During the past few weeks, ITA employees have participated in events across the country in recognition of World Trade Month. The month gives us all an opportunity to acknowledge the importance of trade and investment as a driver of prosperity for our workers, businesses, and the U.S. economy.  

Under Secretary Stefan Selig kicked off World Trade Week at the International Trade Awards breakfast with business leaders and foreign government representative in New York City.

On May 16, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker honored 123 U.S. companies and organizations that export goods and services overseas during the 2016 President’s “E” Awards ceremony. This year, for the first time in the award’s 54-year history, winners represent every state and the District of Columbia. This was a true representation that trade is fundamental to the success of American workers.

During the week of May 16 we celebrated World Trade Week by leading two trade missions: a renewable energy trade mission to Mexico and a business development mission to the South Pacific.

In addition, on May 25, we had the pleasure of partnering with the Global Innovation Forum—a project of the National Foreign Trade Council—for an educational program at Microsoft Ventures in Seattle as a part of our Startup Global program, an initiative designed to help more startup firms think on a global scale from the earliest stages of growth.

But as we look forward beyond May, we must think about the work that must continue. Bilateral trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) are crucial to our economies success. The agreement will eliminate high tariffs and provide a strong path for our businesses here at home.

The ITA staff has developed useful resources on the agreement that can help exporters look forward to this 21^st century trade agreement. The Opportunities by Markets Report, Jobs Supported by Exports, country fact sheets, tariff tool and state fact sheets- are all FREE tools that highlight new opportunities available once TPP is passed.

In addition to TPP, we are looking forward to the SelectUSA Summit, June 19-21 in Washington DC. The Summit brings companies that are considering establishing or expanding operations together with economic developers from across the country to learn how the U.S. climate for innovation—as well as the other advantages offered by the United States—can support their global competitiveness. We expect to welcome more than 2,000 participants to Washington from approximately 70 countries and every corner of the United States.

Although World Trade Month may be coming to an end, our work here at ITA will continue. We will continue to advocate fair trade across boarders for American businesses and its workers. We will also continue to provide our customers with resources to help them make informed decisions before, while and after doing business abroad. Stay up to date on the resources available by subscribing to our ITA Newsletter, a monthly update on the latest news in trade.

And for those of you on social media, thanks for being a part of the conversation! #worldtradeweek #EconDevWeek.