International Trade: February Newsletter

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international trade team - michigan economic development corp

MichiganBusiness.org

February 5, 2019

Canada: Opportunities with Michigan's Closest Trading Partner

Canada Breifing

The U.S. and Canada enjoy the world’s largest and most comprehensive trading relationship. The two countries trade more than $2 billion in goods and services daily. Canada is a highly receptive, open, and transparent market for U.S. products and services, with Canadians spending more than 60% of their disposable income on U.S.-made goods and services. In 2017, Michigan exports to Canada rose to just over $23 billion USD, an increase of $1.3 billion from 2016. Canada is Michigan’s #1 export destination and Michigan sells more goods to Canada than to its next seven largest foreign markets combined.

Due to its geographic proximity and cultural similarity to the U.S., as well as a common language and a high level of existing cross-border trade, Canada is a strong opportunity market for Michigan companies in multiple industry sectors. While the automotive sector tends to drive the trade relationship between Michigan & Canada, several other industry sectors also are important to cross border trade including aerospace equipment, mechanical/HVAC equipment, primary metals & energy products, plastic products, office furniture, electrical equipment, and medical & monitoring instruments to name a few. Also thriving is the export of services from Michigan to Canada, including business, professional & technical services, equipment installation, maintenance & repair, transportation services, and royalties.

As a large, advanced economy with well-developed infrastructure, Canada is an ideal first market for new-to-export companies as well as those seeking to further expand their business and distribution networks in country. Canada is a market that seeks innovative, advanced technology product and service solutions. In Canada, Michigan companies will find an approachable market with potential buyers for their products and services, especially if they offer innovations that solve problems and save time, labor, and money for prospective Canadian companies in their respective sectors.

Doing Business in Canada

The greater Toronto area, which is a part of the highly integrated Great Lakes distribution and production network, is a rich and diversified economy. Ontario is the largest provincial economy in Canada (about 39% of total GDP), and its economy has continued to grow in an uncertain economic environment. Sectors of particular strength include aerospace (a $5.3 billion industry), automotive (Ontario is a leading jurisdiction for high-quality auto production), financial & professional services, food & beverage manufacturing (Ontario has 52,000 farms producing more than 200 agricultural commodities with one of the largest greenhouse sectors in North America), life sciences & medical technology (Toronto is Canada’s largest center of life science activity), and water technology (Ontario is a global leader of research & development).

The Québec provincial economy is highly diversified and innovative, with abundant natural resources and energy, as well as strong agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. Its economy is the second-largest in Canada, accounting for over 19% of national GDP, and is growing on pace with the national average. Though it is not the province’s capital, Montréal has developed into its economic center.

Key industries include aerospace (Montréal is considered to be one of the world’s top three aerospace capitals), food & agriculture (with some 2,200 food processing companies located here), advanced transportation (with companies such as Bombardier, BRP, Paccar, & Volvo as well as a number of innovative research centers), information & communications technology (software development, microelectronics, gaming technologies, multimedia, optics-photonics, consulting services, telecommunications, & cloud services), life sciences (skilled research workforce ranks among the world’s best), and mining in the northern region of the province for minerals such as iron concentrate, gold, & zinc as well as one of the few sources of niobium, titanium dioxide, cobalt, and platinum in the world.


Interested in Doing Business in Canada?

Meet with the Michigan Canada Center to learn about your company's opportunities in the market. Nancy Ward, Michigan Canada Center Director, will be visiting Michigan between February 25-March 1, 2019. If you’d like to schedule a meeting, please contact your International Trade Manager or email export@michigan.org.

Dates & Locations:
February 25 – Traverse City
February 26 – Grand Rapids
February 27 – Ann Arbor
February 28 & March 1 – Troy  


Canada Trade Mission

May 13-17, 2019
Toronto & Montréal

Expand your company's export sales to
Michigan's largest trading partner.

  Canada Trade Mission

Join the MEDC's multi-sector trade mission to Canada with stops in Toronto and Montréal. Mission participants will receive a customized schedule of B2B meetings to meet with prospective customers and business partners. Mission participants will also benefit from networking events and logistical support.

Matchmaking Opportunities:

  • Kick-off conference call to understand objectives and goals of the company’s participation, products, and the perceived route to the market
  • Pre-visit market research and briefings
  • Customized appointments with prospective partners, distributors, and buyers

For questions & registration, contact Jacob Schroeder, International Trade Manager,
at schroederj4@michigan.org or 517-898-7462. 


More Upcoming Events

Hannover Messe Registration

Trade Mission to Hannover Messe

March 30-April 5, 2019
Hannover, Germany
Hosted by Automation Alley

Automation Alley is inviting Michigan companies to join its trade mission to Hannover Messe Fair, the world’s leading Industry 4.0 trade fair, which last year attracted over 6,500 exhibitors from 75 nations, 210,000 visitors representing over 100 countries, and 2,500 journalists.

Explore the latest in collaborative robotics, AI, machine learning, lightweighting, and more while discovering new products and groundbreaking solutions along the entire industrial supply chain, including applications in industrial automation, IT/information communication technologies, energy and environmental technologies, process/production engineering, and R&D.

The trade mission will cover:
• 6-night hotel stay
• Entry to the show
• Train tickets for the week
• Two organized group dinners
• Opening ceremony ticket
• General space in the Michigan pavilion located in two halls: Digital Factory & Integrated Automation

Participation is limited to 8 companies. Registration deadline is February 19, 2019.
Click here for details and registration.


PMBC Aerospace Summit

Pure Michigan Aerospace Summit

April 10, 2019
Hosted by Pure Michigan Business Connect

The Pure Michigan Aerospace Summit Supplier Application is now open!

The Pure Michigan Aerospace Summit, featuring Ascent Aerospace, Boeing, Bosch Aviation, GE Aviation, Lockheed Martin, and several more is an opportunity to connect with global aerospace purchasers and hundreds of qualified Michigan companies at the state's largest aerospace matchmaking event.

Opportunities to get involved include:
• One-on-one meetings
• Qualified networking
• Purchaser walk-up tables
• Guest speakers and more!

Visit michiganbusiness.org/pmbc-aerospace for more information and to view what global aerospace buyers are looking to procure from qualified Michigan suppliers.


Paris Air Show Trade Mission

Trade Mission to Paris Air Show

June 15-21, 2019
Paris, France
Hosted by Automation Alley

Expand your business into the fast-growing commercial aerospace and defense industries with help from Automation Alley. Join the trade mission to the International Paris Air Show and connect with aerospace and defense professionals from around the globe. The International Paris Air Show offers the worldwide aerospace community unrivaled opportunities for conducting business and for being seen and known. In 2017, the show attracted more than 2,381 exhibitors from 48 countries, over 322,000 visitors, 290 official delegations from over 98 countries, and over 3,450 international journalists. 

Participation includes:
• Hotel stay
• Entry to the show
• Welcome reception
• Internal transportation
• Farewell dinner
• General space in the Michigan pavilion

Participation is limited to 10 companies. Registration deadline is April 15, 2019.
Click here for details and registration.


Partner Events

Basics of Exporting Event

Basics of Exporting

Two opportunities to attend:
February 13 in Grand Rapids & February 20 in Kalamazoo
Van Andel Global Trade Center

For those responsible or export and/or compliance, this seminar will provide a foundational understanding of the most important things you need to know to be a successful export. You will also learn of valuable resources available to help your company grow its exports.

Topics include:
• Understanding Export Transactions
• Creating Export Documentation
• Filing of Export Declarations in AES
• Use of Incoterms® 2010 and more!

Click here for details and registration.


International Trade Shows and ROI Event

Making the Most of International Trade Shows: How to Improve Your ROI

February 14, 2019
Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan Lansing

Join us for this event on improving your company's ROI. Participants will receive a work-booklet focused on developing a strategic plan for identifying and approaching international trade shows and considerations on how to bring sustainable success from the investment. Hear from experts Laura Deierlein and Jean Schtokal on best practices for international trade shows.

Laura Deierlein has 25+ years of international business experience, including marketing, product development, and trade partnerships. Ten years of hands-on business activity in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong gave Laura an early appreciation for the value of cultural respect and doing business in foreign markets. Over the next ten years, Laura's focus shifted from consumer goods towards trade compliance and international logistics. Laura has been on the forefront of developing and leading Michigan businesses on trade missions all over the world. Currently owning and operating SPROUTwide LLC, Laura is helping businesses develop international footprints and assisting them in increasing international expertise. Laura holds a degree from Central Michigan University and is a NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional.

Jean Schtokal is a shareholder with Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith law firm. Her experience as an international business attorney is expansive and includes international trade, distribution, manufacturing and licensing arrangements. She has also worked with the establishment of foreign and domestic subsidiaries, branch offices and facilities; joint ventures and strategic alliances as well as acquisitions and direct investments. Jean also provides counsel and guidance on U.S Export Control laws and regulations (EAR, ITAR, OFAC and FCPA).

Topics Covered:

  • Identifying opportunities as well as hurdles
  • Available resources (research, international marketing funding)
  • Key action items to be completed before &after trade shows
  • Legal Considerations: Export Controls, Intellectual Property, & Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
  • List of upcoming trade missions for Michigan companies

Click here for details and registration.


Trade Winds Event Registration

Trade Winds Indo-Pacific Forum & Mission

May 6-13, 2019
U.S. Commercial Service
India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka

The 2019 U.S. Commercial Service Trade Winds program includes an Indo-Pacific focused business forum in New Delhi, India consisting of regional and industry specific conference sessions as well as pre-arranged consultations with U.S. Diplomats representing commercial markets throughout the region.

Customize an optional business matchmaking schedule, based on input from our Commercial Specialists throughout the region, and grow your international sales through meetings with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors and joint-venture partners in the following Indian cities on May 8-10: New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

Optional business matchmaking appointments may also be arranged in Bangladesh or Sri Lanka on May 13:

  • Learn how to increase profits and overcome barriers in the Indo-Pacific region during business development conference.
  • Network with the region’s leading industry and government officials and experienced U.S. and global companies

Want to learn more about these dynamic markets? Click on each to access their Country Commercial Guide: IndiaBangladeshSri Lanka.

Deadline to register is February 15, 2019.
Click here for details and registration.


NADEC Annual Export Conference

2019 NADEC Annual Export Conference

May 21-22, 2019
National Association of District Export Councils
Arlington, Virginia

Don't miss the exporting event of the year!

NADEC Annual Export Conference brings together distinguished speakers, business leaders, high ranking U.S. and foreign government officers, manufacturers, and service providers, and trade promotion agencies to discuss the latest news and updates on Trade Policy, Export Market Opportunities and Challenges on focused sectors and regions.

Listen to business leaders and exporters in break-out sessions and exciting panel discussions, experience speed-networking with other exporters, and discuss specific concerns and challenges with experts in table topic discussions. 

Click here for details and registration. 


For more information about the MEDC International Trade Services
visit our website, contact export@michigan.org, or your regional International Trade Manager.
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