How much will China’s slowing economy impact U.S. exports?

hinese growth has been slowing down for some time, and with that, demand for U.S. exports to the country. In August alone, both imports and exports fell sharply in the month of August. Chinese exports dropped 6.1%, while imports dropped by 14.3%.

Jacqueline Côté

I am a working journalist, with experience as SNL Financial’s Canadian correspondent for its Mining and Metals vertical. I also served as the Managing Editor for Central Asia Newswire – covering daily economic and investment news in the region – as well as Features Editor for the Washington-based Magharebia.com, which covers developments in the North Africa region. I have been published in The Montreal Gazette, The Guardian (UK), The New Statesman (UK), Red Pepper (UK), Geopolitical Monitor and CNN.com.

The top 7 most important skills that global trade professionals need to master according to industry experts

Over the course of our International Trade Competency Standards (ICS) Project, we’ve had many international trade experts talk about the skills that global trade professionals need to master, and why. Here are seven of the skills that came up most often.

Ewan Roy

I'm a Digital Marketing Specialist for the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). My background is in writing and research, and I am passionate about communicating new ideas and telling stories that matter to you.

The new generation of talented global business pros; 2014 FITT Education Award Winners

This year’s FITT Education Award winners are a talented group of individuals, among whom there are mentors, passionate social activists, and driven global business dynamos, all ready to take the industry by storm.

Pamela Hyatt

I am the Content Marketing Specialist for the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). You can find some of my work on TradeReady.ca. My background is in copywriting, journalism and social media. My passion lies in connecting people to the stories that are most important to them.

Supply Chain Reporting Analyst – ICL

This Supply Chain Reporting Analyst position is responsible for providing analytics to the Customer Service & Supply Chain Departments along with facilitating the reporting aspects of the Audit Controls for the Customer Service Department.

Supply Chain Associate – Monsanto

The Supply Chain Associate will work across the Canada Supply Chain functions in order to provide sufficient support to ensure our customers are receiving the highest quality of service in a timely and effective fashion, while continuously improving on those set standards.

5 practical trade compliance steps that will save you time and money in global business

Too often, companies train employees on trade compliance as if it is an annoying bundle of red tape that will inevitably hold up operations. Employees are taught that trade compliance is a hurdle they are forced to jump through once they are ready to get a job done. These 5 practical trade compliance steps could save your company some serious time and money.

Michael Volkov

Michael Volkov is the CEO of The Volkov Law Group, a boutique law firm that specializes in ethics and compliance programs addressing trade, sanctions, anti-corruption, and anti-money laundering laws and regulations. Mr. Volkov can be reached at mvolkov@volkovlaw.com. His law firm’s website is www.volkovlaw.com, and his blog Corruption, Crime & Compliance is located at www.corruptioncrimecompliance.com.

One time “Fringe” NGO’s have become a vital part of the global business environment

Historically in an adversarial relationship with other major players in the global business environment, the NGOs, which form part of what is collectively referred to as “civil society”, have garnered significant political currency as the issues they champion become higher profile and priority across the globe. NGOs have gone from “fringe” to mainstream in the international trade and global business environment.

Pamela Hyatt

I am the Content Marketing Specialist for the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). You can find some of my work on TradeReady.ca. My background is in copywriting, journalism and social media. My passion lies in connecting people to the stories that are most important to them.

It’s time for SMB’s to consider inorganic growth strategies to expand globally

From the tale of the tortoise and the hare, to the African proverb which counsels eating the elephant one bite at a time, we’re conditioned to tackle challenges with consistent and deliberate effort. That conditioning and mindset, though, has both positive and negative implications to companies’ global growth plans. For some SMB’s considering inorganic growth strategies is the only way forward.

Ed Marsh

Ed Marsh founded and runs Consilium Global Business Advisors and is Export Advisor for American Express. He is an expert in 'industrial grade' business growth consulting for mid-size manufacturing companies. Ed loves and excels at recognizing and creating business opportunities; at synthesizing the science/engineering with the art/design; at connecting the business strategy dots; and at challenging traditional assumptions.