By Claudia Tomaselli from the Michigan Brazil Center

The Brazilian Economy is showing signs of recovery. As per a recent headline at a daily newspaper, “The economy did not heal, but it stopped hurting.” The article addressed industry performance and the fact that almost half of Brazil’s 26 industry sectors enjoyed a production rise in December 2016 in an annual comparison. Sectors that stood out include manufacturing of computer equipment, electronics and optics, (29%), apparel (23.1%), automotive vehicle manufacturing, trailers and bodies (19.6%), machinery and equipment (12.8%), textiles (12.4%) and wood (10.2%).

In order to increase its levels of international trade, Brazil must modernize its industrial base which is where opportunities for MI companies lie. High-tech, innovative solutions are needed in all segments of industry and not only in the sectors mentioned above. There is, for instance, an increased demand for environmental solutions and technologies as well as improved infrastructure where 25 projects in transport, energy and sanitation are being opened to the private sector through concessions under the newly formed Investment Partnerships Program.

In addition, opportunities in Brazil go beyond the industrial side of the economy as the agricultural sector is forecasted to boost the Brazilian economy even further this year. According to this latest forecast, Brazil will produce around 215 million tons of grain in 2017, an increase of 15% over the previous year. First estimates predict harvests starting now to inject almost R $200 billion into the economy this year - something around US $70 billion. One main reason for the recent boost in Brazil’s economy include increased productivity due to use of cutting-edge technology in the preparation  of land, seed production, cultivation and monitoring of planting, irrigation, harvesting, transportation and storage of crops. Brazilian farmers are also beginning to utilize state-of-the-art equipment ranging from georeferenced seeders to drones used to control diseases and pests.

Opportunities for Michigan exporters in the Brazilian market are huge and the momentum is perfect to get Brazil back on the radar, especially considering that the exchange rate is forecasted to remain at the US $1.00 to R$ 3.00 baseline throughout this year, favoring both the Brazilian exports and imports! As per Forbes, “Brazil is the hottest big emerging market right now”.

After thinking about the best way to assess this huge and diversified market, we found that participation in trade shows and trade missions are still the most effective marketing and communications tools as well as great sales platform. The Brazil Center is exploring options to create multi-state shared booth spaces at the most relevant trade shows in order to more effectively utilize resources. We believe doing this would make it possible for our member states to reveal their strengths in the relevant sectors and promote their active companies as well. Below is a list of key trade shows that have strong opportunities for Michigan companies.

HOSPITALAR 2017
Date: May 16-19, 2017 (annual)
Location: São Paulo

FCE PHARMA 2017
Date: May 23-25, 2017 (annual)

FIEE ELÉTRICA – 29th International Electric, Electronic, Power and Automation Industry Trade Show
Date: July 25-28, 2017 (biennial)

GREENBUILDING
Date: August 8-10, 2017

ANALITICA LATIN AMERICA
Date: September 26 to 28, 2017 (biennial)

FENASAN - National Exhibition of Environmental and Sanitation Services
Date: October 2 to 6, 2017 (annual)

FEIMEC 2018– International Machinery and Equipment Exhibition
Date: April 24-28, 2018 (biennial)

MECANICA 2018
Date: May 8-12, 2018 (biennial)

Along with all the above, the Brazil office is working on the recruiting for two trade missions that are coming to Brazil.

CHEMICAL TRADE MISSION
Date: September 10 – 13, 2017
Site: Sao Paulo
Organizer: USDOC São Paulo, SP

CGLSLGP TRADE MISSION TO BRAZIL AND ARGENTINA
Date: November 6 – 10, 2017
Site: Sao Paulo
Organizer: CGLSLGP partnering with MEDC

Schedule a Consultation in Michigan

Interested in learning about opportunities for your company in Brazil? Our Michigan Brazil Center representative Claudia Tomaselli will be in Michigan May 8-11. Space is limited, schedule your meeting today!

May 8: Lansing

May 9 & 10: Grand Rapids

May 11: Troy

Connect with the Michigan Brazil Center

To schedule a one-on-one consultation with our Brazil Center or to learn more about upcoming shows, please contact your regional International Trade Manager.

Official State of Michigan Mission to China

July 29 - August 8, 2017
Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hangzhou*
Participation fee: $1,500 per company ($300 per additional person traveling).

Join senior State government officials for the next Michigan trade delegation to China! Participating companies will receive a pre-mission assessment of the Chinese market; in-country briefings; turn-key business service support including travel logistics; on-site guides and interpreter services; B2B matchmaking services for up to 5-6 days of one-on-one meetings; and networking events with high level business and government officials.

Eligible Michigan SME’s can receive 50 percent reimbursement on travel expenses and participation fee through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant. 

*cities subject to change

Schedule a Consultation in Michigan

Interested in learning more about the mission or your company’s potential in China? Our Michigan China Center representatives Ning Shao and Crystal Li will be in Michigan May 8-12. Space is limited, schedule your meeting today!

May 8: Lansing
May 9 & 10: Grand Rapids
May 12: Troy

To schedule a one-on-one consultation with our China Center, please contact your regional International Trade Manager.  

Space is limited to only 10 Michigan companies and the registration deadline is May 24, 2017!

For more information or to register, click here.

This is a prime opportunity to meet new as well as existing customers, build your brand, introduce new products, and learn more about your industry and competitors. To maximize results, companies need to do their due diligence in preparing for the event, allocate appropriate resources, and most importantly, have a follow-up action plan!    

Join us on this webinar to learn valuable tips on planning to attend the trade show, tools for support at the event, executing your vision at the trade show, and essential follow up tips that will provide significant return on investment.

Register today!

West Michigan World Trade Week is a celebration of international trade and business growth for the West Michigan region. For 32 years area businesses and community leaders have worked together to:

• Share international business knowledge and resources at the annual business conference and key networking events scheduled throughout the week
• Highlight the link between international trade and Michigan's economic well-being
• Recognize the contributions of international trade to job creation in Michigan
• Commend companies succeeding in global markets
• Support the annual proclamation issued by the President of the United States declaring World Trade Week in May

Register today!

Join the US Commercial Service and Ann Arbor Spark in learning how to identify and appoint foreign agents and distributors, what you need to know to protect your intellectual property and how to export controlled items that fall under ITAR or EAR regulations. 

Also learn about patents and protecting your brand in international markets and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

This program is led by BIS's professional counseling staff and provides an in-depth examination of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The program will cover the information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods. Covered topics include:

• What items and activities are subject to the EAR
• Steps to take to determine the export licensing requirements for your item
• How to determine your export control classification number (ECCN)
• When you can export or re-export without applying for a license
• Export clearance procedures and record keeping requirements

Presenters will conduct a number of "hands-on" exercises that will prepare you to apply the regulations to your own company's export activities. This program is well suited for those who need a comprehensive understanding of their obligations under the EAR. Technical, policy, and enforcement professionals from BIS, as well as specialists from other agencies such as the Bureau of the Census, will participate in certain modules.

* A special conference room rate of $149 plus tax has been arranged with the Atheneum Suite Hotel, 1000 Brush Street, Greektown, Detroit, Michigan 48226, telephone (800) 772-2323. Please mention “East Michigan District Export Council” to receive the special conference rate. Rates are only good through April 22, 2017.

Registration must be received by Friday, May 12, 2017!

Register today!