Archive for the ‘World Trade Month’ Category

« Newer Entries
Older Entries »
h1

Looking to Increase Sales? “Go Global” World Trade Month Webinars Can Help Get You Started

May 2, 2019

David M. Glaccum is SBA’s Associate Administrator for International Trade and Pat Kirwan is the Director of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee Secretariat

In celebration of World Trade Month, federal trade promotion agencies will host our annual “Go Global” webinar series throughout May. U.S. businesses will learn about strategies and resources to increase global sales. The webinars address issues confronting companies and offer participants the chance to ask questions directly of the experts. Mark your calendar for this FREE four-part series on Thursdays in May. Here’s what you’ll learn about:World Trade Month Webinar Series

How do I find new buyers, finance sales and get paid? (May 9 at 2 p.m. EDT)

Learn how SBA and EXIM finance and credit insurance tools, along with market entry services from the U.S. Commercial Service, can help you unlock business potential in foreign markets. Access to finance and finding buyers are two of the most common challenges to small business exporting. Hear from a small business exporter who has used these programs to grow their business beyond the United States.Get expert advice, register now for the May 9 webinar.

How do I manage challenges in the global marketplace? (May 16 at 2 p.m. EDT)

Whether it’s protecting intellectual property rights, competing for foreign government procurement, or addressing trade barriers, learn about U.S. Department of Commerce programs that can help.  Once a small business starts selling to global customers, there will inevitably be a few bumps in the road. Knowing how to avoid challenges, or if they occur, where to turn for support can save time and money.

What tools can help me find new markets? (May 23 at 2 p.m. EDT)

Discover the power of data for finding foreign market opportunities. Get a hands-on tutorial of data tools that can help businesses that are ready to increase international sales. USA Trade Online, the Global Market Finder Tool, and the ITA Market Diversification Tool are available for anyone to use to identify new markets, evaluate existing markets, and perform other market research.

How can I identify trade opportunities in international development? (May 30 at 2 p.m. EDT)

Small business exporters can truly make the world a better place by doing good. In our final webinar of the series, gain insights into the work of U.S. development agencies. You’ll also hear about trade opportunities that can grow your business while solving the world’s most pressing problems.

Your Next Step in Global Sales Growth: Join the Webinar Series Thursdays in May

Whether you are a new exporter or an experienced international business, you will get valuable insight from this year’s “Go Global” webinar series.  Federal agencies are here to support your business’s success abroad. Click here to for details on the webinar series.

The federal agencies presenting this series are the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Export-Import Bank, the U.S. Department of Commerce (International Trade Administration and U.S. Census Bureau), the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

Posted in World Trade Month | Tagged | Comments Off on Looking to Increase Sales? “Go Global” World Trade Month Webinars Can Help Get You Started

h1

The International Trade Administration Celebrates World Trade Month

May 1, 2019

Gilbert Kaplan is the Under Secretary of Commerce for the International Trade Administration 

During World Trade Month, the International Trade Administration (ITA) will celebrate our commitment to preserving free, fair, and reciprocal trade that enhances American prosperity. Our nation is among the most innovative and open economies in the world, and for decades the United States has led the international trading system that has enabled American businesses and workers to succeed.

Gilbert Kaplan

 Under Secretary of Commerce for the International Trade Administration, Gilbert Kaplan

ITA has paved the way in enforcing the principles of free, fair, and reciprocal trade in addition to igniting America’s entrepreneurial spirit in areas of the world like the Indo-Pacific. The Department of Commerce will host our largest annual trade mission, Trade Winds, from May 6-13 in India. The Trade Winds Indo-Pacific Forum and Mission will provide U.S. exporters with the opportunity to further pursue business ventures throughout the Indo-Pacific. In 2018, U.S. exports of goods and services to the region were more than $476 billion. We see 2019 creating even greater potential for the future of U.S. exports to the region.

World Trade Month also brings ITA an additional opportunity to focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs. Nearly 285,000 U.S. companies exported goods in 2017, more than 97 percent of which were small or medium-sized businesses with fewer than 500 employees. ITA has encouraged market driven solutions to financing, where SMEs have greater access to the resources available and higher rates of success participating in the global marketplace. Furthermore, in line with this Administration’s emphasis on America being “open for business,” we have prioritized attracting inward investment and helping existing U.S. manufacturers increase their exports, which allows them to expand their current domestic operations and create opportunities for American workers.

During World Trade Week, May 19-25, Secretary Wilbur Ross will welcome U.S. companies to the Department of Commerce to present the President’s “E” Award. The award was created in 1961 by Executive Order of the President in recognition of a firm or organization that has made significant contributions to the increase of American exports. This year, there will be more than 40 companies receiving the award for export growth, demonstrating how American private enterprise can not only survive, but thrive, in the international market.

The work performed by ITA personnel located domestically and abroad is a critical contribution to the pro-growth agenda of the Trump Administration. We continue to produce remarkable results through promoting U.S. exports, attracting inward investment, and leveling the playing field for U.S. companies. In the last two years, ITA has assisted over 50,000 U.S. companies supporting $182 billion in U.S. exports. We also facilitated more than $22 billion in foreign investment into the United States; initiated 158 antidumping and countervailing duty cases; and successfully removed, reduced, or prevented 138 foreign trade barriers.

In the month ahead, ITA looks forward to highlighting the importance of international trade and its pivotal role in providing American workers and businesses with the chance to compete in a world economy in which competitive fairness rewards hard work and innovation. I encourage you to follow ITA on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn as we share coverage from a series of events throughout the month.

Posted in World Trade Month | Tagged | Comments Off on The International Trade Administration Celebrates World Trade Month

h1

World Trade Month Spotlight: Commerce Department Supports U.S. Small Business Exports!

May 31, 2018

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

Yuki Fujiyama is a trade finance specialist in the Office of Finance and Insurance Industries and the author of the Trade Finance Guide: A Quick Reference for U.S. Exporters.  Tricia Van Orden is the Deputy Director of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee Secretariat.

May is World Trade Month!  It is a fitting opportunity for the U.S. Department of Commerce to reiterate its commitment to helping U.S. companies enter and become successful in global markets.  It is also an opportunity to highlight how the Department supports U.S. exports, especially for small businesses.

Photo of U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross delivering keynote remarks at the 2018 EXIM Bank Annual Conference.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross delivers keynote remarks at the 2018 EXIM Bank Annual Conference.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross welcomed nearly 1,000 participants from around the world by delivering the keynote address at the U.S. Export-Import Bank Annual Conference in Washington D.C.  Many participants were small U.S. businesses seeking information on how to succeed in global markets. During his remarks, Secretary Ross emphasized the importance of helping American small businesses navigate international trade and finance to grow their global footprint.

Photo of U.S. Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary for Services James Sullivan (Center, 2nd Row) joining the Commerce Department exhibitor team at the 2018 EXIM Bank Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary for Services James Sullivan (Center, 2nd Row) joins the Commerce Department exhibitor team at the 2018 EXIM Bank Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

To echo the sentiment expressed in the Secretary’s keynote address, five Department of Commerce agencies sponsored an exhibit booth and provided export assistance information and counseling to more than 150 conference participants, including small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Agency representatives from the International Trade Administration, U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Industry and Security, Minority Business Development Agency and the National Institute of Standard and Technology met with attendees on strategy and planning, financing, business expansion, advocacy, dispute resolution, how to obtain trade statistics using the Harmonized System, as well as export license requirements.

Read below for more information about each of the agencies that attended the conference:

International Trade Administration (ITA)

ITA is the U.S. government’s lead export promotion agency.  Organized into three business units: 1) Global Markets; 2) Industry and Analysis; and 3) Enforcement and Compliance, ITA plays an important role in helping U.S. businesses, especially SMEs, enter and compete in global markets through export counseling and customized solutions, from how to get products through customs to commercial diplomacy, such as breaking down trade barriers.

U.S. Census Bureau

Census is one of the leading sources of quality data about the nation’s people and economy and is the official source for U.S. export and import trade statistics.  In addition, Census provides valuable resources and training on utilizing trade data, understanding the Foreign Trade Regulations and using the Automated Commercial Environment.

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

BIS administers and enforces the Export Administration Regulations, including issuing licenses for the export, reexport, and transfer (in-country) of commercial, military, and dual-use items, as well as for certain activities of U.S. persons.  The BIS Office of Exporter Services is the first line of contact for U.S. exporters and other trade professionals seeking information and assistance regarding export license requirements for the items and activities mentioned.

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

MBDA is the only federal agency dedicated to promoting the growth of and global competitiveness of minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs), the many of which are SMEs.  To help expand access to global market for American MBEs, MBDA recently established four new export centers in Chicago, Miami, Sacramento, and San Antonio.

National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST)

NIST is a non-regulatory federal agency charged with promoting innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology.  In 2006, the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership and ITA jointly launched ExporTech, a unique national program designed to help U.S. small manufacturers enter or expand in global markets.  Since 2006, ExportTech has helped over 1,000 manufactures in 34 states and Puerto Rico.

Together, these agencies play a critical role in supporting and promoting U.S. small business exports through a diverse array of programs. Those who received information or counseling from Department of Commerce representatives at the recent EXIM Bank Annual are ready to take the next step in advancing their business ventures in global markets!

Visit us on the web to learn more about how to enter, grow, and succeed in global markets.

 

Posted in World Trade Month | Tagged | Comments Off on World Trade Month Spotlight: Commerce Department Supports U.S. Small Business Exports!

h1

President’s “E” Awards Celebrate U.S. Companies’ Export Achievements

May 21, 2018

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

 Millie Spencer is an intern in ITA’s Office of Public Affairs

 On Monday, May 21, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross honored 43 American companies, representing 18 U.S. states and Guam, with the 2018 President’s “E” Award to kick off World Trade Week. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any person, firm, and organization can receive for making a significant contribution to increasing U.S. exports.

Secretary Ross

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross congratulates 43 American companies for their significant contributions to increasing U.S. exports.

This year, 25 companies and organizations were honored with the “E” Award for Exports for demonstrating a sustained increase in export sales over a four-year period. There were nine companies and organizations that assisted and facilitated export activities who received the “E” Award for Export Service. The “E” Star Award for Exports, which recognizes previous “E” Awardees who have reported four years of additional export growth, was awarded to eight firms. One company was awarded the “E” Star Award for Export Service, which recognizes previous “E” Awardees that have shown four years of continued support of exporters since first winning the “E” Award.

This year’s recipients included Hydro-Thermal Corporation of Waukesha, Wisc. Tracing its roots back to 1927, when inventors John White and Roy Miller patented their steam powered heating equipment, Hydro-Thermal Corporation is now the global leader in the development and manufacturing of Hydroheaters. Hydro-Thermal is represented in six continents and its technology is used in facilities in more than 85 countries around the world.

FTC Commercial Corporation (FTC) of Los Angeles, specializes in financing start-up businesses, public entities, and global businesses. FTC partners with the International Trade Administration and U.S. Department of Commerce to promote export trade and strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies in the international market. Since its founding 10 years ago, FTC has funded startups that have grown to more than $30 million in sales.

United Franchise Group began as a small franchising conglomerate in 1987, and has grown to more than 1,400 franchisees throughout the world. Today, United Franchise Group has more than 200 employees in the United States and abroad, and has established master licenses or its brands in more than 80 countries.

This year marks the 56th annual “E” Awards presentation. In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and recognize America’s exporters.  The “E” Award ceremony is one of the highlights of World Trade Month, a month-long celebration of the benefits that U.S. exports bring to national, state, and local economies through job creation and growth.

American companies are nominated for “E” Awards through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service office network, located within the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Record years of successive export growth and an applicant’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to the increase in exports is a significant factor in selecting winners.

For the full list of 2018 “E” Awardees, click here.

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter @Tradegov for coverage of more events throughout World Trade Month.

 

Posted in Wilbur Ross, World Trade Month | Tagged | Comments Off on President’s “E” Awards Celebrate U.S. Companies’ Export Achievements

h1

World Trade Week: Celebrating the Achievements of American Exporters

May 22, 2017

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

Sarah Kemp is the Acting Deputy Under Secretary at the International Trade Administration

This month, the International Trade Administration (ITA) joins the world in celebrating World Trade Month. In fact, this week is recognized as World Trade Week (May 21-27).

Nearly 295,000 U.S. companies exported goods in 2015. In fact, 97.6 percent of these companies were small- or medium sized businesses, with fewer than 500 employees. This is a perfect time to celebrate the achievements of American exporters, particularly small-and medium sized businesses.

Today, Secretary Wilbur Ross welcomed hundreds of U.S. company representatives to the Department of Commerce in honor of the President’s “E” award. The Award was created by Executive Order of the President in recognition of a firm or organization that has made significant contributions to the increase of American exports. For example, previous recipients have included; Chicago-based Garrett Popcorn which sells gourmet popcorn from retail shops, and has expanded to sell their products throughout Asia and the Middle East; Nanci’s Frozen Yogurt of Mesa, Arizona, which makes and sells soft serve, flavorings, and smoothie mixes to frozen yogurt chains and restaurants in dozens of countries around the world; and Hernon Manufacturing, Inc. of Sanford, Florida, which makes high-performance adhesives, sealants,  and precision processing equipment, and exports to 44 countries.

Speech

Secretary Wilbur Ross congratulates winners of the 2017 President’s E Awards at the Department of Commerce

Whether you are a small business or a huge corporation, here at ITA, we are charged with helping U.S. exporters and workers succeed in the global marketplace. We have a number of resources to help. Throughout the month, our Industry & Analysis sector leads will be releasing new Top Markets reports, adding to a collection of sector-specific reports that are designed to help U.S. exporters compare markets across borders, using our unique combination of market analysis, data and economic modeling. Each Top Markets report includes commentary on opportunities, trends, and challenges facing U.S. exporters in the largest potential markets, allowing exporters to target their resources at the most impactful opportunities.

ITA also has resources to help current exporters challenge unfair trade practices. The agency’s Office of Trade Agreements Negotiations and Compliance (TANC) is another great resource for U.S. exporters. They specialize in working with U.S. businesses to remove unfair foreign government-imposed trade barriers.

Our unique role in promoting exports, attracting investment, and leveling the playing field continues to produce results. Last year, we assisted over 28,000 U.S. companies (nearly 90% of which were small-and-medium-sized enterprises). Our efforts enabled $59 billion in U.S. exports. We also facilitated more than $5.3 billion in foreign investment into the United States; administered 368 Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties orders; and successfully removed, reduced, or prevented 110 foreign trade barriers. In total, our work supported more than 300,000 American jobs last year alone.

Our resources help exporters at every stage of the process, from becoming an exporter to helping your company face unfair trade barriers. Whether you are a big or small, new to exporting or have been exporting for decades- we are here to help. Every day, we strive to expand opportunities for American businesses through new markets. Our U.S.-based export assistance centers are in more than 100 cities, and our foreign commercial service offices  are in more than 75 markets around the world. Together we help U.S. businesses tap into global markets in ways they may not have been able to otherwise.

Throughout World Trade Month, events across the country are being held to recognize the importance of exporting. I encourage you to follow ITA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We will be covering a series of events throughout the month.

It is an honor to see the profound impact our agency has had on exporting and helping clients across the country. We would love to hear your story! Tell us how ITA has supported job creation at your company. Make sure to tag us on Twitter, @TradeGov,

 

Posted in Export Assistance, Success Stories, World Trade Month | Tagged , | Comments Off on World Trade Week: Celebrating the Achievements of American Exporters

h1

Partnering to Go Global: ITA & Baruch College

May 27, 2016

Jamie Merriman is the Acting Director of ITA’s Office of Strategic Partnerships

Baruch College, an ITA Strategic Partner, is empowering its students and solving real-world business problems through an innovative program with ITA’s U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) in New York City.  Students in Professor Rajeev Sawant’s capstone class in the undergraduate international business major have an opportunity to assist local businesses that are clients of the USEAC with their strategy for entering international markets.

One of the Baruch international business capstone teams at World Trade Week NYC 2015

One of the Baruch international business capstone teams at World Trade Week NYC 2015

As part of their capstone class, the students work on a real-life case applying their theoretical learning to help a local company go global. This ‘live case’ method of teaching has provided practical help to real companies in NYC.

One company, Beauty Solutions, asked the students to identify the most promising new export markets for its lipstick brand.  The students researched various markets, analyzing the level of interest in U.S. products, the stability of the local currency, and the percentage of shopping done via television, as well as other factors.  The students developed a methodology to rank the researched markets and presented their findings to Jerry Rauchwerger, the President of Beauty Solutions and a Baruch alum, at the conclusion of the course.  Beauty Solutions found tremendous value in the students’ advice, and is utilizing their recommendations in planning its international marketing strategy.

The capstone program has provided actionable market insights to other businesses in the NYC area – and even generated employment opportunities for some enterprising students!  The students also supported ITA and Baruch last week during World Trade Week NYC.

ITA Strategic Partners like Baruch College provide critical linkages between ITA and U.S. businesses, helping us to reach more exporters and arm them with the information they need to succeed in today’s globally competitive marketplace.  ITA’s mission to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. industry and promote trade and investment strengthens the U.S. economy, supports U.S. jobs, and fosters long-term, sustainable growth.

Posted in Strategic Partners, World Trade Month | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Partnering to Go Global: ITA & Baruch College

h1

World Trade Week NYC: Celebrating a rich history of export success

May 26, 2016

Elizabeth Montaquila is a U.S. Field Communications Specialist in the U.S. Commercial Service. 

Last week, Under Secretary Selig returned to his roots in Manhattan to celebrate World Trade Week and honor three New York companies for their international trade contributions to economic growth and job creation in the New York City metropolitan region.

The 2016 World Trade Week Awards Breakfast, U/S Selig presents Bob Frank with the award for Bob Frank Entertainment.

The 2016 World Trade Week Awards Breakfast, U/S Selig with Daniel Kuster of  Bob Frank Entertainment and Trade Specialist Peter Sexton.

Under Secretary Selig highlighted the Tri-State area’s history as a leader in trade and investment, which still continues today. In the six years since the economic recovery began in 2009, the New York City metropolitan area was ranked in the top five—out of 388 metropolitan areas across the United States—as the largest goods export hub in the country.

Contributing to the export success of the metropolitan area, are the three New York-based companies honored by the Under Secretary:

  • Beauty Solutions, a designer of high quality beauty products, was recognized for its successful entry into the international market. Offering anti-aging skincare products as well as an assortment of unique niche cosmetics, Beauty Solutions recently expanded into the Chinese market by contracting with the Chinese eCommerce site VIP.com.
  • M3 Technology, a small business specializing in the supply of hardware chemicals, electronics and other consumable products recently expanded into several European markets. After carefully assessing three specific markets, M3 signed a contract with MecaAero Consulting, a French company, to begin promoting M3 Technology throughout Europe.
  • Bob Frank Entertainment is a full service entertainment company that includes record labels, a music publishing company, and a film division. Created in 2012, Bob Frank Entertainment has expanded its international distribution networks, facilitated in part, through the company’s participation in trade missions to France, Canada, Brazil, and China. Already, as a result of their export expansion efforts, Bob Frank Entertainment has an estimated $1 million in new export and licensing sales, and has created an additional two new jobs in New York City.

While the goods and services provided by each of these award-winning companies may vary, one thing they all have in common is their participation in programs offered by the U.S. Commercial Service (CS).

“The Commercial Service offices in the New York metropolitan area are honored to see our clients recognized for their tremendous export achievements,” said Carmela Mammas, CS Manhattan Director. “All of our Commercial Service trade specialists are dedicated to providing the highest quality support and services to U.S. companies looking to grow their business internationally. Congratulations to Beauty Solutions, M3 Technology, and Bob Frank Entertainment on their well-deserved awards.”

CS offices in New York and Guangzhou China provided Beauty Solutions with market intelligence, guidance, introductions, and support of the company’s expansion into the Chinese Market. M3 Technology, a client of CS Long Island, relied on market analysis and matchmaking services provided by the U.S. Commercial Service, as did Bob Frank Entertainment, through their participation in international trade missions.

“We are thrilled to receive this Export Achievement award,” said Bob Frank, Founder/CEO of Bob Frank Entertainment. “We’d like to thank the Commercial service, without whose support this would not have been possible.”

Posted in World Trade Month | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on World Trade Week NYC: Celebrating a rich history of export success

h1

World Trade Month: The Importance of Global Trade  

May 2, 2016

Stefan M. Selig is the U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade.

World Trade Month logo

Every year, World Trade Month—designated for the month of May—gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the importance of global trade, and look back at the economic advancements we have made as a result. This World Trade Month, we can look back and appreciate the success we have accomplished.

In 2015, our exports totaled $2.23 trillion, we increased our exports to 58 international markets, and we achieved record exports with 20 global partners. Our export success was one aspect of a strong year for the U.S. economy where our auto industry experienced its best year ever and our manufacturing sector reached record highs for output. Exports also contributed to our economy, supporting 11.5 million U.S. jobs and accounting for nearly 13 percent of U.S. GDP. In addition, last year, U.S. services exports tallied another strong year. In fact, business services; telecommunications, computer and information services; and travel all reached export increases of more than $1 billion.

Because we have an economic landscape where trade and investment drive growth, the mission of the International Trade Administration (ITA) is even more important than it has been before. With more than 95 percent of the world’s customers living outside of our borders, trade and investment are a platform for our country to deliver our goods and services to global consumers. A robust export environment also attracts and encourages foreign companies to invest in the most innovative, productive workforce in the world: the United States of America.

These are just some of the reasons why we worked to complete the negotiation for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and are working on finalizing the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) negotiations. A world with both TPP and T-TIP will create a free-trade zone representing more than 60 percent of global GDP, while leveling the playing field for U.S. firms.

Throughout World Trade Month, events across the country are being held to recognize the importance of exporting to jobs and our economy. On May 16th, several U.S. companies will be in Washington, DC to receive the President’s “E” Award in recognition of their contribution to increasing American exports through selling high-quality products and services. During World Trade Week (May 16-20), ITA will lead two missions: a renewable energy trade mission to Mexico and a business development mission to the South Pacific. And, on May 25th, the Department of Commerce will partner with the Global Innovation Forum—a project of the National Foreign Trade Council—for an educational program at Microsoft Ventures in Seattle as a part of our Startup Global program, an initiative designed to help more startup firms think on a global scale from the earliest stages of growth.

Many other events will be held as a part of World Trade Month. I encourage you to follow ITA on Twitter @TradeGov where many of these events will be highlighted. Additionally, as a part of World Trade Month, we will launch our new Instagram account @IntlTrade at the beginning of this month.

ITA is charged with helping U.S. businesses and workers succeed in the global marketplace. Our U.S.-based export assistance centers in more than 100 cities, and our foreign commercial service offices in more than 75 markets around the world, help U.S. businesses tap into global markets in ways they may not have been able to otherwise.

Our client services are precisely why Kentucky-based Zoeller company, the oldest professional pump manufacturer in North America, found a distributor that helped them deliver their systems across sub-Saharan Africa; why Zee Manufacturing out of Des Moines Iowa, was able to ship its automotive accessory products into the Saudi Arabian market; and, why Stress Indicators of Maryland is shipping their visual-indicating SmartBolts to more than 20 countries all over the world, while seeing their revenue growth rate double since 2010.

Thanks to all of the U.S. exporters who continue to advance our competitiveness within the global marketplace. We honor you during this year’s World Trade Month for your relentless commitment and effort.

Posted in Miscellaneous, World Trade Month | Comments Off on World Trade Month: The Importance of Global Trade  

h1

Going Global: A Virtual Toolkit for Small Businesses

April 29, 2016

Ashley Zuelke is the Senior Advisor for Export Policy, Promotion and Strategy at the International Trade Administration.  

World Trade Month logoIn recognition of World Trade Month in May, communities across the country will focus on the importance of trade and its ongoing contribution to U.S. economic and job growth. The first week of May recognizes National Small Business Week, a fitting start to the month given the role of America’s small and medium-sized business which fuel our economy. These businesses make up the vast majority of U.S. exporters and an increasing share of the value of U.S. exports.

For many small U.S. companies, however, the path to expanding globally requires a large time investment and management commitment. Many firms are not sure where to begin, who to talk to, or how to navigate available resources. As a part of the National Export Initiative/NEXT and the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee, U.S. government agencies are committed to helping businesses tackle these challenges, and have produced a streamlined guide of federal export resources. The tools and resources we provide help answer questions regarding how to:

  1. Identify markets through independent research
  1. Assess markets of interest
  • Country Commercial Guides provide market intelligence and guidance on doing business in specific markets around the world.
  • StopFakes.gov and its Online Training Module is a good starting point for learning how to protect your Intellectual Property (IP) in markets of interest.
  • Talk to an expert:
  1. Make Connections
  • The U.S. Commercial Service can also help with:
    • Conducting background checks on potential buyers and distributors.
    • Connecting your business with pre-screened potential overseas partners.
    • Promoting your product or service to prospective buyers at trade events worldwide.
    • Meeting with international industry and government decision makers in your target market(s).
    • Navigating cultural differences.
  • Exhibit at U.S. trade shows: ITA recruits and vets foreign buyer delegations for certain shows.
  • Showcase at an overseas trade show in U.S. pavilions: Go to export.gov and search events.
  • See if your state is an awardee of the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) matching-fund awards from the Small Business Administration. State awardees administer STEP funds to help small businesses enter and succeed in the global marketplace.
  1. Take Advantage of Financing and Insurance
  1. Navigate mechanics

    Basic Guide to Exporting Cover

    Download “A Basic Guide to Exporting” Now!

  • Making international sales online? Learn about eCommerce mechanics.
  • The U.S. Commercial Service can also help with:
    • Understanding export documentation requirements and import regulations of foreign markets.
    • Navigating U.S. government export controls, compliance, and trade financing options.
    • Overcoming trade obstacles to successfully enter international markets.
  • Logistics resources and guidance: http://www.export.gov/logistics
  • When you export any good valued at over $2,500 (or requiring a license), you must submit information on the shipment to the Automated Export System (AES). Get help on filing AES, classifying merchandise, regulations and trade data by calling 1-800-549-0595. More information available on the Global Reach blog.
  • Screen potential buyers and partners to make sure you can do business with them and that they are not on one of the U.S. government denied parties or export control lists.

All of this information and more is available through “A Basic Guide to Exporting.” SBA also has an online tool to help you develop your Export Business Plan.

Exporting can be an important way to grow your business and your bottom line. These available tools are at your disposal to help you succeed in the global marketplace.

For more information on U.S. government export programs and services, visit www.export.gov.

Posted in Export Assistance, World Trade Month | Comments Off on Going Global: A Virtual Toolkit for Small Businesses

h1

President’s “E” Awards Recognize the Importance of Exporting To “Main Street” America

May 19, 2015

This post originally appeared on the Department of Commerce blog.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker Presents U.S. Companies with President's "E" Award for Export Success

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker Presents U.S. Companies with President’s “E” Award for Export Success

Today, U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker honored 45 American companies and organizations at the 2015 President’s “E” Awards ceremony.  The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

Exports are critical to spurring economic growth and job creation and this year, 26 companies were honored with the “E” Award for Exports for demonstrating a sustained increase in export sales over a four-year period. This year’s ceremony also honored, twelve companies with the “E” Award for Export Service for their work assisting and facilitating export activities, and another four firms received the “E” Star Award for Exports, which recognizes previous “E” Award winners who have reported four years of increased export growth. Secretary Pritzker also awarded three companies with the “E” Star Award for Export Service, which recognizes previous “E” Award winners that have shown four years of continued support of exporters since first winning the “E” Award.

Winners of the 2015 “E” Awards represent diverse communities in 20 states across the country including Van Nuys, Calif.; Edina, Minn.; Gilbert, Ariz.; Chicago, Ill.; Sanford, Fla.; and Ellington, Conn. Among the awardees were 35 small- and medium-sized businesses and 21 manufacturers representing a cross-section of American ingenuity and innovation.

This year’s award recipients include Chicago-based Garrett Popcorn which sells gourmet popcorn from retail shops, and has expanded to sell their products throughout Asia and the Middle East; Nanci’s Frozen Yogurt of Mesa, Arizona, which makes and sells soft serve, flavorings, and smoothie mixes to frozen yogurt chains and restaurants in dozens of countries around the world; and Hernon Manufacturing, Inc. of Sanford, Florida, which makes high-performance adhesives, sealants,  and precision processing equipment, and exports to 44 countries. Each of this year’s “E” Award companies are selling high-quality products and services in every corner of the world and most importantly, are helping to create good jobs for American workers.

Many of the “E” Awardees are able to conduct business internationally as a result of the 14 Trade Agreements with 20 countries currently in place. The Obama administration is working closely with Congress to pass trade promotion legislation, which outlines Congressional priorities on trade agreements, so that the deals currently being negotiated can be put in place.

The “E” Award ceremony is one of the highlights of World Trade Month, a month-long celebration of the benefits that U.S. exports bring to national, state, and local economies through job creation and growth. This year marks the 53rd annual “E” Awards presentation, which recognizes companies for their contributions to increasing U.S. exports. In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America’s exporters.

American companies are nominated for “E” Awards through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service office network, located within the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Record years of successive export growth and an applicant’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to the increase in exports is a significant factor in selecting winners.

For the full list of 2015 “E” Awardees, visit http://1.usa.gov/1AaVUur

Posted in World Trade Month | Comments Off on President’s “E” Awards Recognize the Importance of Exporting To “Main Street” America

« Newer Entries
Older Entries »