International Trade Blog

Importers and exporters know that trade has become part of the lifeblood of the American economy.

The numbers are astounding: 39 million jobs—including 6 million manufacturing positions—depend on trade, according to a 2019 study by Trade Partnership Worldwide. In 2018, American farmers exported $139.6 billion worth of agricultural products. And small- and medium-sized businesses make up 98% of U.S. exporters.

This is largely owing to the buildup of trade relationships with other countries. The United States is currently working on its 15th free trade agreement with its 21st trading partner, and it's hard to imagine a world without these partnerships. But less than a century ago, the landscape looked completely different.

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By many measures, China is the largest economy in the world. That makes it an undeniable force in international trade.

Yet, this formidable giant gives many small and midsize exporters pause—U.S. exporter pessimism is evident, especially in light of China’s slowing economic growth, mounting concerns about national security implications of technology supply chains, and U.S. and Chinese retaliatory tariffs.

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As our neighbor to the North, Canada is often the first place many U.S. exporters look to share their goods. And for good reason! A shared language, shared culture, and excellent economic relationship with Canada makes doing business there appealing to new and established exporters.

In this article, I’ll look at the history of U.S. trade with Canada; how NAFTA and now the USMCA has altered trade with Canada; the process of exporting to Canada, including documentation and compliance requirements; and the benefits and considerations for U.S. companies looking to break into the Canadian market.

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Do you want to go bungee jumping?

Perhaps this seems like a strange question, but stay with me. Are people who bungee jump crazy? Or are they just having fun and seeking an adrenaline rush?

No matter your opinion, the point is that bungee jumpers have assessed the risk and determined that it is acceptable.

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The relationship between Mexico and the United States has been highly publicized as of late—from border walls to drug cartels to the USMCA. Despite the sometime contentious relationship between the two countries, U.S. exporters should still consider Mexico an exciting growth opportunity.

This article looks at the history of U.S. trade with Mexico; how the USMCA has altered trade with Mexico; the process of exporting to Mexico, including documentation and compliance requirements; and the benefits and considerations for U.S. companies looking to break into the Mexican market.

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新年快乐

Even if you can’t read the above characters, there’s a good chance their meaning is significant to you. The translation, “Happy Chinese New Year,” is a greeting shared by more than 1.3 billion Chinese citizens and millions of others across the globe who celebrate the holiday.

Chinese New Year has a significant impact on exporters because Chinese factories, ports and many other businesses in China actually close down during the holiday. Territories with significant Chinese populations, including Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius and Philippines are also affected by the holiday; production and manpower come to a halt, slowing down international trade as well.

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Becoming a successful exporter is difficult enough without countries imposing barriers on your products meant to keep them out.

Tariffs are one barrier in the news right now that make exporting your goods more difficult by increasing the cost to your international customers. But there are also non-tariff barriers that governments can implement as well that make it difficult for exporters to succeed.

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Despite its rocky start some 250 years ago, the United States’ trade history with the United Kingdom (U.K.) has blossomed into a mutually beneficial relationship—some 40,000 U.S. companies now export to the U.K. each year.

Thanks to a common language, low trade barrier, and the U.K.’s business-friendly environment, exporting to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland—the countries that make up the U.K.— should continue to grow.

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Looking to break into the world’s fastest-growing economy? Then look toward India.

That’s right—by 2020, India will outrank China as the most populous country in the world. So what does the growth of this nation mean for its economy, and for exporters who may want to enter it?

Keep reading to get a look at the history of U.S. trade with India; the process of exporting to India, including documentation and compliance requirements; and the benefits and considerations for U.S. companies looking to break into the Indian market.

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The United States’ relationship with Japan is an interesting and complex one—Japan’s culture, large middle class, aging population, and turbulent economic history blend to create an environment that makes exporting to Japan both promising and, in some cases, difficult.

In this article, I’ll look at the history of U.S. trade with Japan; the process of exporting to Japan; understanding cultural complexities; documentation and compliance requirements; and the benefits and considerations for U.S. companies looking to break into the Japanese market.

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