These books cover vital subjects like supply chain management, geopolitics, leadership, business strategies, the AI economy, cultural diversity, and the historical context of global trade, offering valuable perspectives for navigating the complexities of the worldwide market.

1. The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business by Erin Meyer

Erin Meyer’s book “The Culture Map” explores cultural differences in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of understanding nuances for effective communication and collaboration. She introduces “authentic flexibility” for adapting to diverse cultures while staying true to oneself. The book provides insights on virtual communication in multicultural teams and offers practical tips for successful cross-cultural interactions. Meyer’s work is a valuable resource for enhancing intercultural competence and succeeding in diverse professional environments.

2. The Value of Everything: Making and Taking in the Global Economy by Mariana Mazzucato

The Value of Everything” by Mariana Mazzucato critiques how economic value is measured and the blurred line between value creation and extraction in the global financial system. The book examines cases from Silicon Valley to pharma, illustrating how this confusion impacts innovation and inequality. Mazzucato calls for a re-evaluation of capitalism, public policy, and value measurement to promote sustainable economic growth. She challenges the idea that market prices reflect true value and argues for a re-politicization of value as a social and political concept. Professionals importing or exporting are well versed in the myriad of complexities in valuing products, services and components. This book offers a fascinating perspective on the whole system.

3. How the World Ran Out of Everything: Inside the Global Supply Chain by Peter S. Goodman

The book “How the World Ran Out of Everything” by journalist Peter S. Goodman explores the complexities and vulnerabilities of the global supply chain. Through gripping storytelling, Goodman exposes the intricate pathways of manufacturing and transportation that bring products to our doorsteps, while also unveiling the ruthless business practices that have left local communities vulnerable to disruptions. Highlighting recent events like the pandemic-induced shortages, Goodman illustrates how financial interests, market opacity, and deteriorating working conditions have placed the supply chain on the brink of collapse. By following the journeys of individuals from factories in Asia to striking railroad workers in Texas, Goodman advocates for a reformation of the supply chain to ensure reliability and resilience.

4. Scale: The Universal Laws of Growth, Innovation, Sustainability, and the Pace of Life, in Organisms, Cities, Economies, and Companies by Geoffrey West

Geoffrey West, a pioneering physicist in complexity science, unveils the hidden laws governing the life cycle of diverse systems, from living organisms to cities. Contrary to the complexity of these systems, West’s discoveries reveal an underlying simplicity that unites them. By applying the rigor of physics to questions of biology and mortality, West found that mammals, despite their diversity, follow scaling laws that relate their size to various biological characteristics. This groundbreaking insight extends beyond biology to include cities and businesses, where similar laws of scalability apply. West’s work offers a unique perspective on the fundamental principles governing diverse systems, relevant for professionals working in global business. “Scale” is a captivating journey through fundamental natural laws that connect us all in profound yet straightforward ways, illuminating how cities, companies, and life itself are governed by the same principles.

5. Pivot: The Only Move That Matters is Your Next One by Jenny Blake

If change is the only constant, let’s get better at it.

In “Pivot: The Art and Science of Reinventing Your Career and Life,” Jenny Blake, a former career development manager at Google, shares practical strategies for navigating career transitions effectively. In today’s dynamic economy, where job roles change frequently and career plateaus are common, Jenny Blake introduces the concept of the “pivot” as a way to methodically make your next career move. Drawing from her experience in Silicon Valley and as a career consultant, Blake presents the Pivot Method, a framework for taking small, strategic steps towards a new direction in your career. Whether you’re considering a new role, starting your own business, or transitioning to a new industry, this book provides actionable advice to help you move forward with confidence.

With practical guidance and real-life examples, Blake empowers readers to embrace change and chart a path towards greater career satisfaction and success.

6. The International Business Culture Pathfinder: A Practical Guide to Navigating Cultural Differences in Global Markets by Marvin Hough

Written by experienced CITP Marvin Hough, The International Business Culture Pathfinder is a collection of concise business culture guides for 11 countries, including Brazil, Canada, China, UAE, South Africa and more.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of each nation’s business landscape, cultural traits, and practical scenarios demonstrate the impact of culture on business. Whether you are a seasoned global business professional or just embarking on your international journey, this resource is indispensable for grasping negotiations, communication norms, relationships, management approaches, and time management in varied cultural settings.

7. Power And Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence by Avi Goldfarb, Ajay Agrawal and Joshua Gans

In “Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence,” Avi Goldfarb explores the “Between Times” of AI evolution, highlighting the necessity for systemic changes in decision-making processes within organizations. Despite the transformative potential of AI, its widespread adoption has been delayed, akin to past technological revolutions such as electricity and computing. Goldfarb stresses the need for complementary innovations alongside AI advancements.

8. Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown

Leadership goes beyond titles, status, and authority. A true leader is someone who takes on the responsibility of identifying potential in individuals and ideas and has the bravery to nurture that potential.

Renowned author Brené Brown, a four-time #1 New York Times bestseller, has dedicated decades to studying emotions and experiences that add value to our lives. For the past seven years, she has collaborated with transformative leaders and teams worldwide. In her book “Dare to Lead,” she delves into how courageous leadership entails recognizing potential, staying open-minded, sharing power, and embracing vulnerability. The book stresses the importance of cultivating human qualities like empathy, connection, and courage in a society dominated by scarcity and fear. It presents four essential skill sets for courageous leadership and advocates for choosing courage over comfort.

From the humblest middle manager to the CEO of a fortune 500 company, anyone who wants to lead effectively could learn from this book.

9. Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order: Why Nations Succeed and Fail by Ray Dalio

A few years ago, Ray Dalio observed unique political and economic conditions, leading to his exploration of repeating patterns in wealth and power shifts over the last 500 years.

“Principles for Coping with the Evolving World Order” delves into the most tumultuous economic and political eras in history to explain why the future is expected to be markedly distinct from our own experiences, yet reminiscent of past occurrences.

Ray Dalio discusses unique circumstances leading to global changes and offers advice on navigating upcoming challenges. Dalio’s analysis covers major empires and historical patterns to provide practical principles for preparing for the future.

For professionals working in international trade, navigating the turbulent geopolitical and economic environment is part of the job. Learning more context for how things evolve may just help you get ahead of the curve.

10. Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Expla in Everything About the World by Tim Marshall

Journalist Tim Marshall’s book “Prisoners of Geography” explores how physical characteristics of countries like Russia, China, the US, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Japan, Korea, and Greenland and the Arctic, their strengths, vulnerabilities, and leaders’ decisions. In ten chapters and ten maps, the book delves into geopolitics and how geography shapes global strategies and historical events. It highlights the impact of geography on nations’ destinies and provides a fresh perspective on world affairs, something that is incredibly helpful for anyone doing business in foreign markets.

Knowledge is power, and continuous learning is the cornerstone of success in the evolving world of international trade. Share with us your top reads in 2024!

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Last year we published a run-down of the top 10 international trade books for importers and exporters to sink their teeth into, and gain some practical information on the actions of trade and the larger global trade environment.

This year, we’ve broadened the scope of our recommended selections to include books and online guides covering specific aspects of international trade, and business success in general, to dig a little deeper into the issues that international businesses face heading into 2018.

This year’s top 10 includes guides to building a diverse company, preparing to do business in complex cultures around the world, evolving your business alongside the rapidly changing technology landscape, and much more.

So, dive into the virtual book shelf below and get inspired, educated, motivated and energized for the year ahead. Enjoy!

1. Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands

Touted as “your must-have guide to proper international business protocol”, Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands is a detailed walk through diverse cultures in some of the world’s biggest emerging markets. Covering over 60 countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, this book will help reader navigate intercultural encounters, avoiding the pitfalls and missed opportunities that can happen when businesses are unprepared.

2. Doing Business in China: A Guide for Canadian Exporters and Investors

Export Development Canada has helped Canadian companies do business in over 200 countries worldwide. In this online resource EDC has focused on the Chinese market, pouring the organization’s considerable expertise into a comprehensive guide on the complex region. The guide covers China’s business environment, market entry strategies, opportunities, finances and taxation, legalities and delivering to the market. But above and beyond those key topics, the guide also includes links and references that will help you plan and carry out a Chinese export strategy.

3. The Industries of the Future

Considered a leading innovation expert, Alec Ross walks us through the biggest industry changes expected over the next decade and the rising fields that will dominate. Explaining the impacts on digital technology, money and markets, he also tackles the big questions, such as how the very nature of work will change and how rising developing nations will compete with current innovation hubs like Silicon Valley.

Reid Hoffman, Founder & Chairman of LinkedIn says, “Predicting exactly what is going to happen is impossible. But thinking systematically and strategically, as Alec Ross does here, about robotics, genomics, and the codification of everything is absolutely critical. Anyone who wants to understand the key forces that are shaping our economic, political, and social futures will benefit hugely from Ross’s insights.”

4. The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy

Following the journey of a simple t-shirt as it travels through the global value chain from raw materials through to delivery to a storefront in Texas, and on to its final destination at a used clothing store in Africa, author Pietra Rivoli weaves complex global issues into the travels of a humble tee. Immensely readable, this exploration of the global economic and political forces that affect trade, sources of competitive advantage, ethics and sustainability will teach you a lot about global business.

“Succeeds admirably…T-shirts may not have changed the world, but their story is a useful account of how free trade and protectionism certainly have.”
—Financial Times

5. Driven by Difference: How Great Companies Fuel Innovation Through Diversity

The value of a diverse workforce is now widely recognized across industries the world over. But as author David Livermore points out, “Studies show that diverse teams are more creative than homogenous ones–but only when they are managed effectively.”

Effectively managing a wide range of different types of intelligence, personalities, cultures and skill sets is no mean feat. This book teaches you how to build your cultural intelligence, or CQ, in a practical, tangible way. This is a useful source for any business, but especially one with a global team.

6. From Aid to Trade: How Aid Organizations, Businesses, and Governments Can Work Together: Lessons Learned from Haiti

This book explores the complicated issues developing nations face using the recovery efforts in Haiti following the devastating 2010 earthquake as an example. Attempting to explore the questions of “why after receiving billions of dollars of aid to poor countries remain poor,” and “why are failing foreign aid models used again and again,” from Aid to Trade provides practical solutions to help developing countries grow their economy and become sustainable. The insights from this book can provide valuable information for those exploring the possibility of doing business with a developing nation and the challenges they face.

7. Machine, Platform, Crowd 

When it comes to business, it’s impossible to ignore the exponential progress in technological development. Machine, Platform, Crowd guides us through the evolving technology of machine learning, big data applications, and the power of the sharing economy and crowd sourcing. It also delves into some futurology, mapping out how individuals and organizations of all kinds will use this technology or be outstripped by it and the impacts on our daily lives.

Summed up nicely in this review by Randall Stross for the Wall Street Journal, “This is a book for managers whose companies sit well back from the edge and who would like a digestible introduction to technology trends that may not have reached their doorstep – yet.”

8. The big pivot

The Big Pivot is promoted as a blueprint to help us all navigate the realities of a world facing the severe implications of climate change. Providing 10 strategies for leaders and companies to move forward in a new global business environment where climate change, scarcity and “radical transparency” in supply chains and processes is changing how business is done irrevocably. This book aims to arm business leaders with the strategies and tactics to remain agile and resilient when facing these challenges, complete with exemplary success stories from industry titans such as Diageo, Dow, Ford, Nike and Walmart who have made the shift and reaped the rewards.

9. Blue Ocean Strategy, Expanded Edition: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant

Originally published in 2005, this bestselling strategy book has been celebrated over the past decade as the definitive guide to creating “blue oceans”  – untapped new markets free of competition and ready for explosive growth. Now updated and expanded to include new case studies and success stories, the Expanded Edition can help you take your business to a whole new level and, rather than battle the competition, excel in a niche all your own.

10. Scaling Up

FITT has had an exciting couple of years. In 2017 alone we celebrated our 25^th anniversary with Your Future in Global Markets international business conference and formed an exciting new partnership with Export Development Canada. As an organization, we are constantly looking for ways to grow and better serve the global trade community. One tool that has been instrumental in helping us form our business strategy for the years ahead has been this book – Scaling Up.

Scaling Up focuses on the four major decision areas every company must get right: People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash.

“Fast-growing companies ― not small ones or big ones ― create almost all the jobs and innovation in our economy, and Verne has been an invaluable guide to leaders of such companies, like me. Scaling Up helps us put in place the disciplines critical to building a significant business.”- Graham Weston, Chairman and CEO, Rackspace.

Honourable mention: Your Future 2017  – notes

If you missed Your Future in Global Markets, it’s not too late to get in on the insights and practical tips the speakers shared on how to face your future in the international business environment and find business success. In these notes you’ll find the latest tools from Google, statistics and opportunities from the President of Paypal Canada, critical insights on avoiding corruption and much more. Get them for free here.

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Particularly popular articles featured the basics of importing and exporting, as well as how and what you need to know to start your own business. The wider factors affecting Canadian businesses involved in international trade also had people reading.

Whatever matters most to you, we hope this will give you a chance to catch up on some of the hottest articles from the past year that you may have missed, or refresh your memory as we head into 2017.

10. How the lower Canadian dollar is reshaping our economy

The Canadian dollar’s diminishing value has begun to leave its impact on the economy. When compared to United States’ dollar, which has improved in value over the same time period, it might appear to some that Canada is in poor economic shape. While businesses have a reason to be cautious, a weakened dollar actually brings tremendous benefit to Canadian businesses in a variety of industries.

9. Wondering if you should start an import/export business? Here’s what it takes

Global trade is growing, and with it opportunities to increase sales and profits, grow your market share and client base, expand your workforce and reduce the risk to your business. So how can you get in on this trend, and do you have what it takes to be successful in this type of endeavour? We asked two global trade experts who have experience running their own successful businesses about the realities of starting an import/export business.

8. How 3 major challenges to China’s economy will affect Canadian businesses

Recent reports state that China’s economy is showing signs of improvement, after a volatile few years for Canada’s second largest trading partner. However, China continues to face major economic challenges, contributing to what is largely considered to be an unsustainable growth rate.

7. Face Off: Buy Local vs. Buy Global

In the past few decades, the call to support local businesses by patronizing locally sourced and sold products over those that are imported and sold at corporate chains has gained momentum. While there seem to be many benefits to supporting the neighbourhood “mom n’ pop”, not least of which is a warm feeling of doing “the right thing”, is it really best to buy local?

6. Canadian exporters: here’s how to register to do business with the U.S. government

 The good news is that U.S. Government procurement represents a wealth of opportunities for Canadian exporters who are enterprising enough to do the legwork. And, the even better news is that a U.S. Government-wide resource exists, providing details on all proposed procurement actions and contract awards over U.S. $25,000: the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website.

5. 5 ways importing and exporting will be more challenging in Trump’s America

Following the global trend for political change, the United States elected a candidate who has promised to shakeup both the political and economic fabric of the country. Donald Trump has promised to reform his country’s approach to global trade, claiming that he can revive the American economy by bringing back jobs that America has, for decades, exported to other countries. In consequence, those looking to enter the U.S. market may find protectionist measures which will create challenges in bringing their products into the country.

4. Statistics prove these 4 benefits to importing and exporting in global markets

According to several recent studies in Canada, the U.S. and the UK, statistics prove that there are significant benefits for companies who export. While going global will never be completely risk-free, these numbers prove that the potential benefits can outweigh any negatives, and help your company excel like never before.

3. What are service exports, and why are they suddenly so important?

Exports are a hot topic these days, but generally when people talk about exports, they are referring to product exports.   Did you know, though, that the fastest growing type of exports is services?   More and more companies are finding profit in exporting services, and several trends ensure that these exports will grow rapidly.

2. 10 books for import-export professionals that you need to read

Books can be incredibly powerful tools for gaining knowledge on a particular topic. When it comes to international trade, there are a number of books that can help you gain real insight and appreciation for this bustling industry. Here are some excellent books to help you broaden your understanding of global trade.

1. The 5 essential stages in developing a successful supply chain

Supply chain management encompasses such a wide range of functions that it can seem daunting, even to the most experienced international businessperson. However, the process can be effectively modelled by breaking it down into several main strategic areas. One common and very effective model is the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model, developed by the Supply Chain Council to enable managers to address, improve and communicate supply chain management practices effectively.

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1. Understanding Global Trade by Elhanan Helpman

This book explains the importance of global trade for individuals, as well as the relationship between policy makers and the trade industry.

It covers the development of important economic theories and ideologies for world trade, all the way back to Adam Smith.

Furthermore, this book gives insight into the precise nature of global trade flows. As well as how markets develop trade and economic relationships.

In other words, this book is a solid source for you if you are trying to understand how global trade develops, persists, and impacts the lives of citizens all around the world.

2. The World that Trade Created by Kenneth Pomeranz

The benefit of this book is that it provides a deep historical context for international trade.

The World that Trade Created explains how international trade is extremely relevant in how the world is shaped and arranged geopolitically.

By reading this book, you can develop a much deeper understanding of the connection between social and political affairs and global trade.

This not only helps you understand the historical aspect of international trade, but how modern day trade is still closely related to cultural and social events.

3. Global Trade Policy: Questions and Answers by Pamela J. Smith

Global trade policies are vital for trade professionals to know and be well versed on. After all, it is often policy that can make or break massive deals and operations between nations.

So, having a solid working knowledge of important policies in international trade can give you an advantage in this field.

This book is structured so that a question is asked, and is then followed by a detailed answer that provides useful information about important policy issues.

Topics covered in the book include tariffs, regulations regarding the environment, labor, and property, subsidies, etc.

4. Rethinking International Trade by Paul Krugman

Rethinking International Trade challenges existing theories and concepts relating to international trade.

It goes deep into the roots of international trade, and how technology, history, and trade strategy all relate to and influence each other in the global trade industry.

This book can help you examine various schools of thought regarding trade, and learn about different ideas for optimal trade policies. Concepts such as specialization and protectionism are discussed.

5. International Trade and Port Logistics by I.C.J. Verhaart

If you’re seeking a career in international trade, it’s useful to understand how the logistics of this industry work. How do ports operate? How do payments work along supply chains? What other logistics do you need to know to move merchandise, etc? These important issues and more are discussed in this book.

It is great to have a theoretical knowledge of the industry, but trade professionals also need to know the nitty gritty logistics of shipping and trading imports and exports around the world. This book can help you learn these important trade secrets.

6. International Trade Law by Peter Stone

There are many laws that govern the world of international trade. Knowing them can help you navigate this business environment with skill and comfort.

This book covers issues such as the Rotterdam Rules, dispute resolution laws, cargo transportation laws, laws regarding credit, e-commerce and other payment mechanisms, etc.

When it comes to international trade law, it’s better to be prepared then to be surprised by a law. After all, accidentally breaking a law can be incredibly costly.

Reading this book can help you understand what to avoid, and how to stay within all the necessary legal parameters.

7. Building an Import/Export Business by Kenneth D. Weiss

Essentially, this book provides a guide for starting your own import/export business. So if you are at a point in your career where you are considering starting your own trade venture, this book might be just what you’re looking for.

Topics covered in the book include honing in on a market, researching an idea, launching the business, maintaining successful operation, and many others. Real life examples are provided to help demonstrate the concepts in the book.

8. Essentials of Supply Chain Management, Third Edition by Michael H. Hugos

Supply chain management is a critical component of almost every international trade business. After all, it’s how products are moved from one country to the next in order to be bought or sold. Without a successful supply chain, global trade companies would struggle to survive.

This book can help you learn important information about how to successfully manage a supply chain. It covers topics such as: exactly how supply chains work, important developments in supply chain technology, first hand accounts from supply chain executives, and more.

9. The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger by Marc Levinson

If you are an international trade professional, or plan on being one, then there is a good chance that your company will rely on shipping containers at some stage.

Shipping containers really were an incredible development, and this book shows you just how important they are for the industry.

This book shows how one simple idea can change a massive industry. It can also help you put this staggeringly vast shipping industry into perspective.

10. How Small Business Trades Worldwide: Your Guide to Starting or Expanding a Small Business International Trade Company Now by John Spiers

This book can be very helpful to you if you are planning to venture out on your own in the international trade world. It gives tips and tricks for achieving success in the industry.

It also provides encouraging facts about self-employed entrepreneurs to help keep you motivated to pursue your own business dreams.

Reading this book may help you to avoid making some common rookie mistakes if you are trying to start or expand a trade business.

It can also serve as a general reference to help you navigate the startup world in the global trade industry.

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