May is recognized as World Trade Month and gives us opportunity to acknowledge the importance of trade and investment as a driver of prosperity for our workers, businesses, and economy. That importance is reflected in the 11.5 million American jobs today which are supported by our exports.  The core of our export strength is largely small and-medium sized enterprises. They not only make up the majority of our exporters, but they are also responsible for two-thirds of all new net jobs since 1970.  Watch for unique events in your community designed to help bolster trade.

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2016 Automotive Parts Top Markets Report just released! Provides U.S. auto parts suppliers an assessment of global opportunities and challenges, and can be used as a resource to help suppliers successfully export to various markets throughout the world. Separate models were developed to rank opportunities for original equipment (OE) parts and for aftermarket parts export markets through 2021.

Opportunities for U.S. Automotive Sector – Provides highlights of key market access benefits for U.S. automotive exporters that will result from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).  For example, under TPP, 98.1 percent of U.S. auto parts exports will be eligible for immediate duty-free treatment in TPP markets, and all remaining tariffs will be eliminated over time.

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The 5th Middle East Market Development Conference led by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, a Market Development Cooperator Program partner of ITA, was a huge success! This spring, thirty-four U.S. specialty equipment companies met with potential buyers from the region while exhibiting at Custom Show Emirates. The companies learned about the Gulf markets and vehicle customization trends by visiting garages, specialty parts retailers, and hearing from the U.S. Embassies in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Jeddah, and Kuwait City.  A vehicle measuring session gave the U.S. companies access to six vehicles not sold or made in the United States, so they can develop new aftermarket products for export.  Similar SEMA Business Development Conferences will be held in Melbourne and Shanghai.

USDOT Smart City Challenge: The US government is offering seven cities a remarkable challenge: reinvent urban transportation for the 21st century, with a particular focus on autonomous vehicles. To pull it off, those cities will work with some of the world’s most powerful tech companies, and are eligible to get $40 million from the US Department of Transportation. 

Pakistan Government announces new Automotive Development Policy: Incentives to automotive producers, strong local demand, low oil prices, availability of cheap financing and lack of an efficient public transport system present numerous opportunities.

Electric Vehicles & Hybrid Scene in Norway Robust: For a long while, EVs have been making up 10-20% and hybrids an additional 10-20% of new cars sold in Norway. This is all due to governmental tax breaks (not direct subsidies). With only 5 million people, Norway is the largest overall market for Tesla outside the U.S. Other EV manufacturers and those supporting the EV ecosystem should consider the opportunity.

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The automotive industry is essential to the U.S. economy.  It is one of the largest employers, supporting more than 8 million U.S. jobs and is the largest manufactured goods export sectors in the U.S. 

The Automotive & Transportation Team of the U.S. Commercial Service is dedicated to enhancing the global competitiveness of the U.S. auto industry, expanding market access, and increasing exports. To learn more about you how you can receive assistance in finding market intelligence, developing your export strategy, connecting with international buyers, or support at trade events, contact your Local Trade Specialists in one of our 100 offices around the U.S.