Posts Tagged ‘Office of International Commerce’
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.
Tags: exports, International Commerce, international trade, Office of International Commerce
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on New Hampshire Exports Set New Record, Top $5.8 Billion
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.”
Tags: international trade, Office of International Commerce, trade council, USMCA
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Nation’s First State-level Trade Council Reaffirms Export Relations, Growth in Global Markets for New Hampshire Businesses
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.
Tags: international trade, Office of International Commerce, record exports
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on New Hampshire Exports Set Record for Second Straight Year
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.
Tags: international trade, Office of International Commerce, STEP grant
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Another STEP for New Hampshire Businesses and International Trade
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
Tags: export bootcamp, export compliance, export finance, export logistics, international marketing, international trade, Office of International Commerce
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Get Your Business in Shape for International Trade with the Export Bootcamp
Wednesday, May 9th, 2018
 The scheduling portal for the first ever B2B meetings is open until May 10. Register for login credentials; request appointments and check to see who has requested an appointment with you. There are 20 minute time slots for appointments beginning at 6:30pm, ending at 7:50pm; a potential for four meetings. You can block any time slots or leave them open for meeting requests. Make sure to confirm meetings that have been requested of you and keep checking back as new attendees register. A global defense industry and technology innovation expert headlines the 4th annual networking event hosted by the New Hampshire Aerospace and Defense Export Consortium, from 5:30 – 8 pm, May 17 at the Manchester Country Club.
Tate Nurkin, founder of OTH Intelligence Group LLC, is frequently cited on defense-related topics and has provided testimony to the U.S. – China Economic and Security Review Commission about the implications of China’s military reforms and modernization. His keynote address examines the shifting defense industrial landscape and the future of defense innovation.
The event will also feature trade representatives from Canada, Saudi Arabia and other resource organizations, as well as a first-ever business-to-business matchmaking component.
Find out how NHADEC gave a big boost to one New Hampshire company. Tune in here to learn the benefits of being a member.
Founded in 2013 by the New Hampshire Office of International Commerce, the consortium is expanding its membership beyond the state and now includes members from Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and as far away as Utah. It has also forged relationships with AeroMontreal and the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium, fostering partnerships and opportunities in markets around the world for its members.
The event is open to anyone with an interest in the state’s aerospace and defense sector, but registration is required at www.NHADEC.com.
For more information, contact Dawn Wivell at 603-836-4207.
Tags: Aerospace, business to business, defense, international resources, NHADEC, Office of International Commerce
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Shifting Defense Landscape, Business-To-Business Matchmaking Highlight Annual NHADEC Networking Event on May 17
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.
Tags: Biteharder, Canada, international trade, Office of International Commerce, Quebec, rotobec
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on New Hampshire, Canadian Officials Look at Importance of International Trade
Thursday, April 12th, 2018
If you’re involved with one of the thousands of New Hampshire companies exporting goods and services to markets within the European Union, you have, by now, probably heard about the General Data Protection Regulation rules, which go into effect May 25.
GDPR, as it’s better known, is strict protocol on how companies collect and protect data on citizens of the EU and companies must be within compliance next month.
From 8:30 am to 2:30 p.m., on May 4 in the Demoulas Room, Benoit Education Center at Rivier University in Nashua, the New Hampshire Office of International Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service and the Granite State District Export Council present two seminars taking a closer look at the global trends in e-commerce transactions and GDPR.
Morning Session: Cross-Border eCommerce Sales: Practical Guidance for Small & Medium-Sized Businesses
Presented by James Bledsoe, eCommerce Innovation Lab, U.S. Department of Commerce
Global Study – Pulse of the Online Shopper
Presented by John Wakefield, Lorie Schlatterer and Travis Klingseisen, UPS
Cost: $50 per person
Lunch and Learn: Understanding the New General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) When Doing Business in the European Union
Presented by Attorney John Weaver, Associate at McLane Middleton
Cost: $50 per person
Cost to attend both sessions: $75 per person
REGISTER TODAY!
Contact Rachel Adams with any questions. More information about each session and the agenda can be found HERE.
Tags: GDPR, Granite State District Export Council, Office of International Commerce, Rivier College, U.S. Commercial Service
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on GDPR Goes into Effect May 25: Is Your Company Ready to Comply?
Wednesday, November 1st, 2017
Through a federal grant from the State Trade Expansion Program, the Office of International Commerce and its partner at the U.S. Department of Commerce/U.S. Commercial Service sponsored a booth at the Defense and Security Equipment International trade show in September. Michael Polizzotti, an intern with OIC this semester, offers a perspective on the importance of international trade shows.
 New Hampshire’s aerospace and defense sector had great visibility at a recent international trade show. When we went to London to showcase New Hampshire’s capabilities and prowess in the world of aerospace and defense, we expected our conversations to be two-fold: Describing where, exactly, we are located in the world and what we have to offer a growing industry around the world.
Over the course of our participation in the Defense and Security Equipment International trade show, we were pleasantly surprised by people drawn to our booth to reminisce about their visits to New Hampshire, as they were surprised to learn that our state is such a hub of innovation.
At DSEI, we were joined by our partners from US Commercial Service and the New Hampshire Aerospace and Defense Export Consortium, as well as four companies – AQYR of Hollis; Corfin Industries of Salem; Brazonics of Hampton, and Crusade Group of Manchester. We were among 1,500 vendors at the show, which drew more than 18,000 people, giving us high visibility.
Having a presence at this show is important for these sectors. With aerospace and defense spending increasing in the United States and around the world, New Hampshire is poised to meet the demands of the global marketplace and OIC, and its partner, the New Hampshire Aerospace and Defense Export Consortium, is at the forefront to represent the state and regional businesses as innovative manufacturers and exporters.
NHADEC, a consortium of state and regionally-based aerospace and defense businesses, focuses on fostering opportune foreign markets for its members, through collaboration and global brand messaging. Members range from large scale manufactures, like BAE Systems and GE Aviation, to smaller tier companies.
There are many reasons for the global spending increases. NATO nations, including Poland, Portugal, Greece and others, are increasing their defense budgets. Defense spending is also on the rise in the Middle East and Asia, where military expenditures are projected between 4 percent and 6 percent. The Middle East and Asia-Pacific are driving commercial aerospace growth.
These trends present a great opportunity for New Hampshire.
Here’s why: About 60,000 aerospace and defense related jobs, at over 350 companies across the state, are filled by highly skilled workers. Many of these companies are NHADEC members working to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the growing aerospace and defense industry.
We can already see that growth. About 9 percent of New Hampshire’s manufacturing GDP is from aerospace and defense. Projections by the Aerospace Industries Association are for 3.8 percent, five-year employment growth in the sector. It also notes that New Hampshire has seen one of the largest percentage increases in dollar growth in the United States’ aerospace and defense industry.
The hard work of the state, NHADEC and its members over the past few years has heightened the Granite State as an aerospace and defense hub of innovation. We look forward to further solidifying the state as a place where innovation and manufacturing technology help to explore the depths of the sea and far reaches of space.
Michael Polizzotti
Office of International Commerce
Tags: Aerospace, AQYR, Brazonics, Corfin Industries, Crusade Group, defense and Defense Export Consortium, DSEI, New Hampshire aerospace, Office of International Commerce
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Trends Present Opportunity for New Hampshire’s Aero/Defense Sectors
Friday, September 15th, 2017
 Time is running out to sign up for the Export Boot Camp series! Registration closes Sept. 22; click here for more information. The New Hampshire Office of International Commerce received at State Trade Expansion Program award this week that will further its efforts in helping businesses find global markets for their products and services.
The $267,866 grant will be used to encourage export growth in New Hampshire, which totaled about $4.1 billion in 2016 and supports over 18,000 jobs here. The majority – 87 percent – of the more than 2,700 companies that export are small-to-medium-sized enterprises with less than 500 employees, according to the latest statistics.
“This STEP award continues to highlight New Hampshire’s dedication to small business,” said Commissioner Taylor Caswell, of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs. “Over the years, this funding has provided opportunities for our small businesses to find global markets and we’ve continued to see that the world is very interested in what our companies have to offer. This grant represents the great efforts of our Office of International Commerce and the New Hampshire offices of the SBA and US Commercial Service.”
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New Hampshire was one of 44 states receiving some of the $18 million set aside for STEP and the amount received represents a 25 percent increase over last year.
“We are happy to continue our partnership with the State of New Hampshire and the Office of International Commerce and commend them for their creative and impactful use of this program to promote greater exporting opportunities for small companies throughout the state,” Greta Johansson, district director of the state’s SBA office.
STEP is designed to increase both the number of small businesses that begin to export and the value of exports for small businesses currently exporting. Expanding the base of small business exporters and making the process as easy as possible is a key component of the SBA’s small business strategy.
Tags: exports, Office of International Commerce, State Trade Expansion Program, STEP, Taylor Caswell
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on New Hampshire Trade Office Receives Export Promotion Award
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