digital infrastructure over the next six years, which also offers U.S. companies in the information and communications technology and cybersecurity sectors numerous opportunities to export goods and services.

Graphic that reads "Road to Trade Winds ASEAN" "Philippines". Graphic contains an ITA logo and an image of a skyline from Manila, Philippines.

Defense and Security

The U.S.-Philippines partnership in defense and security is rapidly becoming a critical pillar of our security cooperation in the region. For U.S. companies with security and defense technology and equipment, this creates many areas of opportunity to partner with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Filipino security forces are well-trained, highly efficient, and have a strong preference for U.S. equipment and modernized technology. Your contacts at the U.S. Embassy in Manila can provided unparalleled access to key decision makers with the Armed Forces and within the Department of National Defense.

Clean Tech, Transportation and Healthcare

Clean energy and tech, transportation infrastructure, and healthcare sectors are all growing prospects for U.S. companies. For example, through the country’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, U.S. firms can sub-contract through key suppliers or engage in public-private partnership projects that advance upskilling and the digital economy alongside a Philippine partner when competing for public tenders.

Trade Winds

As a way to provide export opportunities for U.S companies in this region, we at the International Trade Administration (ITA) look forward to hosting a Trade Winds mission stop in Philippines on March 9, 2023 as part of the Trade Winds Trade Mission and Business Forum. There is still room for interested businesses to participate at the Business Forum in Bangkok which will take place from March 13-15, 2023. For more information, and to sign up, visit the Trade Winds ASEAN website.

In the coming months, the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manila will be creating programs specifically focused on expanding U.S. access to market opportunities in commercial space, health care, telecommunications, agricultural technology, and defense and security. To learn more, contact businessphilippines@trade.gov.

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The Road to Trade Winds ASEAN: Malaysia

February 14, 2023

Francis Peters is the Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia

This is the third piece in a blog series about different markets that will be featured during Trade Winds 2023. 

This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy.

U.S. businesses looking for opportunities to export to Southeast Asia should strongly consider Malaysia. A country with a growing upper-middle income population, Malaysia has a well-established legal framework, a business-friendly environment, and a large English-speaking worker and consumer base. With an increasingly receptive market for sophisticated products and services, including in technology, manufacturing, and healthcare, Malaysia remains the 19th largest trading partner of the United States, and trade between the two countries has nearly doubled over the last decade, peaking at $72.9 billion in 2022.

If you are a U.S. exporter looking to explore new emerging sectors, Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for technology, logistics, and manufacturing offers tremendous potential. Furthermore, since Malaysian consumers have fully adopted digital payment transactions, those who export consumer goods have low-cost access to the country’s wide consumer base. Ecommerce is expected to grow throughout the country, reaching 56 percent of Malaysians by 2027, with fashion, electronics, and beauty/health products expected to generate the highest revenue.

Malaysia has also become a leading global destination for international patients in Asia. The Malaysian government’s focus on providing world-class quality healthcare is driving demand for healthcare technology, medical devices, and digital health products and services. Other economic sectors are also rapidly expanding. The country aspires to be a regional aerospace hub and an integral part of the global aerospace supply chain, focusing on aerospace digital technology, advanced manufacturing (“Industry 4.0”) ecosystems, and human capital development—all of which present opportunities to enterprising U.S. firms.

Malaysia welcomes small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), which are generally perceived to be more flexible and result oriented in comparison to larger companies. For example, a California-based SME and U.S. Commercial Service client that manufactures silicone gripping aids for users with disabilities was able to partner with a Malaysian distributor and open up a new market for the company in 2022.

As a way to provide export opportunities for U.S companies in this region, we at the International Trade Administration (ITA) look forward to hosting a Trade Winds mission stop in Malaysia on March 16 as part of the Trade Winds Trade Mission and Business Forum. Although the business-to-business matchmaking meetings in Malaysia are at capacity, interested companies may still register for the Business Forum in Bangkok, which will take place from March 13-15, 2023. For more information, and to sign up, visit the Trade Winds ASEAN website.

Beyond Trade Winds, there are several other trade events for U.S. companies interested in exploring Malaysia. Please reach out to your local Commercial Service office for further information and opportunities to explore other markets across Southeast Asia. 

Other Upcoming Trade Events in Malaysia 

March 17, 2023: The U.S.-Malaysia Clean Tech Forum will be a platform to engage the Malaysian government and private sector in strengthening the clean economy through the implementation of U.S. technologies and expertise. Discussions will center on best practices in carbon mitigation and renewable energy, featuring experts from both countries. As this event is by invitation only, interested companies may contact the U.S. Commercial Service Malaysia to register.

May 23-27, 2023: The Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) is a maritime and aerospace exhibition that takes place once every two years in Langkawi, Malaysia. The last event took place in 2019. The show welcomes companies from the most diverse sectors of the aerospace and maritime industry, including space, civil, military, manufacturing technology, rotary, and MRO providers.

September 14, 2023: The Clinical Waste Trade Mission is an excellent opportunity for U.S. waste management exporters to explore market opportunities in Southeast Asia. The event will include matchmaking appointments, market briefings, policy-focused roundtables, site visits, and opportunities to build relationships with potential partners and representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Department of Environment.

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The Road to Trade Winds ASEAN: Vietnam

February 7, 2023

Steve Green is the Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam. 

This is the third piece in a blog series about different markets that will be featured during Trade Winds 2023. 

This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy.

The Vietnamese economy is one of the fastest growing in Asia, and American companies are increasingly looking there as a place to do business. Two-way trade in goods between the United States and Vietnam has increased dramatically over the past 28 years since the normalization of U.S.-Vietnam bilateral ties—from $450 million in 1995 to nearly $139 billion in 2022. If you’re a U.S. business looking to explore new opportunities, Vietnam offers tremendous potential worth considering.

Currently, Vietnam is the United States’ 8th largest goods trade partner and our largest goods trading partner in Southeast Asia. Key U.S. exports include agriculture, aviation, defense and security, healthcare, IT, environmental technology, power generation, and more. It is also the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia. Vietnam has a large population of potential consumers and workers as well—over 100 million people, 70 percent of whom are under the age of 40. Given our robust and growing trade relationship, the country’s rapid economic growth, and its sizable and young population, Vietnam presents numerous export opportunities for American companies across a variety of sectors. Altogether, U.S. goods and services exports to Vietnam supported more than 55,000 U.S. jobs in 2021.

This demonstration of increased commercial engagement comes at an opportune moment as this year our countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership. Looking ahead, the United States seeks to elevate our relationship to a Strategic Partnership that will help advance the deep cooperation we have on trade and investment. For example, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has identified clean energy, health care, critical infrastructure, and technology as priority sectors to enhance its export finance portfolio in Vietnam, further expanding opportunities for U.S. businesses of all sizes.

As a way to provide export opportunities for U.S companies in this region, the International Trade Administration looks forward to hosting a Trade Winds mission stop in Vietnam on March 10 as part of our agency’s larger Trade Winds Trade Mission and Business Forum. Although the business-to-business matchmaking meetings in Vietnam are at capacity, interested companies may still register for the Business Forum in Bangkok, which will take place from March 13-15, 2023. For more information, and to sign up, visit the Trade Winds ASEAN website.

Beyond Trade Winds, there are several other trade events for U.S. companies interested in commercial engagement in Vietnam. Please reach out to your local Commercial Service office for further information and opportunities to explore Vietnam and other markets across Southeast Asia. 

Other Upcoming Trade Events in Vietnam 

August 3-5, 2023: The Vietnam International Medical and Pharmaceutical Exhibition is the Vietnamese Ministry of Health’s international trade fair covering medical technology showcasing the latest achievements of the healthcare industry in Vietnam. Exhibitors come from all over the world to find new business partners in Vietnam’s growing healthcare sector. 

November 2023: The U.S.-Vietnam Trade Forum is the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade’s annual flagship platform to showcase progress in the bilateral commercial relationship and discuss collaboration opportunities in the country’s highest-potential industry sectors. 

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Human Trafficking Prevention: Resources Your Business Needs to Know

January 31, 2023

Jennifer Knight is ITA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, Materials Industries, Critical Materials, and Metals

This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy.

As National Human Trafficking Prevention Month comes to a close, it’s crucial we remember that human trafficking is a global and domestic issue that harms the most marginalized and vulnerable members of society. It deprives individuals of their rights, freedoms, safety, and dignity. Human trafficking also impacts and compromises national and economic security. According to the latest numbers from the International Labor Organization, about 28 million people around the world who are trapped in forced labor are victims of human trafficking.

Image of a man in a wetland conducting agricultural work.

Forced labor is well documented in every sector of the supply chain and private economy, particularly in agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, construction, and domestic work. U.S. law holds liable any person or business that benefits financially from its involvement in human trafficking, provided that the business knew or should have known of the scheme. Thus, it’s incumbent upon us to do our due diligence and not engage in activities that directly or covertly support human trafficking or forced labor.

As part of his National Human Trafficking Prevention Month proclamation, President Biden calls on businesses, civil society organizations, and all Americans “to counter injustice and fortify our commitment to pursue dignity and freedom for all people.” To help U.S. businesses understand risks in their supply chains, ITA and our federal partners developed an important training module, Human Trafficking: Forced Labor in Global Supply Chains, to help companies monitor their supply chain’s compliance with laws and regulations, identify red flags, and develop due diligence plans. This is a free training, and I encourage all businesses, especially smaller and medium-size firms with fewer resources, to take it.

As government employees involved in global commercial trade, we are in a unique position to not only be aware of forced labor human trafficking but to report it. ITA employees have a similar training available to them, and I encourage my colleagues in public service to also take this training.

Learn more about human trafficking prevention and 20 ways you can help fight human trafficking.

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The Road to Trade Winds ASEAN: Thailand

January 25, 2023

John Breidenstine is the ASEAN Regional Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Thailand.

This is the second piece in a blog series about different markets that will be featured during Trade Winds 2023. 

This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy.

U.S. businesses looking to grow their bottom line through export sales would be well advised to consider Thailand, the largest economy in mainland Southeast Asia and one that is increasingly important globally. Central to the future of the Indo-Pacific Region, Thailand is the United States’ oldest friend, partner, and ally in Asia, with this year marking the 190th anniversary of diplomatic relations.  

With overall bilateral trade jumping 50 percent over the past two years, Thailand is the 26th largest export destination for the United States and saw $12.7 billion in U.S. exports in 2021, 13 percent more than in 2020. In turn, the United States is Thailand’s largest export market, followed by China, Japan, and Vietnam. As such, the trade and investment relationship between our countries is on the up, with numerous U.S. companies pursuing opportunities across a variety of sectors.

U.S. small, medium and large businesses in the energy, digital, infrastructure, healthcare, aerospace and defense sectors – among others – can find success in Thailand’s market if they offer innovative and high-quality products and work closely with local distributors and partners. There are numerous reasons that Thailand is an outstanding place to do business: it has an open culture; low cost of living; a large, skilled, and adaptable workforce; a strong and diversified manufacturing base; and a range of government incentives for businesses.

Fittingly, the International Trade Administration chose Bangkok, Thailand, as this year’s location for the Trade Winds Trade Mission and Business Development Forum, March 13-15. Well over 200 participants are expected to attend and take advantage of this dynamic networking opportunity. The Business Development Forum will feature meetings with U.S. commercial diplomats from over 20 Asian countries, business-to-business matchmaking meetings, and engagements with Thai government officials, all of which will provide U.S. companies with information and insight into potential opportunities and partnerships across a variety of markets. Concurrently, a SelectUSA Tech Seminar on March 14 will give Asia-Pacific, early-stage technology companies the practical information and tools that they need to launch their businesses in the United States. On March 15, startups will pitch before a panel of judges to win an opportunity to attend and present during the May 1-4 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC. 

To sign up to attend the Trade Winds Mission and Business Forum in Bangkok, go here, then click REGISTER. When prompted, select Business Forum Only. The registration fee is $750 per attendee.

Beyond Trade Winds, there are several other trade events for U.S. companies interested in exploring Thailand. Please reach out to your local Commercial Service office for further information and opportunities to explore Thailand and other markets across Southeast Asia.

Other Upcoming Trade Events in Bangkok

March 13-17, 2023: The Asia-Pacific Association for International Education Conference offers delegates from around the world the opportunity to share best practices and learn more about the innovative ways in which Asia Pacific universities are partnering across the region and with the world.

May 17-19, 2023: Future Energy Asia will convenes the world’s national gas, LNG, power and renewable energy leaders in person in the region’s most important industry platform to engage in strategic dialogues that will help shape the energy transition and transformation of the next decade.

May 24, 2023: The Smart Cyber Security Summit is a complimentary, invite-only exhibition and conference tailored for senior decision makers and end-user professionals.

June 14-17: ProPak Asia is the region’s number one international trade event for food, drink, and pharmaceutical processing and packaging technology.

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The Road to Trade Winds ASEAN – First Stop: Singapore

January 17, 2023

Christopher Quinlivan is a Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore. 

This is the first piece in a blog series about different markets that will be featured during Trade Winds 2023. 

This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy.

U.S. businesses looking to boost their bottom line by making new export sales are increasingly looking to Singapore as a place to do business. A gateway to Southeast Asia with a business-friendly environment, Singapore offers excellent opportunities for U.S. firms, including small and medium-sized companies.   

To this end, the U.S. Commercial Service in Singapore looks forward to hosting a Trade Winds mission stop, as part of the larger Trade Winds Trade Mission and Business Forum from March 13-15, 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. Mission stops include business-to-business matchmaking meetings with pre-screened buyers, agents, distributors, or joint-venture partners.  

As the United States’ largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, Singapore has a proven track record as a welcoming center for business. More than 2,500 American companies already do business in Singapore, and many use it as a base for regional business. The United States is the leading source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for Singapore, with nearly $295 billion in FDI stock, more than five times that of China. In recent years, Singapore has become a leading investor in the United States, as well, and current Singapore FDI stock in the United States exceeds $30.2 billion.

Illustration featuring the wording "Road to Trade Winds ASEAN Singapore" with the ITA logo on the lower left and an image of the Singaporean skyline at night and the Marina Bay Sands building at center.

In addition, Singapore is a U.S. Free Trade Agreement partner and is unique in its high level of development, including infrastructure, rule of law, IP protections, and ease of doing business. The World Bank’s 2020 Doing Business report ranked Singapore second overall in the world in “ease of doing business,” while the World Economic Forum ranked Singapore as the most competitive economy globally. U.S. products and services are well received in Singapore; however, the market is very competitive and highly regulated. 

A small city-state roughly the physical size of New York City, Singapore’s wealthy population nears about 6 million people. English is the primary language spoken there. Exporters will find proven market opportunities for a wide range of products and services, including consumer goods, high-tech business solutions and services, machinery, electrical machinery, aircraft, optical and medical instruments, and mineral fuels. 

The Singapore mission stop will be held on March 10th, and 20 participants are expected to attend. Although the business-to-business matchmaking meetings are currently at capacity, interested companies may still register for the Business Forum in Bangkok. For more information, and to sign up, go here, then click REGISTER to continue. When prompted, select Business Forum Only. The registration fee is $750 per attendee.  

Beyond Trade Winds, there are also several other trade events for U.S. companies interested in exploring the Singapore market. Please also feel free to reach out to your local Commercial Service office for further information and opportunities to explore Singapore and other markets across Southeast Asia. 

Other Upcoming Trade Events in Singapore 

April 25-28, 2023: FHA Food & Beverage offers an exemplary experience underlined by the most wide-ranging food & drink products and innovations that are top and trending across the globe. More than 70% of exhibitors are made up of direct manufacturers and as many as 15% are expected to use this platform as a launch pad for new-to-market innovations. FHA-Food & Beverage will provide global suppliers with valuable access to quality buyers including distributors, importers, manufacturers and retailers, and attendees will also gain valuable insights into developments and future trends of the food & beverage industry. 

May 3-5, 2023: IMDEX Asia is Asia’s leading naval and maritime defense event that gathers the world’s naval elite and the finest fleets of maritime innovations. Since its inaugural edition in 1997, the maritime and defense exhibition has steered forward at the helm of the industry, becoming a platform for businesses of the sea to debut its latest vessels, systems and technologies. With established conferences and real-time discussions on maritime security, IMDEX Asia continues to draw a plethora of global leaders and distinguished guests for each edition. 

June 6-9, 2023: Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) is Asia’s flagship tech event where technology intersects with society and the digital economy. ATxSG features anchor events that include BroadcastAsia, CommunicAsia, SatelliteAsia and TechXLR8 Asia. Exhibits span a variety of technologies and sectors, including electronic media, audio, graphics & animation, artificial intelligence, augmented reality/virtual reality, and others.

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New Year, New Monitor:  ITA Tool Tracks Global Aluminum Trade

January 10, 2023

Hugh Smachlo is an Import Policy Analyst in the Enforcement and Compliance Industry Monitoring and Analysis Unit

Aluminum is a hot trade topic to watch in 2023. A new tool is now available to help industry analysts track data and trends for the largest aluminum importing and exporting countries. This week, ITA released the Global Aluminum Trade Monitor (GATM), the first publicly available data visualization tool  for comparative analysis that provides insight into the global aluminum industry and its impacts on U.S. producers and importers.  

Aluminum smelter pouring molten hot product

Since 2001, the number of primary (non-recycling) aluminum smelters in the United States has dwindled from 23 to 5. Primary aluminum smelters use unrecycled, raw material to make high-purity aluminum used in nearly every aluminum product, including cars, infrastructure, aerospace, packaging, and consumer goods. They are a critical link in many of these supply chains.

A drastic reduction in the number of American aluminum smelters could erroneously indicate that the U.S. demand for aluminum has dropped, or that the U.S. aluminum industry has suffered a dearth of investment; however, neither is the case. Since 2013, the U.S. aluminum industry has invested more than $7 billion in domestic manufacturing, and global aluminum demand has spiked as a result of climbing interest in recyclable and lightweight materials like aluminum.

The newly released GATM dashboard sheds light on this issue by indicating where there is demand for aluminum. Among its thousands of customizable charts, its “Top Partner Countries” comparison feature allows users to see aluminum import or export flows to or from a selected country. While globally China’s share of aluminum production increased from 12% to 60% from 2012 to 2021, the GATM comparison tool shows that its aluminum exports were concentrated in five countries: the United States, Vietnam, South Korea, Mexico, and Thailand. GATM reveals the ripple effects of China’s voluminous global exports on the U.S. aluminum industry, which, paired with an increase in unfair trade practices, caused the U.S. aluminum industry to seek trade remedies.

This chart shows two associated line graphs:  one for annual data from 2012 to 2021 and one for YTD (October) data from 2018 to 2022. In each graph, the top five export markets for Chinese aluminum are shown for the relevant time period: South Korea, Mexico, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. For annual data, the general trend shows Chinese exports to South Korea, Thailand, and Mexico increasing over time, with the exception of 2012-2014 for Mexico, where Chinese exports to Mexico declined. With respect to annual data for Chinese exports to Vietnam and the United States, the trend line generally spikes between 2014 and 2018 but otherwise follows the general upward trend in Chinese exports to other countries. For YTD data, the trend line for Chinese exports to all five countries generally follows a v shape with the lowest overall exports in YTD October 2020 and highest exports in 2022, with the exception of Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam between YTD October 2018 and 2019 where Chinese exports to those countries increased.
Figure 1. On the left, annual data from 2012 to 2021 of China exports to selected partner countries on all aluminum products in metric tons. On the right, one for year to date (October) data from 2018 to 2022. In each graph, the top five export markets for Chinese aluminum are shown for the relevant time period: South Korea, Mexico, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.

In 2021, based on requests from the domestic aluminum industry and following rigorous investigations, Commerce put in place antidumping and/or countervailing duty (AD/CVD) orders on common alloy aluminum sheet (CAAS) from 16 countries, and AD/CVD orders on aluminum foil (foil) from five countries. These trade remedies build upon the already existing AD and/or CVD orders on CAAS and foil from China and give the U.S. industry the opportunity to compete on a level playing field against unfair foreign pricing and subsidization.

GATM visualizations also provide a glimpse into another region’s rippling impact on the U.S. aluminum industry. Since 2012, the Middle East has emerged as a major aluminum-producing region due to an abundant supply of low energy costs and efforts there to diversify national economies. For example, on the first tab titled “GATM,” users can see that United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Oman’s total exports to the U.S. increased 190% between 2012 and 2018.

This figure shows two associated line graphs: one for annual data from 2012 to 2021 and one for YTD (October) data from 2018 to 2022. In each graph, trend lines depict the volume of imports into the United States from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Oman (in order from highest to lowest volumes). For annual data, the U.S. imports from all three countries generally increased from 2015 through 2017, and then generally leveled off and decreased before 2021, however higher than the original 2015 import volumes. For YTD October data, the U.S. imports from all three countries generally decrease from YTD October 2018 through YTD October 2020 and generally increase by YTD October 2022.
Figure 2. These graphs depict U.S. imports from selected countries of all aluminum products in metric tons. On the left, annual data from 2012 to 2021. On the right, year to date (October) data from 2018 to 2022. In each graph, trend lines depict the volume of imports into the United States from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Oman (in order from highest to lowest volumes).

These two images, amongst the thousands of publicly available and customizable charts in the GATM, provide necessary context for understanding global aluminum trade flows and their impact on the U.S. industry. Furthermore, they help to explain, in part, the status of the U.S. as a net importer of aluminum products for each of the seven standard subcategories: bars, rods, and profiles; foil; pipes and tubes; plates, sheets, and strip; tube or pipe fittings; unwrought; and wire.

Ensuring the aluminum industry has the data it needs, the GATM comes at a critical moment for the United States and for our aluminum industry and workers. The domestic aluminum industry directly employs 164,000 American workers and indirectly supports an additional 470,000 workers, accounting for $73 billion dollars in U.S. economic output. 

This is one of many tools that ITA provides U.S. companies to make informed decisions based on solid information about global markets.

For additional information, please e-mail aluminum.license@trade.gov.

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Hometown Heroes: Trade Specialists Shine a Community Spotlight on Manufacturing

October 26, 2022

Lisa Wang is the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Enforcement and Compliance

October is National Manufacturing Month, and communities across the country are celebrating the important contributions of America’s most enduring and rapidly evolving field. Every aspect of our lives and livelihoods is touched by the people and places that produce our goods.

At the International Trade Administration (ITA), we help U.S. manufacturers thrive in global trade and ensure a level playing field at home and abroad. ITA’s Enforcement and Compliance (E&C) team enforces U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty laws to protect our industries from unfair pricing and practices of foreign actors who don’t play by the rules.

Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to see our trade laws in action at manufacturing sites stretching from Appalachia to Alabama as part of a series that we’ve been calling “Hometown Tours.” On each tour, we visit a city considered home by one of our trade specialists and a U.S. company impacted by our work.

A collage of five images. Upper left is Jayden White-Graham standing with two Tuskegee University officials with a Tuskegee University logoed backdrop. Upper right is Kathryn Krishnan with construction glasses on holding an object with four individuals in the background. Lower Left is Norbert Gannon in a construction hat and protective outfit, standing in a crowd of 9 individuals with similar dress. Lower left is Tom Conley posing for a photo behind a sign that reads AMI Auburn Manufacturing Inc. with two individuals besides him and four individuals in front. Center is Zachary Le Vene posing for a photo with construction glasses on with a city backdrop.
Photo collage of ITA trade specialists: Jayden Graham-White (upper left), Kathryn Krishnan (upper left), Norbert Gannon (lower right), Tom Conley (lower left – standing above the AMI sign), and Zachary Le Vene (center).

Our first stop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, can be credited to Norbert Gannon. Gannon, who grew up near U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Plant, saw the integrated steel mill’s evolution throughout his life and marveled at its longevity. Built in the 1870s, it outlasted every other steel mill subsequently built in the “Mon Valley.” Gannon had always wanted to visit the mill but had never stepped foot inside. After a career dedicated to learning about and crafting policy that implicated U.S. manufacturers of steel—nearly 50% of E&C’s cases deal with some form of unfairly traded foreign steel product—Norb was finally able to tour his neighborhood steel facility.

  • Having finally seen the facility, Gannon said, “I can now check this off my bucket list!”

Next, in Portland, Maine, Tom Conley showcased Auburn Manufacturing Inc. (AMI), a woman-led factory that produces high-performance textiles that provide protection from extreme temperatures. Both AMI and nearby Sappi North America—a wood yard and paper mill—are companies that in recent years have been affected by unfair trade practices from China and other countries. Through the enforcement of our laws, ITA has helped these companies stay competitive in the international marketplace while also supporting hundreds of local jobs.

  • Conley said, “These two businesses alone show that Maine is much more than just ‘Vacation Land’ and seafood—though we do have great seafood. It was fantastic to see firsthand the tremendous impact ITA has had on the businesses I grew up with.”

In Lexington, Kentucky, Kathryn Krishan gave a perfect example of a resilient U.S. supply chain with a visit to Leggett & Platt, where 100% of the components that go into the innerspring unit—including the wire that makes the innerspring coils—are manufactured by Leggett & Platt. Through vertical integration and strategic application of U.S. trade laws, Leggett & Platt maintains a global company that has employed generations of Kentuckians.

  • Krishnan said, “My work in D.C. and my hometown in Kentucky have always felt very distinct. It wasn’t until I heard someone who sounds like my Papaw explain how important our work in ITA was to him and his family that I could bridge that gap. I hope that my colleagues were able to see the vibrant and proud communities that make what we do worth it.”

In Alabama, Jayden Graham-White arranged a visit to Globe Specialty Metals. As result of successful trade enforcement, Globe recently reopened its Selma-based plant to continue a proud legacy of producing silicon metals that support sectors ranging from cosmetics to energy and semiconductors. What made this tour more special was visiting the nearby campuses of some distinguished historically Black colleges and universities and predominately Black institutions—Alabama State University, Auburn University at Montgomery, and of course Graham-White’s alma mater, Tuskegee University.

  • Graham-White said, “It was an honor to be able to see firsthand the work that these people do every single day to keep these factories, cities, and ultimately this country running. To return to Alabama serving the communities that raised me and encouraging and supporting diverse students to follow suit was an amazing experience that really brings meaning to the title public servant.”

And most recently, Wisconsin-native, Zachary Le Vene highlighted the local and global impacts of trade remedies at a visit to Renewable Energy Group (REG), a producer of sustainable biofuels. After E&C put duties in place to counter unfairly subsidized and priced biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia, REG was able to invest in its refining capacity at facilities like the one E&C visited in Deforest, Wisconsin.

  • Le Vene said, “It was heartening to witness firsthand REG’s commitment to bettering the local community at multiple levels, including both farmers and restaurants who provide the company with ‘waste’ products as feedstock. REG’s innovative, yet practical process of using renewable feedstock and existing infrastructure is inspiring to see in my home state. Although Wisconsin is often known for its beer and cheese, companies like REG are putting it on the map as a center for sustainable, innovative manufacturing.”

ITA’s Enforcement and Compliance team is here to support companies who need our help. If you are facing unfair competition from unfairly priced imports, we offer petition counseling services that are free and confidential. Also, if your U.S. company is facing export barriers, we are available to help. Contact us.

It’s not every day that those of us who work behind the scenes get an opportunity to see how the work we do supports American workers and communities. I am grateful to these individuals for taking us to meet the people and see the places where our work resonates most.