Did You Know that ITA has New Import Trends and Data?

From the International Trade Administration.
August 16, 2011

Natalie Soroka is an economist in the Office of Trade and Industry Information within the International Trade Administration. She focuses on international trade statistics and trends, as well as the impact on the domestic manufacturing sector.

In promoting U.S. trade interests, it can be easy to forget about the other side of the coin: imports and their importance as inputs to U.S. manufacturers and exporters. Early last year the Census Bureau started to include state-level merchandise import data with their monthly data release, which is now also available on our TradeStats Express platform. Similar to the state export series, this resource can be used to explore state-level trends in goods imports going back to 2008.  For example, in 2010 New York’s main import was precious stones and metals, most of which consisted of diamonds from Israel, India, Belgium, and South Africa. As far as trends over time, as you would expect state imports generally declined across the board in 2009.  However, two states bucked the trend and actually increased their imports: Kansas and Utah.  In Kansas’ case, this increase was nearly all due to high mineral fuel imports, which then dropped the following year (causing Kansas to be one of only four states that saw goods imports decline in 2010).

State reliance on imports of oil and gas as a percentage of total state goods imports

As for Utah, in 2008 the state reported increased imports of precious stones and metals, as well as aircraft.  In 2010 imports largely rebounded nationwide, except in four states: Delaware, Kansas, Wyoming, and Maine.  Delaware showed the greatest decline, which was largely due to a steep drop in imports of mineral fuel.  In 2008, mineral fuel accounted for more than a third of Delaware’s goods imports, but has since dropped 89 percent, accounting for only 5 percent of goods imports in 2010.
Speaking of fuel, many states rely heavily on oil and gas imports, importing higher than the general nationwide average share of nearly 15 percent. In particular, oil and gas account for more than half of total goods imports in five states: Montana, Louisiana, Hawaii, Wyoming, and Mississippi. On the other side, two states did not directly import any oil or gas in 2010: Rhode Island and West Virginia.

Twenty percent of companies engaged in trade both import and export.

In addition to the state import series, this past April the Census Bureau also started to release data on U.S. importing companies. In addition to highlighting the characteristics of companies that imported in 2009, this release also shows that for U.S. businesses, exports and imports are not mutually exclusive, with a sizeable portion both exporting and importing in 2009.
For more information on state import trends and U.S. importers, check out ITA’s Trade Statistics webpage.

Haiti Energizes their Textile Industry

From 
tradegov | August 25, 2011 at 4:31 pm | Tags: Haiti, MAGIC, trade preferences | Categories: Supply Chain, Textiles, Trade Shows and Trade Events | URL: http://wp.me/pF6la-lE
Amelia Baines is an intern in the Office of Public Affairs in the International Trade Administration


Despite seemingly overwhelming odds, Haiti continues its road to recovery. This struggling nation is slowly rebuilding after the devastating earthquake in 2010. While the Haitian government and economy is still on the road to recovery, Haiti’s textile and apparel industry continues to grow, even with the challenges posed by insufficient infrastructure and potential customer’ concern about the country’s recovery. As Haiti’s largest employer, continued expansion of the textile and apparel sector could infuse the economy with the growth it so desperately needs. Haiti is a prime location for business ventures, new industries, as well as exports. This small nation is surrounded by water and has a large sea port where their main exports are various types of textiles.

The Haitian textile and apparel industry is the country’s largest manufacturing sector, and employs more than 28,000 workers, and apparel constitutes more than 80 percent of all Haitian exports to the United States.  In 2010, exports of Haitian apparel valued more than $550 million, and looks to be increasing in 2011. Growth in the apparel industry could be the catalyst to the Haitian economy potentially employing 150,000 people within years and bring.
The United States is Haiti’s number one trading partner and textiles accounts for more than half of all exports. Other major items exported include oil, mangoes, cocoa, and coffee. The United States receives more than 70 percent of these exports with another 9 percent going to the Dominican Republic and 3 percent to Canada. The vast majority of Haitian apparel is exported to the United States, the world’s largest apparel market.

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Texas LEAD Conference Friday, August 26, 2011

ARE YOUR PERSONAL BRAND, YOUR SKILLS, AND YOUR EXPERIENCE STILL RELEVANT?


The 9th annual Texas LEAD (Leadership,  Education, And Diversity) Conference will be held this week at the UT Commons Conference Center.  This conference is sponsored jointly by the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) and the National Black MBA Society (NBMBAA).

This conference is a great place to network as well as interact with some great speakers.  Keynotes will be by Gary Hoover, Entrepreneur and founder of Hoovers.com and William Arruda, personal branding guru.  In addition, two of our ACC IBI faculty are speakers:  Eli Mercer and yours truly will be present.

There is a student rate of $25.00 for the one-day conference.  More details can be found at:  http://texaslead2011.eventbrite.com/

Hope to see you there.Publish Post

8 Steps for Export Compliance

Global Trade Net (www.globaltrade.net) recently published a great article by Matthew Goldstein on how to comply with Export Regulations and controls.


In many respects, export controls are just another cost of doing business in today’s global marketplace. They cannot be ignored. Responsible exporters must be dedicated and fully commit their company to compliance. They must stay informed of changes to the export control regulations, follow other laws applicable to their international operations, and adjust each compliance step as needed. While this may all seem very complex, the eight steps described in this article present an organized approach to export controls that can minimize risks and help keep a company’s foreign markets open.

THE EIGHT STEPS TO COMPLIANCE

ONE	Learn the Rules
TWO	Determine Jurisdiction and Classification
THREE	Register as Required
FOUR	Screen Each Transaction
FIVE	Obtain All Necessary Authorizations
SIX	Make and Keep Records and Reports
SEVEN	Implement a Written Compliance Program
EIGHT	Monitor Compliance

The complete article can be found on Global TradeNet.

Upcoming Trade Events in Austin and elsewhere

This event list is edited and compiled by Karen Parker at our local Austin Export Assistance Center.  Additional information about the U.S. Department of Commerce,  Export Assistance Center  can be found at http://export.gov/.  The local Austin Center can be found at:  http://export.gov/texas/austin/.

NOTE - Click on blue title to link to more details and registration info.

Local to Austin:

Sept. 21, Introduction to Imports, International Trade Education Series Workshop.  9:00 AM–11:30 AM.  If you are interested in learning how to import your goods to the U.S., this seminar is geared to assist you.  Topics examined in this “Introduction to Imports” seminar will include selecting qualified suppliers, transportation, logistics and much more.  30 seats available.  Registration: $35.

Oct. 19, Introduction to Exports  International Trade Education Series Workshop. 9:00 AM–11:30 AM. If you are a manufacturer, service provider, entrepreneur or small business owner interested in exporting products or services, let us help you explore your export potential.  This seminar will take the unknowns out of international trade.  We will help you discover whether your company is export ready. Topics examined in this “Introduction to Exports” seminar will include resources available to help you go global, identifying the advantages of exporting your products or services abroad, and much more.  30 seats available.  Registration: $35  

*Oct. 22 to Dec.10, 2011, CGBP Certificated Global Business Professional (CGBP) Exam Prep Course, Saturday’s 9:15 am–3:00 pm.  The International Business Institute at ACC is offering a course designed to help prepare students and business professionals to take the CGBP Exam.  The NASBITE CGBP certification provides a benchmark for competency in global commerce.  The CGBP designation demonstrates an individual’s ability to conduct global business. Topics include: Global Business Management, Global Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Trade Finance.  Registration is currently open and ends October 12, 2011. For more information on this class or the exam email ibi@austincc.edu, call 512–223–0390

*Nov. 16, Small Business Global Export Access Forum, AM session on Export Finance and PM session on Export Readiness and Resources. Save the date, more details coming soon.

*Nov 29 and 30,  BIS Complying with Export Controls. Save the date, more details coming soon.

in Texas:

*August  11, 2011, Maquila Supplier Day Program, El Paso, TX.   8:30 am The El Paso Economic Development Department will conduct the next Supplier Day on in the La Placita meeting room at the El Paso Airport.  Two Maquiladoras will be taking brief meetings with USA suppliers at the event.  Please contact Mayra de la Canal at the El Paso Economic Development Department to reserve a meeting time – delacanalmx@elpasotexas.gov

*Sept- Dec.  2011, Numerous International seminars, Dallas, Texas. Host by the SBDC International Trade Center

*Oct 12 & 13, AES Compliance Seminar and AES PClink Training by Census Bureau, Dallas, TX.  How well do you know the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) and the Automated Export System (AES)? Are you up to date on recent clarifications? Do you understand how to classify your commodities? It is imperative that you understand the new requirements of the FTR so you can avoid possible penalties and seizure of your commodities. Attending this educational seminar and workshop will provide you with the information to assist you with the exporting process.  Seminar Cost:  $275 for seminar and $60 for training.

Oct. 27-28,  US-MEXICO BORDER ENERGY FORUM XVIII, El Paso, Texas. The annual U.S.-Mexico Border Energy Forum brings together private sector and government leaders from all 10 border states, Mexico City, and Washington, D.C. This year the Forum starts Wednesday, October 26, in partnership with Re-Energize the Americas.

Oct 27-28, 4th Reenenergize The Americas Conference, El Paso, Texas.

Elsewhere in the US:

*Sept.  7-8, 2011, Arizona Export Compliance Summit, Scottsdale, Arizona.  This hands-on, application-focused two-day event will review and update of the compliance challenges facing technology exporters, manufacturers, brokers, freight forwarders and academic institutions of all sizes.  Insightful speakers will review a wide range of issues facing trade compliance executives, empowered officials and practitioners at all levels including: automation in trade compliance; best practices; export control reform; merger and acquisition due diligence; enforcement, disclosures and investigations; real world case studies, lessons learned from industry peers; and more.  Cost:  $495

Nov. 2–5,  National District Export Council Conference: Exporting Creates Jobs. Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV.  This event will focus on how to enable attendees and exhibitors to increase their exporting initiatives.  An education track includes Export University certificate program, an International Pavilion Exhibition Hall, U.S. Commerce staff from around the world and Consuls General from more than 30 countries.  This conference and trade show is solely dedicated to exporting U.S. goods and services and exchanging best practices with attendees.

International Events:

August 21– 27, TRADE MISSION: Lima, Peru and Santiago, Chile.  This Business Development Trade Mission will assist you company by providing matchmaking opportunities in both locations, networking events and site visits. Registration deadline: June 15. Cost: SME $3,500, large companies $4,200.  Participants cover other costs for travel, lodging, meals, etc.

Sept. 19-23, EXECUTIVE-LED MISSION TO SOUTH AFRICA, Johannesburg & Cape Town.  Representing one of the largest economies and most diversified industrial and service sectors, South Africa, provides major opportunities for U.S. suppliers Targeted Sectors will include: sustainable and efficient energy technologies (equipment and products), productivity enhancing agricultural technologies, and equipments, and educational services and skills development.. Cost: SME $2,125, large companies $2,565. Registration deadline: July 18. Participants cover other costs for travel, lodging, meals, etc.