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Posts Tagged ‘international trade’

New Hampshire Exports Set New Record, Top $5.8 Billion

Wednesday, February 19th, 2020

For the third straight year, New Hampshire exports set a new record, topping $5.8 billion in 2019, up 10 percent from 2018, according to federal trade data.

“The latest export numbers show that New Hampshire has entered the global arena as a hub for advanced manufacturing,” said Gov. Chris Sununu. “With an educated workforce, access to regional markets, and a pro-business environment, the Granite State is the most desirous state in the nation for companies to locate themselves.”

Aircraft parts for civilian aircraft was the state’s top export in 2019 and Germany continued to be the state’s top trading partner, followed by Canada, Ireland, Mexico and Japan.

Aircraft and spacecraft parts rose 68 percent to $1.3 billion from 2018, overtaking industrial machinery as New Hampshire’s leading export, followed by electric machinery, pharmaceutical products, and optics.

“New Hampshire businesses recognize the importance of global markets, which we’ve seen reflected in record-setting trade statistics over the past three years,” said Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs. “More than ever, we are committed to helping domestic and international businesses access new markets for their products.”

As part of New Hampshire’s pro-growth initiatives, Sununu established the nation’s first state-level United States-Mexico-Canada trade council to encourage further growth and improved trade relations with Canada and Mexico.

Caswell, chairman of the new state trade council, said the trade statistics demonstrate New Hampshire’s value for international supply chains.

“New Hampshire stands alone on the East Coast of North America as a low-tax, pro-growth location for domestic and international business market access into the U.S. or the East Coast, and we have every intention of aggressively growing the competitive advantage for our employers,” he said.

In addition, BEA’s Office of International Commerce is recruiting partner businesses at ILA Berlin, which highlights aviation, defense and security, and unmanned systems for companies interested in the European market May 13-17, 2020.

OIC works with state federal partners, including the US Commercial Service, to provide New Hampshire businesses export compliance training and other resources to expand into world markets. For more information, visit nheconomy.com/office-of-international-commerce.

Nation’s First State-level Trade Council Reaffirms Export Relations, Growth in Global Markets for New Hampshire Businesses

Thursday, January 23rd, 2020

The Jan. 22, 2020 executive order by Gov. Chris Sununu establishing the nation’s first state-level trade council widens New Hampshire’s trade doors for businesses, manufacturers, tourism and more.

Following U.S. Senate ratification of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the new trade council will leverage growth and opportunity with industry leaders experienced in North American trade. It will also serve as a clearinghouse of information for state businesses, a forum focused on accessing and understanding USMCA provision details, develop resources and training for companies exploring or expanding into markets in Canada and Mexico, and help facilitate investments by companies in those countries in the New Hampshire economy.

“The new trade council will allow us to quickly help New Hampshire exporters take full advantage of the new agreement and navigate the new rules,” said Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the Department Business and Economic Affairs, and chairman of the new state trade council.  “New Hampshire has grown its export value by over $1 billion over the past four years, and we expect 2019 to be another record setting year. 

“The trade council,” Caswell continued, “will bring together industries, state, provincial, and federal resources in all three countries, academia, and will reaffirm our strong trade relationships with Canada and Mexico.”

The three countries historically have been New Hampshire’s top trading partners. As of November 2019, trade with Canada is up 30 percent over 2018, while it has dipped with Mexico by 3.4 percent. The top commodities exported to both countries include aircraft and spacecraft parts, industrial and electric machinery, and medical and surgical optics, which are key economic drivers of the state’s economy.

“New Hampshire companies are more competitive than ever in the global marketplace and it is vital that we take full advantage of the new USCMA environment,” Caswell said. “International trade helps our companies diversify their customer base and create jobs, and provides new opportunities for research and partnerships in life sciences, education exchanges, and so much more in terms of economic development all over the state.”

Alberto Fierro Garza, the Consulate General of Mexico in Boston, said his agency is “very much looking forward to being part of the USMCA Trade Council in New Hampshire. It is a pioneer initiative in the field and will certainly promote closer ties and enhance trade opportunities between New Hampshire, Canada and Mexico.”

New Hampshire Exports Set Record for Second Straight Year

Monday, March 11th, 2019

For the second year in a row, the value of New Hampshire’s exports reached an all-time high in 2018, according to the latest federal trade data.

The exports totaled over $5.2 billion last year, 2.68 percent higher than 2017. Industrial machinery was the state’s chief export, at $1.2 billion, up 7.82 percent from 2017. Germany nudged out Canada as the state’s top trading partner, with Ireland, Mexico and China rounding out the top five trading partners.

“From aerospace to the life sciences, New Hampshire is home to companies at the pinnacle of innovation,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “Throughout the last two years, we have focused on implementing a pro-growth agenda that opens doors of opportunity for companies not just in New Hampshire, but across the nation and the world – and the new record-setting export numbers prove it’s working!”

“International trade is a growing component of our state’s economy and this trade data reinforces the work we are doing to improve access for New Hampshire businesses in international markets,” said Commissioner Taylor Caswell of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs.

The third most traded commodity in 2018, at $841 million, was aircraft and spacecraft parts, up over 68 percent from 2017. Pharmaceutical products, which range from bandages to blood plasma, were valued at $411 million, up 22 percent from the previous year.

“We are seeing significant growth in our aerospace and life sciences sectors, which are diverse and innovative, and in demand in the global marketplace,” Caswell said.

In the decade since the recession, Granite State businesses have realized the value and opportunities of international trade as ways to diversify their customer base. Six years ago this month, the New Hampshire Aerospace and Defense Export Consortium was created to bring 350 businesses and manufacturers across the state to leverage in overseas markets industries that employ more than 65,000 people, earning an average $91,000.

The Office of International Commerce, an agency within Business and Economic Affairs, works with state and federal partners, including the US Commercial Service, to provide New Hampshire businesses export compliance training and other resources to expand into world markets.

New Hampshire Granted Alternative Site Framework Designation; Widens Trade Opportunities for Businesses

Monday, November 19th, 2018

Service area for the Alternative Site Framework for FTZ #81

The state’s application for federal approval to expand Foreign Trade Zone #81 has been approved by the Foreign Trade Zones Board, according to Geno Marconi, director of the Pease Development Authority, Division of Ports and Harbors. 

The state’s four Foreign Trade Zones, located at the Pease International Tradeport; the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport; the Market Street Marine Terminal in Portsmouth, and the Portsmouth Industrial Park are reorganized under the Alternative Site Framework, which includes all or parts of nine of the state’s 10 counties. FTZs authorized by the federal government are typically located adjacent to U.S. Customs Ports of Entry and enable companies to defer, reduce or eliminate duties on imported merchandise. Potential users of the FTZ can now utilize its benefits within approximately 30 days from the time an application is accepted for filing; previously, applications took up to a year.

“This is another step toward our aggressive goal of enabling businesses in New Hampshire to find profit and success in the international marketplace,” said Commissioner Taylor Caswell of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs. 

The Foreign-Trade Zones Act of 1934 provided financial incentive to companies, which would have operated offshore, to locate within the United States, to create jobs and stimulate the economy. 

Foreign-Trade Zones are areas designated by the FTZ Board and are under the supervision of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. For the purpose of assessment and collection of import duties, foreign imported merchandise entered into a zone is considered not to have entered the commerce of the United States, so duties are not paid while the merchandise remains at the site. Depending on the final disposition of merchandise, duty deferral, duty reduction and/or duty elimination are potential zone benefits. 

For information on New Hampshire’s Foreign Trade Zones, contact Marconi at the Division of Ports and Harbors, 555 Market St., Portsmouth, 603-436-8500 or g.marconi@peasedev.org

Another STEP for New Hampshire Businesses and International Trade

Friday, September 28th, 2018

The latest round of STEP funding will be used to promote New Hampshire exports, such as the Farnborough International Air Show, one of the largest aero/defense trade shows in the world.

The New Hampshire Office of International Commercial received from the U.S. Small Business Administration a State Trade Expansion Program grant, which will continue to help Granite State businesses discover, and expand in, markets around the world.

“For more than five years, STEP grants have made a real difference for New Hampshire businesses and the global market, said Commissioner Taylor Caswell of the state Department of Business and Economic Affairs. “Through this program, scores of companies and manufacturers have completed export training programs; participated in international trade shows, and raised the profile of New Hampshire in markets around the world.”

US Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced the $250,000 award last week, noting “This federal support is an important investment in Granite State entrepreneurs, helping them compete in a global economy.”


The STEP Financial Assistance Award program is now available! Companies can apply for a financial assistance award of up to $5,000 to help increase export sales. Details below.


The latest round of funding will be used to provide matching grants to eligible New Hampshire companies for their export promotion efforts; further development of the annual Export Boot Camp by the Office of International Commerce, and taking part in an international trade show.

The SBA distributed $18 million in STEP grants to 47 state international trade agencies. Now in its seventh year, STEP is designed to increase the number of small businesses that export and the value of those exports, and to explore new trade opportunities.


Get in on STEP!

Join the Office of International Commerce at two informational webinars regarding the grant,
application process and guidelines. Register for one of the webinars and receive 5
points towards your application’s overall score.

Wednesday, October 10 at 10 a.m. ET
Thursday, October 11, at 2 p.m. ET

There is no cost to participate in the webinar, but registration is required. The application packet, instructions, guidelines and additional program information are available HERE.

Please note:
Application deadline is Friday, Nov. 9 at 3 pm ET
• Submit applications HERE
• No partial applications will be accepted
• Awards are limited in number and applications are ranked based on the competitiveness and innovation of the submitted proposal

*Note: The STEP Grant is a two-year grant. As a result, all successful activity reimbursements must be submitted within the next two federal fiscal calendar years (Oct. 1, 2018 – Sept. 29, 2020). Limited funds are available for this two-year period.

For more information, visit nhexportassistance.com or contact Rachel Adams.

Get Your Business in Shape for International Trade with the Export Bootcamp

Thursday, August 30th, 2018

Having trouble fitting in training sessions on international trade? Do bills of lading, export administration regulations and export credit insurance make you sweat?

Get your program in ship-export-shape by enrolling in the second annual Export Boot Camp this fall. It covers the most important aspects of doing business in international markets and can have you outpacing the competition.

For more information and to register,  visit our website. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to pump iron into your export plan!

Export Controls and Compliance

Wednesday, Oct. 3
9am – 3 pm EST
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord
Presented by: Evolutions in Business

Export Logistics

Wednesday, Oct. 17
9am – 2 pm EST
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord
Presented by: UPS; Traliance; Middleton & Shrull

Export Finance

Wednesday, Oct. 31
9am – 2 pm EST
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord
Presented by: People’s Bank; Meridian Financial Group; U.S. Small Business Association

International Marketing

Wednesday, Nov. 14
9am – 2 pm EST
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord
Presented by: IBT Online

 

Senator Hassan Updates Granite State District Export Council on Trade Developments; Honors Members for International Business Expertise

Tuesday, July 31st, 2018

Sen. Hassan, left, and Justin Oslowski, US Commercial Service, present Tina Kasim, Office of International Commerce with recognition from the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan on July 27 discussed the importance of international trade for New Hampshire businesses with members of the Granite State District Export Council, where she also highlighted the importance of supporting innovative businesses.


She also recognized members of the GSDEC being honored by the U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for their international business knowledge and expertise on trade and trade-related matters. Recipients pictured right.

Michael Barrett of Tech Resources Inc., receives recognition by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce from Sen. Hassan; Tina Kasim, Office of International Commerce; Justin Oslowski, US Commercial Service.


The Granite State District Export Council consists of members appointed to four-year terms by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and brings together experienced international business professionals who provide support, advice, and assistance to companies looking to enter or expand into international markets. The mission of the organization is to support and encourage exports in order to boost economic growth locally and create jobs.

William McNary of Agilitrade, receives recognition by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce from Sen. Hassan; Tina Kasim, Office of International Commerce; Justin Oslowski, US Commercial Service.

“International trade is a cornerstone of our economy in New Hampshire, and when trade is done right, it helps our innovative businesses compete – creating jobs and spurring economic growth,” Hassan said.

“The work of the Granite State District Export Council is critical in these efforts, providing key support and advice to New Hampshire businesses looking to enter or expand into new international markets.

“I am focused on supporting your work – ensuring that our businesses can trade on a level playing field, and that you have the resources and support you need to thrive in the international marketplace,” she said

The accomplishments this year of the Granite State District Export Council.

 

Karen Wyman of Elbit Systems of America, receives recognition by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce from Sen. Hassan; Tina Kasim, Office of International Commerce; Justin Oslowski, US Commercial Service.

 

 

 

New Hampshire, Canadian Officials Look at Importance of International Trade

Friday, April 20th, 2018

New Hampshire’s northern neighbor is also it’s biggest trading partner, so as discussions about the North American Free Trade Agreement continue, Granite State businesses are paying close attention.

More than 70 percent of Canadian exports go to the American market; Canada is the largest export market for more than 30 states.

Trade and investment with Canada supports 39,000 jobs in New Hampshire. Each year, companies and manufacturers export $576 million in goods and $211 in services to Canada.

“Our relationship,” said Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Taylor Caswell, “is crucial to our state’s economy.”

This fueled discussion this week, Renegotiating NAFTA: Partners for a Prosperous Economy, featuring industry leaders, state and provincial policy-makers, and economic development representatives from Quebec and New Hampshire, including Caswell;  Welch Manufacturing Technologies President Glenn Welch and CEO Robert Bouchard of Rotobec.

Welch is the manufacturer of Biteharder, a snowmobile carbide sharpening unit. Working with our Office of International Trade, Welch has found a thriving market in Canada. He told the audience that without NAFTA, the cost to send his product over the northern border would be almost as much as the unit itself.

Rotobec, which has had a presence in Littleton for over 30 years, is expanding for the second time in two years and expects to grow to 50 employees. Bouchard said international trade agreements enables the company to reach markets efficiently on both sides of the border and to have access to workforce.

“I’m keeping my fingers crossed things won’t change,” Welch said.

 

It’s Small Business Week! Our Team Offers Advice to Grow and Thrive

Monday, May 1st, 2017

Happy Small Business Week! We’re celebrating because small businesses – all 132,432 of them in New Hampshire, according to the Small Business Administration – are the fuel that drives our economy.

The success of businesses, both large and small, drives our team here at New Hampshire Economic Development as well, and in honor of Small Business Week, we offer the best business advice to keep you fired up.

Chris Way
Deputy Director
Stay focused on the reason you started the business and don’t be tempted to pursue too much, too quickly.

Carol Miller
Director of Broadband Technology
There are two ways to be in the broadband business, proactive or catching up. Proactive makes it the best business experience.

Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
The most valuable commodity you have as a business owner is your story – the story behind your business. Who inspired you to start? What drives you? What is your mission? Your story is unique to you. It will make you stand out from your competitors and relatable to your customers and clients. Make the time to tell it.

Bridget Beckwith
Tax Credit Administrator
Your work doesn’t stop when you open your business, especially if you offer a service like accounting. It is important to stay on top of best practices, regulations and any training that pertains to what you do. This keeps you competitive.


Business Retention – Connect with our business retention team for help and advice on keeping your small business growing and thriving. 


Deborah Avery
Business Resource Specialist
Excellent customer service is a must! Keep in touch with your banker on a regular basis and make sure that you retain an outstanding insurance broker, accountant and attorney.

Mollie Kaylor
Business Resource Specialist
Don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it – there are many great programs and resources available to help your business succeed and grow! Take advantage of them.

Mark Laliberte
Business Resource Specialist
Make sure all of the preliminary work is done before taking that step. Issues like whether you have the financial ability to do this; can you commit the time necessary; and do you have an idea on what your business plan will look like. A great resource to address this preliminary work is to check out the SCORE website and then reach out to a counselor.


New Hampshire Government Contracting Assistance Center – Connect with the team that can help you identify, bid on, and win government contracts.


Dave Pease
Program Manager
Government Contracting Assistance Center
On a per capita basis, New Hampshire small businesses are government contracting powerhouses. With over $679 million in small business sales to the federal government in FY 2016 ($511.88 per capita), New Hampshire ranks #7 in the US and #1 in the Northeast!

Amanda Duquette
Contracting Assistance Specialist
When starting to sell to the government, start small – choose one agency you know will benefit from your product/service.  You don’t want to take too broad of an approach in the beginning because you can lose focus and end up feeling overwhelmed and even defeated.

Jane Brezosky
Contracting Assistance Specialist
The government marketplace presents contracting opportunities to all kinds of businesses. There is great variety in the products and services that are sold to the government. Your product or services might have a government market, too.


Business Development – Connect with the team that helps businesses looking to expand or relocate to the Granite State.


Cindy Harrington
Business Development Manager
For start-ups, make sure there is a strong market for the product or service. Develop a short term and long term plan. Working with Small Business Development Center or SCORE can assist with strategic planning and preparing for financing. Networking is important.

Michael Bergeron
Business Development Manager
Stick with what you know best and don’t pretend to be someone you are not. If you are a software expert, don’t pretend to be an accountant – hire a good one.


Office of International Commerce – Connect with the team that helps your business connect with global markets.


Tina Kasim
Program Manager
Don’t be afraid to look at international markets; they can offer incredible opportunities for your business, but you need to plan properly.

Nathaniel Nelson
International Trade Officer
Never feel that you have to navigate the world of business alone. There are plenty of resources out there to help you map out your success.

Rachel Adams
International Trade Officer
International trade is a valuable way to support your overall strategy. It does not happen overnight – it takes time and patience, but it will be worth it in the end.

 

 

Join Dyn Pro for Webinar about International Cyber Threats and How NH Businesses Can Protect Themselves

Monday, February 13th, 2017

Cyber crimes can strike any business, at any time, at any place in the world, including New Hampshire.

A webinar from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, on Feb. 22 tackles the topic and is especially of interest to businesses involved in international e-commerce. Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention will be led by Chris Brenton, senior director of information systems at Dyn in Manchester. Brenton has extensive experience in the computer security industry and is credited with uncovering numerous security vulnerabilities.


International Trade Officer Rachel Adams talks about programs to help launch New Hampshire businesses into global markets.


It is sponsored by the New Hampshire Office of International Commerce; U.S. Commercial Services; the Granite State District Export and Provident Bank.

The webinar will cover a range of topics, including security precautions companies can take on their websites to protect against fraudulent transactions; red flags of which to be aware when conducting e-commerce sales and safeguards to protect assets in the event of a compromising transaction.

The cost for the webinar is $25. For more information, contact Rachel Adams at the Office of International Commerce, 603-271-8444 or register here.

The Office of International Commerce, within the Division of Economic Development, part of the New Hampshire Department for Resources and Economic Development, is the single point of contact for New Hampshire businesses needing assistance and resources to grow and thrive, as well as for out-of-state companies looking to expand or relocate in the state.

For more information, visit nhEconomy.com or call 603-271-2341.