Posts Tagged ‘export promotion’

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Connecting America’s Rural Communities to Global Trade

September 9, 2021

Heather Ranck leads the U.S. Commercial Service’s Rural Export Center

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

An image of a tractor in a field

Rural areas are known for open sky, forests, fields, and small towns. While thought of as being distant from foreign affairs, rural America is an export powerhouse of food, energy and a vast array of innovative products.

On September 1, an important discussion was held at Swanson Health Products in Fargo, North Dakota, a leading vitamin and mineral producer with a strong national and global footprint. Swanson hosted a Rural Roundtable with U.S. Senators John Hoeven (North Dakota) and Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota), during which five other rural businesses highlighted the value of in-depth customized market research.

This is where the International Trade Administration (ITA) and its export promotion arm, the U.S. Commercial Service, are helping. While rural American companies are located great distances from urban information centers and gateways, they now have access to the Rural Export Center, a new U.S. Commercial Service program established in May 2020 that allows rural American exporters to tap into data analytics and an extensive network of trade professionals.

The Rural Export Center’s signature service is RAISE – Rural America’s Intelligence Service for Exporters. The RAISE program is geared toward companies that seek to speed up their market selection and reduce the risk of poor decision-making on market selection, partner identification and entry strategies. The service leverages powerful databases, proven processes and the Commercial Service’s unparalleled global expertise. RAISE provides rural American exporters with customized market intelligence that will rank the opportunities in foreign markets, identify potential partners and provide actionable recommendations to help the exporters enter new markets faster and more cost effectively.

An image of Senator Hoeven (left), Heather Ranck (center), and Senator Klobuchar (right) seated. Senator Klobuchar is holding a microphone.
Rural Export Center Director Heather Ranck (center) moderates the discussion with Senator Hoeven (left) and Senator Klobuchar (right)

Swanson’s own example illustrates how the program works. As said by their CFO Jim Hamel, “Having knowledge is better than nodding and trusting. The research [provided by RAISE] was helpful to optimize relationships with our partners. Getting a comprehensive contact list was invaluable; and being able to share that with our new distributor allows us to hit the ground running.”

Another Roundtable participant, Mike Wagner, CEO of Sea Foam International (a manufacturer of fuel additives), shared his experience of using RAISE research. “Quality data is hard to obtain and very expensive. It is extremely time-consuming just figuring out what data sources exist, much less subscribing to them for the time needed to analyze a market. The RAISE program takes this process over and makes a tedious process quick and easy. I cannot over-emphasize the value of information-from local knowledge, data, resources and contacts, to name a few provided by the US Commercial Service.”

The two Senators also elaborated on the importance of rural exports in their states and the work of the Rural Export Center:

  • Senator Hoeven: “Exports are a vital part of North Dakota’s economy, with our state exporting $7 billion worth of goods in 2019, supporting an estimated 28,000 jobs. This comes as a result of our long-term efforts, both through the North Dakota Trade Office and now the Rural Export Center, to create opportunities for trade across industries, including agriculture, energy and manufacturing. With the Rural Export Center now in its second year of operation, today’s discussion is all about reviewing the impact of their good work and future opportunities to grow and diversify businesses throughout rural America.”
  • Senator Klobuchar: “Today we heard from people doing businesses across Minnesota and North Dakota how important exporting is to their success. I worked with Senator Hoeven to create the Rural Exports Center to give our rural businesses the assistance they need to break into international export markets and compete in the 21st Century economy. In its first year, over 1,800 businesses have benefitted.”

Rural companies can learn more about the Rural Export Center and can submit requests for a free research consultation at https://www.trade.gov/rural-export-center.

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U.S. Recognizes Another Year of Export Growth

February 8, 2013

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

Francisco Sánchez serves as the Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. Mark Doms serves as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs. This post also appears on the Department of Commerce blog.

Last year was another record-setting year for U.S. exporters.

Data released today show that in 2012, American exports totaled $2.2 trillion, eclipsing the previous record of $2.1 trillion in exports in 2011.

Data from the Department of Commerce show that U.S. exports in 2012 totaled nearly $2.2 trillion, a record for American exports.

Data from the Department of Commerce show that U.S. exports in 2012 totaled $2.2 trillion, a record for American exports.

This represents more than just numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s further proof that “Made in the USA” products are in demand all over the world.  It also means that more U.S. businesses are seizing the great opportunities in the global markets, continuing to help pave our nation’s road to economic recovery.

The increase in U.S. exports continues an upward trend that began in 2009. This trend has contributed to the creation of 6.1 million American private-sector jobs during the last 35 months. It is a direct result of President Obama’s National Export Initiative, part of a government strategy to strengthen our economy, support the creation of American jobs, and ensure long-term growth.

We are making historic progress toward the President’s goal of doubling exports by the end of 2014. Data show significant export growth in agriculture, motor vehicles, aerospace, and travel and tourism. The U.S. also continued to dominate exports in the services industry, worth over $632 billion, an increase of $26.4 billion over the previous year. This gave us a $195 billion trade surplus for services, which is a record surplus for the services industry.

Data show that U.S. exports with free trade partners in 2012 grew at nearly twice the rate as with the rest of the world.There was significant growth in trade with the 20 countries sharing trade partnerships with the U.S. Exports to these countries grew at nearly twice the rate of exports to the rest of the world and represented nearly half of all U.S. exports in 2012. Exports to Panama and Colombia, two countries with which the U.S. entered trade agreements in 2012, achieved record highs.

U.S. businesses continue to face the challenge of slow growth in the global economy. That is why the Obama administration continues to do everything possible to support American farmers, workers, and businesses as they compete in the global marketplace. As the record data show, this work benefits American exporters and the U.S. economy.

We will continue to expound on the data here on the Tradeology blog, the Economic Statistics Administration blog, and on Twitter. You can also find a copy of the data here.

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Putting International Trade at the Local Level

January 30, 2013

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Elías González is an intern in the International Trade Administration Office of Public Affairs, and is a former West Point Cadet and graduate from the University of Pennsylvania.

Should local governments pay attention to international trade? American trade leaders think so and they’re helping city leaders take a bite out of the export pie.

International trade was a hot topic at the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Winter Meeting in Washington, DC this month, and representatives from the International Trade Administration (ITA) used the opportunity to illustrate how U.S. competitiveness depends on local communities.

Francisco Sánchez, Under Secretary for International Trade, emphasized the importance of the president’s National Export Initiative (NEI).  He said that 95 percent of consumers live outside the U.S., and that the NEI is instrumental in helping American businesses access those foreign markets. He also lauded its success, citing that U.S. exports reached a record $2.1 trillion in 2011 and that data when available next month will likely show that 2012 was even higher.

In a separate task force meeting, Walter Bastian, Deputy Secretary for the Western Hemisphere here at ITA, reaffirmed the importance of international trade, pointing out that trade with Mexico alone produces an average of $1 million a minute for the U.S. economy.

Bastian emphasized the importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade agreement among several Asian, Pacific, and North American countries, and how it will strengthen trade with Mexico. He said that it will help reduce the cost of doing business, potentially making that million-dollar-a-minute figure higher.

Sánchez and Bastian were quick to note that the economic benefits from trade are not felt only by the U.S. as a whole, but by local communities as well.

In a cooperative effort to help local communities enter the exporting business efficiently, ITA has partnered with the Brookings Institution on the Metropolitan Export Initiative (MEI). Several metropolitan areas in the U.S. are already participating, and the Under Secretary urged the mayors to utilize the tools the ITA provides. The MEI is one of many tools in place to remedy inefficiency. Inefficiency at the border—issues like long wait times for trucks—cost upwards of $6 billion per year.

Initiatives like the MEI help local communities gain greater control over their exports and create more efficient and beneficial trade partnerships.

Under Secretary Sánchez concluded his discussion at the conference by emphasizing that cities need to prioritize exports, reach new markets, and draw new investments. He reiterated what he and Bastian deemed crucial, that as cities succeed the country succeeds, and that ITA is here to help.

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APEC 2011: Twenty-One Markets, Unlimited Opportunities!

November 22, 2011

Stephen L. Green is a Commercial Officer on domestic assignment with the U.S. Export Assistance Center in Honolulu and has served with the International Trade Administration since 2000.

The United States just wrapped up their year of hosting  the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC) Summit and I was fortunate enough to be on hand in Hawaii for the finale. So, what’s left after the  Summit?  That is the burning question on the minds of all Hawaiian people as the largest event in the State’s history comes to a close.  Over the past week, dignitaries, officials, and business executives from APEC’s 21 member economies descended on Honolulu to discuss the path forward in expanding trade, investment, and economic growth in order to create employment and raise living standards across the region.  And, this was not just any group.  Combined, they represent 40 percent of the world’s population, 56 percent of global gross domestic product, and approximately 50 percent of international trade.  No, not just any group.  Rather, the world’s most powerful coalition of economies that have agreed upon promoting open trade and investment across a region spanning thousands of miles on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.  The United States, China, Japan, Russia, Canada, Mexico and 15 other major economies, they were all here in Honolulu last week.  What’s left after APEC?  I have plenty of answers.

Secretary Bryson presents a Certificate of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade to Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz recognizing the State’s leadership in promoting the Hawaiian Islands as a destination for foreign travelers.

Secretary Bryson presents a Certificate of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade to Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz recognizing the State’s leadership in promoting the Hawaiian Islands as a destination for foreign travelers.

For starters, Hawaii-based companies met new international business partners.  SKAI Ventures, one of our best clients, is now in deep discussions with a number of potential distributors met during APEC.  And, deals were done.  Sopogy, Inc., another one of our top clients, signed a memorandum of understanding with Sichuan Dongjia Investment Company outlining how this new partner will market Sopogy’s world-class micro concentrated solar power technology in China.  In addition to the business deals happening at APEC, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s senior leadership honored local businesses and brought the message of expanded exports to the local economy.  Recently-confirmed Secretary of Commerce John Bryson returned to his boyhood stomping grounds of Honolulu where he attended 7th grade at Kaimuki Middle School, this time for his first bilateral meetings with APEC counterparts on a range of trade and investment issues.  Secretary Bryson also presented two U.S. Department of Commerce Certificates of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade during his visit; one commending the Hawaii Pacific Export Council for its role in developing export opportunities for Hawaii-based companies and a second to Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz recognizing the State’s leadership in achieving President Obama’s National Export Initiativegoals by promoting tourism in the Hawaiian Islands as a service export.

Secretary Bryson presents a Certificate of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade to Hawaii Pacific Export Council (HPEC) Chairman Steve Craven commending HPEC’s role in developing export opportunities for Hawaii-based companies.

Secretary Bryson (center) presents a Certificate of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade to Hawaii Pacific Export Council (HPEC) Chairman Steve Craven commending HPEC’s role in developing export opportunities for Hawaii-based companies.

Our Under Secretary for International Trade Francisco Sánchez and Assistant Secretary for Market Access and Compliance Michael Camuñez with their Indonesian counterparts launched the first-ever U.S.-Indonesian Commercial Dialogue that will pay close attention to harmonizing standards in the energy sector.  And, Japan announced that it intends to join the 21st Century Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement that promises unprecedented opportunities for U.S. exporters doing business in the Asia-Pacific region.

The State of Hawaii has always been a surf-and-sand tropical paradise.  That won’t change after APEC but what APEC surely did is transform the Hawaiian Islands into an international commercial hub, where doing business beyond the reef is an everyday part of life.  Our office, the Hawaii U.S. Export Assistance Center, stands ready to make sure Hawaii companies take advantage of this new frontier.

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Civil Nuclear Trade Mission – Czech

July 19, 2010

Francisco J. Sánchez is the Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade

We traveled from Poland to Prague, where the magnificence of the cobblestone streets and crumbling spires are as historic as the government tender that is currently open for bidding –  the two new nuclear power plants scheduled for building represent the largest single U.S. commercial opportunity not only in Czech, but in all of Europe.   The project is worth an estimated $27.5 billion, and will create thousands and thousands of jobs.  If Westinghouse, one of three companies in the final running along with competitors from France and Russia, wins the bid, billions of those dollars will represent new U.S. exports, and thousands of those jobs will be high-paying U.S. jobs.  We are promoting a fair and transparent procurement process, for if that happens, we are confident nobody can match the experience, expertise and technology of powerhouse Westinghouse.  This is what the National Export Initiative is all about.

After touring the actual Czech build site at Temelin, we traveled by bus through the sun-flowered rolling hills onwards to Slovakia and the charming capital of Bratislava.  One barely notices when crossing the border of these neighboring countries, and their commercial ties are deeply intertwined as well.  In fact, the largest energy project currently in the works would be constructed and operated as a joint venture – 51% owned by the Slovak government and 49% owned by the Czech Energy Works.  As we have throughout this trade mission, we enjoyed a warm welcome by our local staff as well as government counterparts, and candid discussions on opportunities and working together.  The tender here reflects the importance of financing in landing these enormous deals – as private financing must be secured for the entire cost of the project.  This is where our inter-agency efforts are critical, and our ability to provide access to capital and financing for our companies essential in enhancing our exports abroad.

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Strategic Partnerships and the National Export Initiative

February 22, 2010

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

Adam Wilczewski is the Director of Strategic Partnerships in the International Trade Administration’s U.S. Commercial Service.

Friday afternoon I got a heads-up from one of our Strategic Partnership managers, Bob McEntire, about a news report on an Atlanta television station about Secretary Locke’s visit to the UPS operations center in Doraville, Georgia.  In addition to a synopsis of the visit, the report embodies the Administration’s push to promote its National Export Initiative and the benefits of the work we can do with our public-private partners.  It’s good to see the private sector working progressively with the Department of Commerce to help increase exports and to create more jobs.

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A Blue Print for Export-Driven Jobs Growth

February 4, 2010

Mary Trupo is the International Trade Administration’s Director of the Office of Public Affairs.

The National Press Club is abuzz with excitement as Secretary Gary Locke prepares to roll out the National Export Initiative (NEI), unveiled during President Obama’s State of the Union Address.  During last week’s speech, the president announced a goal of doubling exports over the next five years to support 2 million jobs in America. The NEI, the first of its kind, represents a government-wide export-promotion strategy in the U.S. with focused attention from the president and his cabinet.

As I sit here in the throng of reporters, members of Congress and invited guests, I am struck by how much work, collaboration and passion has gone into creating this historic initiative. Much more work is ahead as we promote and engage American businesses to take advantage of the expanded programs that the Secretary just announced.

I am excited to be part of this moment and know that through the efforts of the talented and dedicated global staff within ITA, we will reach the goal of increasing exports and assisting more U.S. companies who are either new to exporting or export ready, to expand into new markets.

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State of the Union Spotlights Importance of Export Promotion

January 28, 2010

Michelle O’Neil is the Acting Under Secretary of the International Trade Administration.

We have always known the importance of exports to the American economy here at the International Trade Administration and we are thrilled that President Obama recognized exports and the National Export Initiative in yesterday’s State of the Union Address.

If we needed any more confirmation of the importance of our role at ITA, we heard it last night.  One of the pillars of the new foundation of economic growth rests on exporting more American goods and services – a message the nation heard loud and clear directly from President Obama.

There is no time for us to waste and no reason for the country to have to wait to see the results of the challenge the President laid at our feet:  To double exports by the end of the next five years and support new jobs in America.

The President mentioned just about everything that we do here at ITA – but now we are going to step it up a notch to help create the two million jobs that doubling exports will generate.

We must help more farmers and small businesses expand their exports; seek new markets for American products; continue to pursue free trade agreements and find ways to enforce them; continue to push for concluding the Doha round; expand our trading relationships with Asia and other key trading partners; and, above all, work together.

In doing our jobs and doing them well, we will have confirmed the faith the President has in us.

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