Seven billion is a number that businesses may want to think about. That is the number that the world's population attained on October 31, 2011, according to the United Nations Population Division. Compare that to the Census Bureau estimate of 312 million residents in the United States. It means that 22-times more people live outside the United States than in this country.
That is good news for U.S. companies that already export as well as for those that want to enter the export arena for the first time. As we approach the year end and reflect on future business opportunities, there is no better time than right now to pursue exporting as part of your business strategy and action plans. Adam Smith's wisdom regarding "comparative advantage" back in the 1700's still rings true for us today and will serve those who make the effort to pursue global markets. In research, products and services, the U.S. is recognized for its technology, quality, delivery and, thanks to foreign exchange rates, pricing advantages. Other advantages include trade agreements and government-backed relationships, just to name a few.
Despite these advantages, it is still a very competitive world out there. For U.S. exporters, there is good news again: enter the International Trade Administration, popularly known as the ITA.
If you visit their website you will notice that the ITA is there to help you in many ways. First and foremost, the ITA strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promotes trade and investment, and ensures fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of our trade laws and agreements. ITA works to improve the global business environment and helps U.S. organizations compete at home and abroad. The ITA supports the National Export Initiative to support and sustain economic growth and support American jobs.
In order to do this, the ITA is organized into four distinct but complementary business units:

• U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service—Promotes U.S. exports, particularly by small and medium-sized enterprises, and provides commercial diplomacy support for U.S. business interests around the world.


• Manufacturing and Services—Strengthens U.S. competitiveness abroad by helping shape industry-specific trade policy.


• Market Access and Compliance—Assists U.S. companies and helps create trade opportunities through the removal of market access barriers.


• Import Administration—Enforces U.S. trade laws and agreements to prevent unfairly traded imports and to safeguard the competitive strength of U.S. businesses.

Another useful tool to help you increase your export markets and penetrate new markets is the Export Programs Guide, which is available as a free download from their website. The ITA first published this book in the early 1990's, and it was a great help to me back then when I needed all the help I could get. Even today with 43-plus years of export experience, I find this a valuable reference resource. I continue to recommend this 89-page, easy-to-reference book to my clients as a worthwhile resource, especially to those looking for additional markets and new to exports.
This government publication contains detailed descriptions of more than 100 programs offered by 20 different federal agencies. It is the most comprehensive guide to federal programs designed to assist U.S. exporters. The guide provides information on sources of trade leads; market research programs; special market access and technical assistance programs; export finance, insurance, and non-agricultural grant programs; and agricultural export and finance programs.
In summary, one of the ways to increase your company's bottom line is to engage in successful exporting. Fortunately the global market continues to expand with support and assistance available to you from the ITA.
( linda )26 Dec,2011

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