Why the U.S. trade deficit could be a big red flag for the U.S. economy

The U.S. imported $232.9 billion worth of goods $187.8 billion, while only exporting $187.8 billion, resulting in a U.S. trade deficit of $51.4 billion. This deficit marked an increase of $15.5 billion – or 43.1% – over February 2015 numbers.

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.

Michelle Gunn, CITP|FIBP – Sea Freight and Customs Assistant

Michelle is excited to channel her passion for both international trade and Oxford Frozen Foods, where she works as the Sea Freight and Customs Assistant, to continue to take on new challenges in her career.

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.

How ‘chicken’ is stalling the South Africa-U.S. trade agreement

South Africa’s inclusion in the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade agreement is less than certain after a protracted battle between South African and American poultry associations over South Africa’s imposition of duties on U.S. chicken. The squabble over chicken has led some U.S. lawmakers to suggest that South Africa be placed on a three-year probationary period, with reviews every six months, once the AGOA is renewed for a 10-year term.

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 3 biggest risks you need to plan for before entering a new export market

There are many rewards to expanding business globally. Increasing global exposure, market share and profitability are just a few of the many good things that can happen. One major roadblock preventing organizations from growing their businesses in a new export market is the inherent risks involved.

Marco Calabrese, CITP|FIBP

Marco studied Economics at Brock University and has a post graduate certificate in International Business Management. He has developed solid development base of the global business landscape with his experience working for a multinational corporation. His expertise is in market research, product and business development and logistics.

How linguistic abilities and training in practical skills leads to international business success

Sonia Mancuso Root, CITP®|FIBP®, is Vice President of Business Development at Agrisource Food Products Inc., a world-class broker and distributor, where she helps companies manage their offshore arrangements and keep their supply chains running smoothly.
She has over twenty-five years of experience in international business and has been a CITP®|FIBP® since 2009. She credits the practical skills gained through her education and her linguistic abilities with her success in the industry.

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.

Import Assistant – Bluenotes

The Import Assistant will be the first point of contact in the importing process, and liaise with buyers, vendors, and banks to assure that proper documentation is filled out for the successful customs clearance and delivery of merchandise to the warehouse.

Import/Export Coordinator – Dawn Foods

Under general supervision from Director of Export/Import Services, the Import/Export Coordinator conducts multiple tasks related to the exportation/importation of food products including order processing, creating Export/Import documentation, following US Export/Import compliance, working with various departments and coordinating shipments with freight forwarders, brokers and steamship lines

5 compelling reasons you should invest in market research before exporting to Latin America

Researching Latin American markets is my passion. But I understand if it might not be yours. However, if you are a business intending to start or expand your operations anywhere in Latin America from Mexico down to Patagonia, you need to invest in market research

Gabriela Castro-Fontoura

Gabriela Castro-Fontoura is Director at Sunny Sky Solutions (www.sunnyskysolutions.com), supporting overseas companies across Latin America. Gabriela specialises in market research, distributor recruitment, soft-landing and trade missions across the region, from her base in Montevideo, Uruguay.

7 great options to stay connected when you travel on business

The ability to communicate effectively can have a huge impact on the success of your trip. Here are some great options you can use to help you stay connected with your network while you travel the world!

Bennett O'Brien

Bennett O'Brien is a freelance writer from the state of Massachusetts in the United States. He holds a bachelor's degree from Westfield State University, and graduated cum laude. Currently he is expanding his freelance writing career, and enjoying the opportunity to write on a variety of business topics.