ND Global News - Fargo drone company lands business in Brazil, 2018 ag machinery USA Pavilions, new export assistant joins CS office, and more

 

ND Global News - December 2017
Newsletter of the U.S. Commercial Service in Fargo, North Dakota

 

LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS
- Haley Coffield joins the U.S. Commercial Service 
- Local Export Success - Fargo Drone Company Botlink Lands Brazil
- Ex-Im Bank Tool to Identify U.S. Exporters in Your Region
- 2018 USA Pavilions at Overseas Agricultural Machinery Trade Shows
- New Logistics Fargo-Canada Corridor
- ND Trade Office Seeking New Executive Director

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL NEWS
- Overcoming Cross-border e-Commerce Challenges
- Brazil Reduces Localization Barriers to Trade
- The International Trade Commission Takes Action on Subsidized Biodiesel Imports 
- U.S. Beef exports on the Rise
- E.U. and Mexico Push for Trade Deal

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
- Czech Republic Trade Fair FOR GARDEN 
- Group Matchmaking with Nigerian Firms 
- Discover Global Markets 
- Auto Care Association Trade Mission to Costa Rica
- Opportunity to Promote U.S. Pet Products in the Czech Republic 
- Promote Your Company at AGRO show in Ukraine

WEBINARS
- FREE Webinar on the Aerospace Meetings Brazil (AMB) 2018
- World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft 
 

LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS

Haley Coffield joins the U.S. Commercial Service
Haley Coffield has joined the U.S. Commercial Service (CS) office in Fargo as an Export Assistant. Haley is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Economics and a minor in Religion at Concordia College in Moorhead Minnesota. At Concordia College, Haley serves as a member of the cheer team. She developed an interest in international relations following a study abroad experience in Scotland. She grew up in Lancaster, Minnesota where she attended high school at Lancaster Public School. Haley's future plans are to pursue a law degree and a career in criminal law.

Botlink Representative meets with Brazilian drone company

Local Export Success - Fargo Drone Company Botlink Lands Brazil
Fargo-based startup Botlink has signed partnerships with three Brazilian commercial unmanned aerial system (UAVs) companies, including a UAV manufacturer, a drone flying company and an engineering company. More than a dozen additional agreements are being negotiated. Botlink was seeking new avenues to expand globally in June 2017. Click here to read how they found success with the support of the U.S. Commercial Service's market research and outreach assistance from both Fargo and Brazil. 

Ex-Im Bank Tool to Identify U.S. Exporters in Your Region
If you've wondered what your neighbors are up to in the global markets, that shows you're thinking strategically and want to have confidence in your own company's approach. Here is a tool provided by the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of the United States that can be used to identify U.S. exporters in your territory who have used Ex-Im Bank services, including reports for North Dakota and Minnesota.

2018 USA Pavilions at Overseas Agricultural Machinery Trade Shows
Maximize your presence at overseas agricultural trade shows by working with the U.S. Commercial Service (CS). USA Pavilions help you get the biggest bang for your buck at proven overseas trade shows, with a range of support including hospitality, translation, lodging assistance, matchmaking support, and more. The CS Agribusiness Team will have a presence at the shows and a USA Pavilion at a few of them. More information on the trade shows and services is available in this flyer. Many local companies have reported extensive success using the CS Ag Team's USA Pavilions around the world, including Butler Machinery at Agritechnica, RDO Equipment in Africa, Titan Machinery at shows in South Africa, Germany, Paraguay, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine, Grouser at Agritechnica, WCCO Belting at Agrishow in Brazil and Agritechnica in Germany, Summers Manufacturing at Agritechnica, and Superior Mfg. at multiple overseas shows.

ND Trade Office Seeking New Executive DirectorNew Logistics Fargo-Canada Corridor
A new partnership has created a logistics corridor between Winnipeg, Manitoba and Fargo, ND. The goal of the organizers is to create a more efficient distribution system, improve timelines and increase consistencies. The partnership between Herd, RS Distribution Services and Midwest Motor Express will create opportunities to consolidate shipments, saving time and money. The corridor also creates potential opportunities to open up the market between Canada and the U.S. Click here to read Forum article for more details.

The North Dakota Trade Office is seeking a new Executive Director, with an application deadline of January 21. The ideal candidate will have a proven track records in international markets, have a willingness to travel and experience leading a team. Click here for more information.

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Overcoming Cross-border e-Commerce Challenges
The U.S. Commercial Service e-Commerce Innovation Lab helps the U.S. exporters overcome common cross-border e-commerce challenges. Visit export.gov to access their commonly used resources, including:

1. A 50-state listing of website developers who can prepare your website for global sales
   
2. A free great tool to look up country tariff information for shipments originating in the United States
3. A list of free online tools for optimizing your website for e-commerce 

Brazil Reduces Localization Barriers to Trade
In order to be accredited as a FINAME supplier, a product must qualify as Brazilian-made, and local content value has to be at least 60%. However, starting on December 2^nd, 2018, local content new criteria will be applied, and accreditation index will be reduced to 50%.  This will allow more imported parts and pieces, accessories, components on local manufactured equipment.

The International Trade Commission Takes Action on Subsidized Biodiesel Imports
The International Trade Commission (ITC) voted that the U.S. biodiesel industry has been disadvantaged by imports of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia., a move that could pave the way for countervailing duties to be put in place by the end of 2017. The U.S. energy policy sought to create a level playing field for domestic and imported biodiesel, but foreign government subsidies have made it nearly impossible for U.S. producers to compete. More details are available in the National Biodiesel Board press release.

U.S. Beef Exports on the Rise
United States beef exports have risen in 2017, compared to 2016. Japan and China have both been areas where growth has increased, with Japan contributing to over half the growth, while China reopened its markets to American beef earlier this year. For more information, click here.

EU and Mexico Push for Trade Deal
The EU and Mexico pushed to have preliminary trade deal ready before the holidays, but both sides needed to come to an agreement on whether Mexico will recognize EU protections in place of gourmet food labels. The Mexican Economy Minister, Ildefonso Guajardo, has met with several EU trade officials while in Brussels. For more information, click here.

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
Czech Republic Trade Fair FOR GARDEN
The U.S. Commerce Department is pleased to offer an opportunity to promote U.S. water management and irrigation technologies in the Czech Republic at the seminar collocated with FOR GARDEN Prague fair. During the seminar U.S. companies will be given time to give a brief introduction of their products/services to Czech buyers. Also, information on products/services of U.S. companies will be made available to the Czech buyers through the U.S. Commercial Service Czech Republic web pages and social media. 
Location: Prague Czech Republic
Date: March 22-25, 2018
Please click here for more information and to register.

Group Matchmaking with Nigerian Firms
The U.S. Commercial Service Nigeria is hosting a one-day group matchmaking event to connect U.S. exporters with over 400 vetted Nigerian companies across all sectors looking for U.S. suppliers. Among other opportunities, there is a need for U.S. environmental technology companies with technology and expertise related to water and wastewater treatment, soil and water remediation services, baseline studies, and environmental impact assessments for oil spill cleanup.
Location: Victoria Islands, Lagos, Nigeria
Date: March 28, 2018
Please contact Heather.Ranck@trade.gov (701-239-5080) for more information.

Discover Global Markets
Join the U.S. Commercial Service and the Mid-America District Export Council for DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: Design + Construct, a dynamic conference bringing together global leaders in the design and construction sectors. The conference will feature presentations on global construction opportunities, pre-screened matchmaking and networking sessions to build new business and partnerships. Attendees will include international executives, sales and marketing professionals, project owners, developers, architects, engineers, and construction firms.
Location: InterContinental Kansas City Kansas City, MO
Date: April 30 - May 2
Cost: $350 until February 2nd and $395 after February 2nd
Please click here for more information and to register.

Auto Care Association Trade Mission to Costa Rica
The Auto Care Association and the International Trade Administration are excited to announce the upcoming trade mission to Costa Rica, May 21-22, 2018, as part of the Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) award the association received from the U.S. Department of Commerce to support export promotion projects in Latin America. Please find out what others say about the past trade missions. Please click here for more information on the trade mission costs and packages and to register.

Opportunity to Promote U.S. Pet Products in the Czech Republic
The U.S. Commerce Department is offering a presentation for companies to promote themselves in the Czech Republic at the FOR PETS Prague trade fair. Companies who participate will be featured on U.S. Commercial Service web pages and social media, a list of Czech pet product importers/distributors, and an introduction to your U.S. company and its products and services. This is the 8th FOR PETS show, held with the FOR FAMILY fair, which attract over 30,000 visitors each year. Please click here for more information on FOR PETS Prague.

Location: Prague Letnany Fairgrounds
Date: April 13, 2018
Registration Deadline: March 9, 2018
Cost: Small companies - $175
          Medium companies - $400
          Large companies - $525

Promote Your Company in Ukraine at AGRO 2018
The U.S. Commercial Service is offering an opportunities for companies to be showcased at USA Pavilion at AGRO 2018, in Kyiv, Ukraine. A first time opportunity for U.S. companies, AGRO is the largest ag trade show in the Ukraine. To register, click here.

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Date: June 6-9, 2018
Payment Due: March 1, 2018

WEBINARS
FREE Webinar on the Aerospace Meetings Brazil (AMB) 2018
Please join the U.S. Commercial Service for a free informational webinar on the Aerospace Meetings Brazil that will take place in June 2018. Participants for the webinar will learn how AMB can benefit their companies and speak directly with the event organizers. Also, participants will hear from Embracer, BCI Aerospace, and the U.S. Commercial Service. The webinar will take place on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 11:00 am (EST). Please click here for more information about the webinar and to register.  

Date: June 19-21, 2018
Cost: FREE, but preregistration is required
More on information on the AMB 2018 event is available here.

World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft
The United States Commercial Service is announcing a webinar on avoiding U.S. & foreign customs duties on aircraft and aircraft parts and on the World Trade Organization agreement on trade in civil aircraft. Questions such as what aircrafts and aircraft parts are covered, countries involved, how U.S. aerospace exports will benefit, etc. will be answered. Speakers include International Trade Specialist, Ted Elliot, and Executive Vice-President of the Aeronautical Repair Station Association, Christian Klein. Please click here for more information. 

Please click here for more information about the webinar and to register.  

Date: January 18, 2018
Cost: $25 

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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
	Kekoura Sakouvogui Export Assistant Ph: 701-239-5033 Email: Kekoura.Sakouvogui@trade.gov
	Haley Coffield Export Assistant Ph: 701-239-5033 Email: Haley.Coffield@trade.gov
	Joseph Mwagura Export Assistant Ph: 701-239-5033 Email: Joseph.Mwagura@trade.gov

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