To address trade balance issues, the U.S. Commercial Service seeks to encourage company's to consider export — not only to reduce governmental deficits, but because it's good for the bottom line.
The Service points out that free trade agreements have opened up markets in Australia, Chile, Singapore, Jordan, Israel, Canada and Mexico, and other countries; creating more opportunities for U.S. businesses. The recently negotiated Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) involving Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic will open even more opportunities for U.S. firms.
Though small and medium-sized companies account for nearly 97% t of U.S. exporters, their shipments represent just a small share of the total export value of U.S. goods. The Commercial Service claims that many smaller businesses are so busy running their day-to-day operations that they don't look into exporting and that many businesses have misconceptions about exporting, believing it's too burdensome or that it's just for larger firms.
The U.S. Commercial Service looks to work with these small-to medium-sized businesses to encourage exports through end-to-end solutions. Its network includes 109 U.S. cities and nearly 150 posts at U.S. embassies and consulates in 80 countries.
The Service's worldwide network of trade specialists provides export counseling, customized market research, pre-screened business appointments abroad through the Gold Key Service, international contacts and trade leads, advocacy, trade events, and more.
Of particular interest in today's global trade environment are the China Business Information Center and Middle East/North Africa Business Information Center (MENA BIC) which assist U.S. businesses interested in these challenging, but profitable markets.
Learn more by calling 1-800-USA-TRADE or visit the web site: www.export.gov.