ND Global News - Poland Warms Up to Steffes, Titan's Patience Pays Off in Bolivia, Retaliatory Tariff Rates, Trade Barrier Removal in Ghana, Comment Period for US-Japan Trade Agreement and More

ND Global News - November 2018
Newsletter of the U.S. Commercial Service in Fargo, North Dakota

LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS
- Local Success Story - Poland Warms Up to Steffes
- Local Success Story - Titan Machinery's Patience Pays Off in Bolivia
- Local Companies Participate in Trade Mission to Ukraine
- Virtual Reality Tours Approved for STEP Funding
- Superior Grain Featured in International Business News Magazine
- New Industry and Analysis Resource for Retaliatory Tariffs
- Ethanol Production and Exports Hold Strong

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL NEWS AND EVENTS
- New Resources Available for Small Businesses to Address Cyber Security
- Trade Mission to Djibouti Set for December
- Showcase Your Products via Gateway Hong Kong
- Virtual Education Fairs Available Through Virtual Reality Technology
- US Commercial Service Works with the Ghanaian Government to Remove Trade Barrier
- USTR Looking for Comments on Trade Agreement with Japan
- USCS Energy Team Providing Programs at PowerGen International
- CS Resource for EU Labeling Released

WEBINARS
- US-Turkey Trade Mission Rescheduled for February

LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS

Local Success Story - Poland Warms Up to Steffes
Steffes, LLC, a manufacturer of electric thermal storage devices based in Dickinson, ND, had an opportunity in Poland and relied on the the US Commercial Service in Fargo, Warsaw and Washington, DC to assist. Click here for the full story.

Local Success Story - Titan Machinery's Patience Pays Off in Bolivia
Titan Machinery made a sale to a partner they met with using the US Commercial Service Gold Key Service several years ago. While it took a few years for the sale to materialize, the relationships and connections helped lay the groundwork, and patience paid off. For more details, click here.

US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch speaking to the delegation

Local Companies Participate in Trade Mission to Ukraine 
Local companies participate in the US Commercial Service certified trade mission (CTM) to Ukraine (and there was also a stop in Kazakhstan). H&S Manufacturing (Stephen, MN), Fast Global Solutions (Glenwood, MN), and BAN International (distributor of Gates Equipment which is out of Lansford, ND) participated in Kyiv October 23-30th. Mayer Agri Equipment, another midwestern agricultural partner of CS / North Dakota also attended. The CTM provided an opportunity to review opportunities in the Ukrainian and Kazakhstani agricultural, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Of the mission, Darin Adolphson of H&S Manufacturing said: "We learned a lot from the trip to Kyiv. As a result of the mission, we have created many important relationships, not only ag machinery dealers in Ukraine, but also direct ag producers and government officials. This event will most certainly jumpstart our efforts to export into Ukraine." For a brief video from the mission in Ukraine, click here. For more information on CTMs, email heather.ranck@trade.gov. 

Virtual Reality Tours Approved for STEP Funding
Virtual tours have been approved for North Dakota State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) funding. Approved services include 360 degree virtual reality experiences, and other related interactive media services. Through ND STEP, eligible products may be reimbursed at 75%, or up to $3000, toward the production costs of virtual tour projects used to connect with international buyers. "Virtual tours provide a more immersive way for potential customers to interact with your products and company," says Matt Chaussee, CEO of Be More Colorful, a Fargo based virtual reality company. One significant application for virtual tours is at international trade shows. Potential customers can tour your manufacturing facility or interact with your products via a virtual reality experience displayed on a tablet, mobile phone, or VR headset. Virtual tours provide a more cost-effective and scalable method for getting your products in front of more international customers. For samples and specific details on how virtual tours can help you connect with international buyers, click here.

Superior Grain Featured in International Business News Magazine
Superior Grain was featured in the October 2018 issue of International Business News magazine. Superior, based in Kindred, ND, manufactures grain storage equipment, and exports to twelve countries. Highlighted in the article is Superior's participation in both the Big Iron International Visitors Program and use of US Commercial Services resources to assist in export success. Click here for the full article.

New Industry and Analysis Resource for Retaliatory Tariffs
The Industry and Analysis (I&A) division of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration (ITA) has released a new resource to help companies track retaliatory tariff information. The resource includes links to announcements and a table that compiles all the products currently targeted by tariffs. All resources provided can be found here.

Ethanol Production and Exports Hold Strong
A Forum News Service article featured information about the current ethanol industry. Ethanol production is rising along with the rising production of corn. The 2016/2017 marketing year saw a record 1.4 billion gallons of ethanol exported, with that number expected to continue to grow. California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard and China's goal of gasoline containing 10% ethanol by 2020, though they are not expected to meet that, are expected to be opportunities for North Dakota ethanol. For more information, click here.

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL NEWS AND EVENTS

New Resources Available for Small Businesses to Address Cyber Security
For National Cyber-Security Awareness Month, the Federal Trade Commission released new resources specific to small business cyber-security. Scams, computer and network protection, data protection videos and downloadable handouts are available for free to assist in training employees on basic cyber-security. The resources can be found here.

Trade Mission to Djibouti Set for December
A US-Djibouti trade mission has been set for December 2-7, 2018. The target sectors are aviation and energy. Foreign investment in Djibouti has caused both of theses sectors to grow along side of the rapidly developing economy. Domestic energy production has become a priority for the government, specifically in regards to clean and cost-effective renewable energy. The government is also prioritizing aviation, as a national airline was created and additional airports have been modernized. Participants in the trade mission will tour site for existing and planned projects, meet with government officials, and attend the Djibouti International Trade Fair. There is no cost to participate in the trade mission. Meals, lodging, airfare, and transportation to and from the airports will be covered by the participants. For more information, click here.

Senior Care Products Showcase Opportunity via Gateway Hong Kong
The U.S. Commercial Service / Hong Kong is offering US companies an opportunity to participate in Gateway Hong Kong. The program is an in-store retail promotion to directly showcase senior care products such as wheelchairs and physical therapy equipment to Hong Kong consumers. Yue Hwa is a popular department store in Hong Kong and will display American products in their store in Tsimshatsui. The display will be on the same floor as Yue Hwa's senior care and medical devices and equipment. Click here for more information and let Heather.Ranck@trade.gov know if you are interested.

Virtual Education Fair

Virtual Education Fairs Available Through Virtual Reality Technology
The US Commercial Service is offering virtual education fairs through virtual reality technology. This program is recommended for educational state consortia, intensive English programs, higher educational institutions, and secondary educational institutions. Costs to participate varies by market. For more information, click here.

US Commercial Service Works with the Ghanaian Government to Remove Trade Barrier
The US Commercial Service recently worked the the government of Ghana to remove a trade barrier for US companies. Ghana recently began using Container Tracking Notes (CTN), to track Customs related information; however, this system requires EEI/AES (official US export) data, information US law does not allow to be shared with foreign governments. The Commercial Service / Ghana office worked with the Ghana Revenue Authority to accept the Export Facilitation Data Form for US companies instead of EEI/AES data. 

USTR Looking for Comments on Trade Agreement with Japan
The Office of the United States Trade Representative is asking for comments from the public on the proposed trade agreement between the US and Japan. USTR specifically wants comments on US interests and priorities to help develop the US negotiating positions. Comments are being received until November 26th. Click here for more information or to leave a comment.

USCS Energy Team Providing Programs at PowerGen International
The US Commercial Service energy team will be in attendance at the PowerGen International conference in Orlando, Florida, December 4-6, 2018. Two complimentary programs, Showtime Export Counseling Meetings and Business-to-Business Matching, will be available for US exhibitors. These events will provide market intelligence, help companies more effectively target potential buyers, etc. Delegations from over thirty countries are expected to be in attendance. For more information, click here.

CS Resource for EU Labeling Released
The US Commercial Service released a resource for companies struggling with European Union (EU) labeling requirements. The European Union Commercial Guide (CCG) is available to answer questions that may arise when complying with EU regulations. Click here to access the resource.

WEBINARS

US-Turkey Trade Mission Rescheduled for February
A webinar to preview the US-Turkey trade mission originally planned for December 2018 is available to provide more information about the market and trade mission. The US-Turkey trade mission been rescheduled for February 4-7, 2018. American aerospace and defense companies are invited to explore potential partners in the $11 billion Turkish market. Click here for more information about the webinar. Click here for more information about the trade mission. 
Webinar Date: Tuesday, November 20th
Time: 10 AM CST

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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
	Haley Coffield Export Assistant Ph: 701-239-5033 Email: Haley.Coffield@trade.gov
	Joshua Erickson  Export Assistant Ph: 701-239-5033 Email: Joshua.Erickson@trade.gov
	Mathew Finneseth Export Assistant Ph: 701-239-5033 Email: Mathew.Finneseth@trade.gov
	Kole Nichols Export Assistant Ph: 701-239-5033 Email: kole.nichols@trade.gov

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