The Maine International Trade Center's Electronic News Service Thursday, November 15, 2007 |
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| MITC Member Status: FY08 Member | |||
Sponsored by:
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Upcoming Programs:
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| TRADE ALERTS | |||
Canadian Exporters Hurt by a Soaring Currency - The morning after the Canadian dollar climbed above its postwar high against the United States dollar, Robert Hattin, the president of a company that makes custom machinery to pack products as diverse as toilet paper, cough syrup and CDs, was not celebrating. Read Full Article Here U.S. economic growth swells to 3.9% in the third quarter - The tenuous situation of the U.S. credit market led many analysts to cut their growth forecasts for the third quarter. The growth was primarily driven in the export, consumer spending, and business investment sectors. Read Full Article Here Dollar falls to record low against the EURO amid further losses to the British pound - During trading on October 31st, the U.S. dollar hit an all-time low against the euro at $1.4467; this is the weakest exchange rate for the U.S. dollar versus the euro since the European Central Bank issued the euro in 1999. Also, the dollar slid against the British pound to a 26-year low. Read Full Article Here Trade Deficit Narrowed in September As Strong Exports Offset Oil Costs - The U.S. trade gap unexpectedly narrowed in September, despite record prices for imported crude, as heavy foreign demand for American-made food products and industrial supplies helped export growth outpace import. Read Full Article Here |
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| TRADE NEWS | |||
In response to a weakening dollar, U.S. merchants seeing increased online sales from abroad - The Associated Press is reporting that increasing online sales revenue being generated by American businesses in lieu of the weakening dollar; especially notable are high-value goods to international buyers. This gain is especially being seen in small businesses. United States tops global competitiveness survey - The United States found itself atop the newly released annual report on global competitiveness issued by the World Economic Forum. Recently revised methodologies in computing its scores, which are based on a mix of economic data and subjective surveys of business leaders, saw the United States move from sixth place in 2006 to first this year. The European countries Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany round out the top five of the analysis.
EU disappointed with Korean trade talks - The delegation of the European Union, in meeting with its counterpart from Seoul, displayed dissatisfaction with the current position of the South Korean government. Specifically, the EU notes that the recently signed trade agreement between the United States and South Korea, being the largest bilateral trade agreement in the world, offers many more incentives to the United States than does the offer being extended to the EU. South Korean Exports Rise to Record on Chinese Demand - South Korean exports rose to a record in October as higher shipments to China and Europe helped the nation weather a slowdown in demand from the U.S. |
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| TRADE MISSIONS AND TRADE SHOWS | |||
Virtual Trade Missions-USCS The Virtual Matchmaker Program offers the busy executive a cost-effective way to explore an overseas market and meet international business prospects and market experts. Virtual Matchmakers are industry specific and allow companies the opportunity to get answers to their market questions in an interactive, two-hour video conference. FMI: Click Here
Juice: Powering the Creative Economy, November 16 & 17, Rockland, ME - Creativity and innovation are the links between Maine’s vital industry clusters: from boatbuilding and composite research to visual art and new media, to music and finance. This is a statewide summit of creative economy leaders. FMI, www.juiceconference.org
GREENXCHANGE CONFERENCE & EXPO, DECEMBER 10-11, 2007 - GreenXchange Conference & Expo is the world's leading meeting place for buyers and sellers of green innovation and technology. The events feature world-class conference education and dynamic product viewing opportunities, creating a unique marketplace for professionals participating in the shaping of the new green world.
NEW YORK NATIONAL BOAT SHOW, DECEMBER 29, 2007 -JANUARY 6, 2008- Contact: Michael Duffy, Show Manager, (212) 984-7016 for more information
BUSINESS MISSION TO MOROCCO, JANUARY 28-31, 2008 - Morocco offers excellent growth opportunities for U.S. companies. In the next 3 years, major government led projects totaling over $10 billion will be funded. It has positioned itself as a platform to access Europe by implementing free trade agreements with both the EU and the US. Contact: Fatiha Coulombe, fcoulombe@bellshouth.net, (706) 882-0288 for more information.
2008 CAMDEN CONFERENCE IN PORTLAND, WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL, FEBRUARY 22-24, 2008“Religion as a Force in World Affairs”. For more information: www.wacmaine.org
HOSPIMedica AUSTRALIA, PHARMACEUTICAL, MEDICAL & REHABILITATION EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, MAY 13 – 15, 2008, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA -For more information: Ryan Klemm, (312) 781-5180, www.hospimedica-australia.com,
Finding Trade Shows- http://www.eventseye.com/ Events Eye provides an extensive list of upcoming trade shows throughout a broad range of industries and countries. |
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| USEFUL WEBSITES: The New Europe | |||
EU: http://ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm
Central & Eastern Europe: |
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| USEFUL RESOURCES | |||
Selling Overseas 101 Webinar http://www.globalspeak.com/html/export-gov/selling101-webinar.htm
This webinar will introduce the basic information, methods and strategies to help you export your products abroad. It is designed for company decision makers who are thinking about exporting or want to expand exports to multiple markets. The U.S. Commercial Service, in cooperation with the National Association of Manufacturers, has assembled a panel of experts on each step of the exporting process. Learn about the following topics: Organizing for Export, U.S. Export Regulations, Getting Paid, International Logistics, Building an Overseas Infrastructure and Growing Your International Business, Assessing Risk and Opportunity, Resources to Help You. |
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As a reminder, MITC membership includes unlimited trade assistance. We look forward to answering your questions and providing you with market research and statistics. For more information, please contact Trade Assistance Manager Anne Hurst Nanovic at Nanovic@mitc.com or 541-7418. |
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For more information about the Maine International Trade Center, please visit our website or contact us today. Website: www.mitc.com Bangor Office: 207-990-3161 Lewiston Office: 207-753-0574 Portland Office: 207-541-7400 |
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Maine International Trade Center 511 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101 |
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