News and Events from the U.S. Commercial Service in Fargo, North Dakota

  

World Trade News and Events - March 2016

Newsletter of the U.S. Commercial Service in Fargo, North Dakota

LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS
- Kate Roehrich Departs Internship; New Position Now Available
- Local Export Success: Titan Machinery Proves Ag Machinery Can Travel the World
- Brazil AGRISHOW 2016 USA Pavilion - April 25 - 29 in Sao Paulo, Brazil
- U.S. Commercial Service Assists in North Dakota's First Trade Mission to India
- Cramer Co-Sponsors Legislation to Expedite Travel and Trade to Canada
- Heitkamp Calls for Easing Cuba Export Restrictions
- Klobuchar Involved with Resumption of Commercial Air Travel to Cuba
- FREE: Richard Johnson Exponential Marketing Webinars - March 15

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL NEWS
- Video: U.S. Commercial Service Helps NY Film Academy "Make it Anywhere"
- Video: Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects Discusses Gold Key Success
- Customs Bill Update
- 2015 Proves to be Record Year in International Trade for Goods and Services
- Country-Specific Agribusiness Reports Available
- Specialized Healthcare Reports
- Compilation of Foreign Motor Vehicle Requirements
- Education and Training Services Resources Guide 2016 Available

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
- FREE: How to Do Business with the United Nations: A Seminar for U.S. Companies - April 18 in New York, NY
- Asia Pacific Business Outlook (APBO) Conference - April 18 - 19 in Los Angeles, CA
- Silicon Valley AgTech Program and Conference - April 18 - 21 in Silicon Valley, CA
- Discover Global Markets: The Americas - June 15 - 16 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- Discover Global Markets: Healthcare Connections - September 13 - 15 in Bellevue, WA
- Discover Global Markets: Building Smart Cities - November 1 - 3 in Chicago, IL

WEBINARS
- FREE: Logistics of Doing Business in Canada Webinar Series - March 15 and 22
- FREE: Automotive Manufacturing Meetings Preparatory Webinar Series - June 14 and September 7
- FREE: Automotive Market and Upcoming Trade Mission to Peru Webinar - March 10
- FREE: Trends and Opportunities in the Canadian Aerospace Market Webinar - March 10
- Exporting to Mexico: The Automotive Import Process Under NAFTA Webinar - March 16
- The 7 Ps of International Contracts Webinar - March 29
- Best Practices and Opportunities for Southeast Asian Student Recruitment Webinar - April 27

LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS

Kate Roehrich Departs Internship; New Position Now Available
Intern Kate Roehrich departed the Commercial Service as she graduated in December and she has accepted a full-time position at Microsoft. Kate did an excellent job helping many North Dakota companies with  market research projects; and also helping the North Dakota District Export Council with various initiatives. The U.S. Commercial Service in North Dakota is currently seeking candidates for its internship program. The student will assist the North Dakota Trade Specialist in preparing market research, analyzing company-by-company prospects in different markets, preparing this newsletter, liaising with partner organizations, managing events, updating databases, and increasing export volume for North Dakota. Learn more about the internship program. 

Titan Machinery Proves Ag Machinery Can Travel the World
Titan Machinery, one of the largest dealers of agricultural and construction equipment in the US, grew into one of the biggest exporters of agricultural machinery in the US with the close collaboration of the U.S. Commercial Service (CS) over more than a decade. Titan Machinery has utilized nearly every service provided by CS. Learn more about what services CS has provided Titan and how it has helped Titan expand their market worldwide.

Brazil AGRISHOW 2016 USA Pavilion
Date: April 25 - 29
Location: Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo State, Brazil
AGRISHOW, Brazil's largest agriculture event, hosts around 800 exhibitors and more than 160,000 attendees over five days. AGRISHOW is a great way to showcase technologies, agricultural machinery products and services, irrigation equipment and services, rural communication systems, precision agriculture devices, pumps, motors, accessories, and more! There are a variety of ways for U.S. companies to participate. Mini booths and full booths are available, as well as Show Intel, Features in the USA Pavilion Catalog, and Gold Key Services. Learn more!

U.S. Commercial Service Assists in North Dakota's First Trade Mission to India
North Dakota's first trade mission to India established trade relations and sought opportunities with India for seven North Dakota companies. The U.S. Commercial Service provided ten customized business matchmaking services throughout India to three of the companies in an effort to expand their Indian market connections. Jon Engelstad with Superior Mfg. is pictured at right in one of the meetings set up by the U.S. Commercial Service in India. Read more about the trade mission.

Cramer Co-Sponsors Legislation to Expedite Travel and Trade to Canada
Congressman Kevin Cramer announced that he is co-sponsoring the Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This act expands pre-clearance facilities operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at land, rail, marine, and air ports of departure in Canada. It is expected that this will increase trade, travel, and commerce between U.S. and Canada. The bill will ratify the existing pre-clearance agreement between the countries which was signed in March of 2015. Learn more.

Heitkamp Calls for Easing Cuba Export Restrictions
Senator Heidi Heitkamp recently took the Senate floor to speak about a bill that she proposed in April. The bill would lift the ban on private banks and companies from offering credit for agricultural exports to Cuba. "One of the greatest barriers we have in getting our products to Cuba is we can't finance it," said Heitkamp. Read more in AgWeek. 

Klobuchar Involved with Resumption of Commercial Air Travel to Cuba
Senator Amy Klobuchar, who was a major author in the bipartisan bill lifting the trade embargo with Cuba, recently issued a statement on the resumption of air travel between the United States and Cuba. "Resuming commercial flights between the United States and Cuba will help bring our relationship with Cuba into the 21st century after more than 50 years of failed isolation. This announcement will allow more Americans to seek travel and commerce opportunities on an island that is only 90 miles from our shore." Klobuchar also has a bill to lift the Cuba embargo.

FREE: Richard Johnson Exponential Marketing Webinars
Date: March 15
Time: 10:00 am CT and 2:00 pm CT
Cost: FREE
Impact Dakota and Richard Johnson, CEO of 21st Century Marketing Systems, Inc., have teamed up to offer two free marketing webinars. Richard Johnson, who has helped dozens of North Dakota exporters and has been involved with ExporTech, has provided marketing and sales expertise for Impact Dakota clients for the past eight years. Join either webinar to learn how to exponentially grow top and bottom lines in three ways by learning how to stand apart from the competition with zero additional expenses. Please contact Dan Halverson at danh@impactdakota.com if you have questions. Register now

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Video: U.S. Commercial Service Helps NY Film Academy "Make it Anywhere"
The New York Film Academy (NYFA) is a long-time client of the U.S. Commercial Service New York City office. Over the past 10 years, the NYFA has recorded more than 50 export success stories with the support of the U.S. Commercial Service. Through the efforts of the U.S. Commercial Service, the New York Film Academy has developed and maintained relationships with education partners, reached new markets for student mobility, and increased the number of international students studying at its U.S. campuses. Learn more by watching NYFA's success story video.

Video: Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects Discusses Gold Key Success
Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects (TSK) used several U.S. Commercial Service "Gold Key" programs in China to find new business partners. The introduction made by the U.S. Embassy in China directly resulted in five major, large-scale architectural projects. This new business has allowed TSK to hire new American employees and retain existing jobs in the U.S. TSK estimates that 20-30% of their current business now comes from China. Watch the full video of TSK discussing their Gold Key experience.

Customs Bill Update
President Obama recently signed a conference committee report on the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 or the Customs Bill. This bill supports ITA's ability to work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Anti-Dumping / Countervailing Duty enforcement, which is important for protecting the billions of dollars in benefits that are available to U.S. businesses through trade agreements. Also included on the bill was permanent authorization of SBA's State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program to fund state grants to small business exporters as well as a number of measures to increase coordination between federal and state trade programs through the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC). To view a summary of the bill, click here.

2015 Proves to be Record Year in International Trade for Goods and Services
The December 2015 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services monthly and 2015 annual data was recently released. The report showed that U.S. services exports tallied another record year in 2015, increasing by $5.9 billion from 2014. Many service sectors increased exports in 2015, including other business services; telecommunications, computer and information services; financial services; and travel.  Each of these service sectors reached export increases of more than $1 billion. View the entire report.

Country-Specific Agribusiness Reports
The U.S. Commercial Service's Agribusiness Industry Team has assembled country-specific information for foreign markets that have listed ag-related industries as a best prospect sector for U.S. exporters. Visit the website and click on an individual link to find opportunities and contacts in that respective market.

Specialized Healthcare Reports
The Global Healthcare Team of the U.S. Commercial Service has released specialized reports for a number of industries, including medical devices, health IT, senior care, dental, hospital design, nutritional supplements, biopharmaceuticals, and death care. Please contact Heather Ranck at Heather.Ranck@trade.gov if you are interested in seeing the reports.

Compilation of Foreign Motor Vehicle Requirements
The 2016 version of the "Compilation of Foreign Motor Vehicle Requirements" is complete and available by request. It is designed to provide motor vehicle exporters with market data and worldwide automotive import restrictions for the major automotive markets around the world. Please contact Heather Ranck at Heather.Ranck@trade.gov if you are interested in learning more.

Education and Training Services Resources Guide 2016 Available
The 2016 version of the Education and Training Services Resource Guide was just released. The guide, which serves as a reference for U.S. educational institutions, includes comparable and individual market assessments of countries listed as best prospects for U.S. training and educational services. These assessments are based on observation and market research. View the entire guide now!

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

How to Do Business with the United Nations: A Seminar for U.S. Companies
Date: April 18
Location: New York, NY
Cost: FREE
Registration Deadline: Space is limited.
This seminar will provide participants with the opportunity to learn how to effectively do business in the $17 billion UN procurement market. By attending the seminar, companies will gain an understanding of UN procurement at four UN agencies with the largest procurement value as well as business opportunities available locally in New York City. Learn more. Registration is free but space is limited, so register today!

Asia Pacific Business Outlook (APBO) Conference
Dates: April 18 - 19
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $799 before March 18, $949 before April 8, $1099 after April 8 (contact Heather Ranck for referral discount code)
Registration Deadline: April 15
The 29th annual Asia Pacific Business Outlook (APBO) Conference, held at the historic Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles, is a comprehensive networking and learning experience designed to provide you with the contacts and knowledge to succeed. Choose from 60 seminars and workshops and learn from experts with decades of experience developing business in Asia. Learn more and register now!

Silicon Valley AgTech Program and Conference
Dates: April 18 - 21
Location: Silicon Valley, CA
Cost: $1,295
Registration Deadline: Limited to 50 people
Silicon Valley Forum's upcoming program "How Digital Technology is Transforming AgTech" includes four full days of inspiring and engaging networking activities with leading technology companies that are pushing the envelope within the agriculture technology space. By participating, you will have the opportunity to meet with fellow peers, prospective clients, and industry experts. Topics will include Big Data, Connected Farm, Precision Agriculture, Drones, and much more! Learn more and register today

Discover Global Markets: The Americas
Dates: June 15 - 16
Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Cost: $350 before April 15, $395 after April 15
Join the U.S. Commercial Service and the South Florida District Export Council for Discover Global Markets: The Americas. This conference brings together trade experts, economists, industry professionals, and U.S. commercial diplomats via panels and executive meetings to address opportunities, challenges, and winning strategies across the region. Your firm will leave this conference with the critical next steps needed to transform market potential to success in markets of interest across the Western Hemisphere. Learn more and register now!

Discover Global Markets: Healthcare Connections
Dates: September 13 - 15
Location: Bellevue, WA
Discover Global Markets: Healthcare Connections is the must-attend event of the year!  Featuring global updates on healthcare opportunities, regulations, and best practices for success, this conference will equip you to compete and win internationally. You will hear directly from industry leaders and connect with international buyers, network with healthcare companies from around the country, and get breaking news on country market intelligence. Learn more and register your interest today!

Discover Global Markets: Building Smart Cities
Dates: November 1 - 3
Location: Chicago, IL
Join the U.S. Commercial Service and Illinois District Export Council for Discover Global Markets: Building Smart Cities. This conference brings together trade experts, industry professionals, and U.S. commercial diplomats via panels and executive meetings to address opportunities and demand for new technologies to make cities more sustainable. Learn more and register your interest today!

WEBINARS

Logistics of Doing Business in Canada Webinar Series
Dates: March 15 and March 22
Time: 12:00 pm CT
Cost: FREE
Canada is the largest single export market for the U.S. and is a highly receptive market for U.S. goods and services. The North America Free Trade Agreement and Canada's geographic proximity have afforded U.S. firms with a significant advantage in selling to Canada's markets. Are you maximizing your opportunity? Whether you currently export to Canada or are new to exporting, the importance of developing a strategic approach to this market is critical to your success. This has been designed to help businesses strengthen the skills necessary to effectively do business in Canada. Learn more about the webinars and register today: Temporarily moving Goods & Tools Across the Border and Selling Goods and Services to the Government of Canada.

Automotive Manufacturing Meetings Preparatory Webinar Series
Dates: June 14 and September 7
Time: 10:00 am CT
Cost: FREE
Join the U.S. Commercial Service's Global Automotive Team for a free webinar series designed to prepare you for the Automotive Manufacturing Meetings - Detroit (AMM Detroit) event taking place November 15 - 17, 2016. AMM Detroit is a major automotive supply chain matchmaking event that brings together vehicle manufacturers and tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers in mutually selected pre-arranged meetings. June 14's webinar will go over what participants can expect at AMM Detroit, and September 7's webinar will cover how to arrange effective meetings at AMM Detroit. Please contact Even Lerman at Eve.Lerman@trade.gov if you have any questions.

Automotive Market and Upcoming Trade Mission to Peru Webinar
Date: March 10
Time: 1:00 pm CT
Cost: FREE
Join the U.S. Commercial Service for a webinar on the Automotive Market and Upcoming Trade Mission to Peru! You will learn about automotive market opportunities, best prospects, and what's behind the strong decade-long economic growth. You will also hear from the U.S. Commercial Service automotive specialist in Lima and the local Peruvian automotive association on market trends. Find out what is being offered as a part of the Auto Care Association's business development trade mission in May 2016 and how it will help boost sales in Latin America by registering today!

Trends and Opportunities in the Canadian Aerospace Market Webinar
Date: March 10
Time: 1:00 pm CT
Cost: FREE
Join our webinar to get updated on Canada's aerospace industry and business opportunities for U.S. suppliers. We will also be discussing International Aerospace Week - Montreal, and how it can help your company and organization get into the dynamic Canadian aerospace market. Please email Gina.Bento@trade.gov to register! Learn more about the webinar and about International Aerospace Week!

Exporting to Mexico: The Automotive Import Process Under NAFTA Webinar
Date: March 16
Time: 1:00 pm CT
Cost: $25
This webinar will inform on the Mexico import process when selling into the automotive industry.  Discussion will review door-to-door delivery and Mexican government programs created for automotive manufacturers that can ease the import process.  You will learn the complexity of the sector, as well as the advantages, disadvantages, and special programs of bringing this product into Mexico.  Featured presenters include the KPMG Mexico head of Customs Procedures, along with the U.S. Commercial Service Northern Mexico automotive team lead. Learn more and register now!

The 7 Ps of International Contracts Webinar
Date: March 29
Time: 1:00 pm CT
Cost: $25
Come learn from an expert on international trade law, Mr. Steven Richman, as he discusses international contracts. Topics will include the 7 Ps - preliminary, parties, purpose, payment, parol, practicalities, and penalties. This overview is for any company who has signed or will eventually sign a contract with an overseas distributor, agent/rep, and/or end-user. Learn more and register now!

Best Practices and Opportunities for Southeast Asian Student Recruitment Webinar
Date: April 27
Time: 8:00 pm CT
Cost: $30
Is your institution interested in the Thailand and Vietnam Markets, which sent nearly 26,000 students to U.S. institutions in the 2014-2015 school year? Between Thailand and Vietnam, there is incredible potential for higher education recruitment from the Southeast Asia region. Join the U.S. Commercial Service for a live webinar covering what your institution will need to consider to conduct recruitment efforts in Thailand and Vietnam. We will also cover market information including general facts on the country and population, the number of students attending higher education in the U.S., and market entry strategies. Please contact John Holman at John.Holman@trade.gov with questions. Register now!

---

Your U.S. Commercial Service / North Dakota Office 

	Heather Ranck Office Director and International Trade Specialist Ph: 701-239-5080 Email: Heather.Ranck@trade.gov
	Megan Klosterman Export Assistant Ph: 701-239-5033 Email: Megan.Klosterman@trade.gov

---

US Commercial Service | United States Department of Commerce | 811 Second Ave. N | Suite 436 | Fargo | ND | 58102