US Already Has FTAs with 6 TPP Countries

U.S. trade with our free trade agreement (FTA) partner countries supports more than 17.7 million American jobs and billions of dollars in U.S. exports.

The United States has routinely increased exports to FTA partners following implementation of the agreements with those countries.

The United States exported more than $739 billion in goods and services to six Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries that are already FTA partners — Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Singapore.

For more information on the value of trade and the TPP to the WA economy, click HERE.

EX-IM Reauthorization One-Step Away

UPDATE:  15-12-04:The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. (Ex-Im Bank) was reauthorized on Friday, December 4. Garnering a strong bipartisan House vote of 359-65 and a Senate vote of 83-16, the "Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act" extends the Bank's charter through September 30, 2019. 

Months after the Export-Import Bank of the United States’ authority lapsed, the House of Representatives voted again to approve the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank as an amendment to the 5-year, $300 billion highway bill. The bill now heads to the Senate where it is expected to pass.

Rep. Denny Heck (WA-10) applauds second House vote to reopen Export-Import Bank, identifies it as huge victory for Washington’s export economy. “Congress will finally green light Ex-Im to go in and to help these companies get their products out of the warehouses and into the hands of global purchasers,” Heck said. “Once the President signs this bill into law, the Export-Import Bank can once again get American goods sold to customers around the world. This is a victory for our export economy, which includes everything from music stands to wide body jets in Washington state. But let’s be clear that this needless delay harmed small businesses mightily for months, and we can never let it happen again.”

"No one has worked harder or more effectively to reopen the Export-Import Bank than Congressman Denny Heck," stated Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer. "He has been a tenacious fighter on behalf of American businesses and workers, and I thank him for his tireless efforts to reopen the Bank."

“Pexco is pleased that House and Senate negotiators have finalized an agreement on a five-year surface transportation program bill which includes reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank,” said Peter Speer, Pexco’s Vice President of Sales. Pexco, a company with 150 employees in Fife, Wash., that makes traffic and safety products, has used Ex-Im financing in the past to sell their equipment around the world. “The multi-year bill will provide much-needed stability for the highway market domestically after a decade of short-term extensions. Renewal of the Export-Import Bank will assist our company in exporting innovative, life-saving traffic safety technologies overseas, creating jobs for our factory in Tacoma.”

“The Tacoma-Seattle metro is the 4th highest area in the value of goods exported, and 915,000 jobs in Washington depend on trade ,” said Tom Pierson, President and CEO of Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber.  “Ex-Im is vital to keeping our local businesses competitive with other countries’ exporters.”

“The World Trade Center Tacoma is so pleased with the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank,” said Louise S. Tieman, President and CEO of World Trade Center Tacoma. “Our members utilize Ex-Im Bank to export to foreign markets that are not served by US Banks, and these markets generate revenue and jobs here in Washington.  There are new contracts that have been waiting in the wings for reauthorization to come through, so we are anticipating increased export volume for some of our members in the coming months.”

“Last year the Port handled $18.4 billion worth of goods destined for foreign markets. Ex-Im is an essential tool in supporting and growing those exports over time,” said Don Johnson, Port of Tacoma Commissioner. “We applaud Congressman Heck and the Washington state congressional delegation for their leadership in reauthorizing the Ex-Im Bank.”

“The Ex-Im Bank specializes in helping U.S. firms export goods and services and allows them to compete in foreign markets,” said Dr. Chung-Shing Lee, Associate Dean and Professor at the Pacific Lutheran University School of Business. “The reauthorization of The Ex-Im Bank levels the playing field for U.S. firms in a world of international trading distortions.”

In June, Heck publicly promised an “all hands on deck, all the time” effort to get a winning vote in the House to save the Export-Import Bank.

On October 9, more than 40 Republicans joined 179 Democrats in signing a discharge petition to bring legislation to the House floor to reauthorize the U.S. Export-Import Bank, marking the first successful discharge petition since 2002.

On October 27, in a bipartisan vote of 313-118 and with a historic ‘discharge petition’ maneuver, the House of Representatives successfully passed H.R. 597, the Reform Exports and Expand the American Economy Act, to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States until 2019.

While H.R. 597 failed to move in the Senate, the same reauthorization text was included in H.R. 22, the DRIVE Act, which passed in the House by a vote of 371 – 54 on November 5.

You may use this link HERE to send a letter to your Members of Congress thanking them for their vote and Governors for their support on the reauthorization of the Export Import Bank .

The Export-Import Bank is the nation’s official export credit agency and a tool that helps companies in Washington state and nationwide sell products overseas and create jobs. Since the bank’s authorization lapsed on June 30, 2015, the bank has been forced to stop its assistance to U.S. exporters -- threatening export deals for more than 100 exporters in Washington state.

In 2014, the Ex-Im Bank supported $27.5 billion in export sales and 164,000 jobs, of which tens of thousands are in Washington state. Small businesses transactions were nearly 90 percent of the total transactions of the Export-Import Bank in 2014.

Exports Produce Jobs and Wealth

Expanded trade generates new business opportunities for America’s manufacturers, service providers and farmers, from Seattle-Tacoma (up 9.3%) to Miami and in hundreds of metro areas across the country.

 In 2014, U.S. goods exports to other countries from metro areas alone totaled more than $1.4 trillion, creating economic and job growth in major U.S. population centers.

To learn more about how exports support the U.S. economy and American jobs, click here.

America’s Agriculture Industry Feeds the World

As you sit down for your Thanksgiving dinner, be sure to keep in mind that the United States is the world’s leading exporter of agricultural products. That includes the same kinds of fruits, vegetables and wheat products that you will enjoy with family and friends tomorrow.

America’s agriculture sector depends on exports even more than the overall U.S. economy does. This means more export revenue, more jobs and more growth for America, which is something we can all be thankful for.

For more information on the value of trade to the U.S. economy, click HERE.

Cong. Reichert Leads Key Trade Subcommittee

U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) was recently named as the new Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade. Rep. Reichert is the first Member of Congress from Washington State to serve as Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade.

Rep. Reichert is co-chair of the Friends of TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) Caucus, member of the President’s Export Council and founder of the Congressional Freight Caucus.

 “I am very honored to have the opportunity to lead the Trade Subcommittee and champion some of the issues that have the greatest impact on Washingtonians. Washington State is one of the most trade-dependent states in the country with 40 percent of our jobs and more than $90 billion in annual exports connected to trade,” said Rep. Reichert.

“In the Eighth District alone, 77,100 jobs are supported by trade, and our growers, producers and businesses export approximately $8.6 billion in goods and services each year.  With the release of the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and our ongoing negotiations with the EU, this is a critical time for trade. As a long-time advocate of expanding trade opportunities, I will continue fighting on behalf of our workers, farmers and businesses across the country, because I firmly believe through high-standard trade agreements we see expanded opportunities for all.”

Business and Agricultural Groups Welcome Release Of TPP Agreement Text

US Trade Representative (USTR) released the full text and chapter summaries of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement early this morning. You can find it all on the USTR website, as well as on Medium, here.

 “We welcome the public release of the Trans-Pacific Partnership text and commend the Administration for having done so as quickly as possible,” said David Thomas, President of the Trade Benefits America Coalition. “A well-crafted TPP has significant potential to expand U.S. trade opportunities with some of the world's fastest growing markets – to the benefit of American businesses, farmers, and workers. We look forward to examining the agreement closely and continuing to work with the Administration and Congress as the TPP process moves forward."

TPP has the potential to reduce tariffs on 18K U.S. goods. We look forward to seeing how the TPP can help farmers, ranchers, and small businesses across the country. Trans-Pacific Partnership fact sheets, issue briefs, and chapter summaries can be found here, via http://bit.ly/1kcq7ma #TPP

Trade and Investment Summit (July 14-15)

4^th Annual Pacific Northwest – China  Trade and Investment Summit.

The World Trade Center Tacoma Summit will include around 20 investors and trade professionals from China, most of whom are interested in food and beverages, EB-5 and other investment opportunities. 

Prices for registration, booths, and matchmaking slots can be found on the WTCT website: http://wtcta.org/event/pacific-northwest-china-trade-investment-summit .

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US House Passed TPA!

UPDATE:  6-16-2015
Today, the House of Representatives voted (236-189) to give Congress until the end of July to hold another vote on TAA (Trade Adjustment Assistance), a worker retraining program tied to the passage of TPA. 

As lawmakers continue to develop the procedural and legislative strategy to send TPA to the President's desk, our thanks to Pierce County's Members of Congress Reps. Dave Reichert and Derek Kilmer who voted for this bill. (Remember also Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell who voted in favor of TPA.)

ORIGINAL:
The U.S. House of Representatives voted today to pass Trade Promotion Authority (TPA, "fast track) by a vote of 219-211.  .  Hurrah!

However, the TPA legislation cannot move forward because the House failed to also pass Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), which was a requirement of the rule governing the House debate.

There are a number of options for moving forward currently being weighed by House leadership.

These include voting to reconsider the TAA bill next week, or voting on separate TPA legislation in the House and Senate. Immediately after the House voted in favor of TPA, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) made a motion to reconsider the TAA part of H.R. 1314. A vote on that motion will take place June 15 or 16.

For now, we will be thanking those Members who voted in favor of TPA, and we encourage you to also reach out and thank your Representative for his or her support. 

• To see a full list of yeas and nays for TAA.
• To see a full list of yeas and nays for TPA. 

Please let us know if you have any questions.  Otherwise, we hope you have a great weekend!

FINAL SUPPORT ACTION NEEDED FOR TPA NOW

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US Chamber Set TPA as Key Vote

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is identifying TPA as a "key vote," (for purposes of evaluating Congressional members support of business issues:

American Exporters Will Excel

Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg issued the following statement with respect to January’s export data released Friday by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) of the U.S. Commerce Department. According to BEA, the United States exported $189.4 billion of goods and services in January, 2015.

American exporters, when competing on a level playing field, will always excel, said Hochberg. At Ex-Im Bank, we will continue to support American exporters so they can introduce their goods and services to new global markets and create more middle class jobs here at home.

ABOUT EX-IM BANK:
Ex-Im Bank is an independent federal agency that supports and maintains U.S. jobs by filling gaps in private export financing at no cost to American taxpayers. The Bank provides a variety of financing mechanisms, including working capital guarantees and export credit insurance, to promote the sale of U.S. goods and services abroad. Ninety percent of its transactions directly serve American small businesses.

In fiscal year 2014, Ex-Im Bank approved $20.5 billion in total authorizations. These authorizations supported an estimated $27.5 billion in U.S. export sales, as well as approximately 164,000 American jobs in communities across the country.

Small business exporters can learn about how Ex-Im Bank products can empower them to increase foreign sales by clicking HERE. For more information about Ex-Im, visit HERE.

Chamber Joins Concerns & Seeking Help

The Chamber joined numerous other organizations and companies encouraging help in ensuring the present interruptions in West Coast port terminal operations does not escalate to a complete shutdown.

Following below, please find the letter from Washington state & Pacific NW employers to President Obama, expressing our deep concerns.

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WA Support for EX-IM Bank Strong

[UPDATED September 18, 2014]

A co-signed letter to the Washington Congressional Delegation on the importance of reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank had 40 diverse businesses, ports and organizations from across Washington state as signatories, strengthening our voice on this critical issue.

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Region a Leading Metro Area for Exports

New data shows Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is a leading metropolitan area for exports.  The area's Merchandise Exports increased 13 Percent to a Record High in 2013.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) today announced new export data that shows merchandise exports from the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area totaled a record $56.7 billion, an increase of 13 percent or $6.4 billion from 2012 to 2013. This growth helped the region remain a top metropolitan area for exports in 2013.

The Department of Commerce is dedicated to assisting U.S. firms meet the needs of global consumers while strengthening our economy and supporting jobs throughout the metropolitan area and our nation, said Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Stefan M. Selig. U.S. companies of all sizes are exploring the possible benefits of exporting, and looking beyond our borders to expand their customer base. More than 95 percent of potential consumers live outside the United States and crave the world-class products offered by American businesses.

According to international trade figures released today by ITA, 156 U.S. metropolitan areas exported more than $1 billion in merchandise in 2013. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is one of 33 metropolitan areas with merchandise exports worth more than $10 billion.  Thirty-three of the top 50 metropolitan areas for exports registered positive growth between 2012 and 2013 – with 26 reaching record export levels.

Key merchandise export categories for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area in 2013 included computer and electronic products, fishing, hunting, and trapping, machinery, miscellaneous manufactures, and transportation equipment. China, Japan, Canada, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates were the leading destinations for the region's exports.

Metro area exporters continue to ramp up their international sales with quality, made-in-the-USA products, said Diane Mooney, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service/Seattle. By selling internationally, many of these exporters are better able to weather changes in the economy while building their global competitiveness.

The Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration works with American businesses of all sizes to identify export opportunities for their products and services to bolster President Obama’s National Export Initiative (NEI). A focus of the NEI is helping metropolitan areas identify regional strengths in order to increase their exports, boost the local economy, and create jobs for American workers.

For more information on exporting, contact the U.S. Commercial Service Export Assistance Center in Seattle at (206)553-5615 ext.236 or visit here.

For more information on the impact of Metropolitan Statistical Areas on U.S. exports, including fact sheets for the top 50 exporting MSAs in 2013, visit here.

Gaining Customers & Profit in Trade

The Washington Export Outreach Team - Export 101: From Your Door to the World Seminar event is unique as it walks companies through the exporting process.

It introduces the Local, State and Federal resources to assist them with this process.  These resources can help companies in all stages of the export business continuum including New to Business (NTBs), New-To Export (NTEs), New-To-Market (NTMs), and Expanding Market (EMs) companies.  The companies will also have the opportunity for one-on-one networking with the Local, State and Federal resources at the end of the event.     

What: Export 101: From Your Door to the World Seminar

When: Thursday, August 7, 2014 – From: 8:30 am – To: 5:00 pm
Where: The Rainier Room at the Truitt Building, 102 West Main St. Auburn, WA 98001

Cost: $75.00 per person

Materials and lunch will be provided

Register here as Space is limited.

Individual counseling sessions are available. Contact Zara Castillo for more details

Did you know 95% of potential customers live outside of the U.S.? It’s time to learn how to connect with them.

Attend the Export 101: From Your Door to the World, to access local resources to help your small business expand globally at this full day seminar covering:

Presented by the Washington Export Outreach Team (WEOT): Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW), Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank), Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Export Readiness Center, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Washington State Department of Agriculture, and Washington State Department of Commerce.

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. will be providing a logistics presentation.

The workshop will feature presentations on the following topics:

•  Developing an export business plan

•  Determining appropriate international markets

•  Finding qualified buyers, agents, and distributors

•  Determining pricing and methods of payment

•  Mitigating non-payment risks and financing export transactions

•  Shipping your product overseas

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Three Steps for the Ex-Im Bank

1) Tell Congress to Reauthorize the  Export-Import Bank
2) Sign onto the letter to Congress - Deadline June 4, 2014

 UPDATE JUNE 25, 2014 - SEE THE LETTER AND THE 865 SIGNATORIES HERE.

3) Show Your Support for the Ex-Im Bank!

As the Wall Street Journal noted last Wednesday, the Export-Import Bank of the United States plays a crucial role in our economy. Last year, Ex-Im supported the purchase of $37.4 billion worth of exports that created or sustained approximately 205,000 American jobs at 3,400 companies. It is especially important to small and medium-sized businesses, which account for nearly 90 percent of the Ex-Im's transactions.

Ex-Im will expire on September 30, 2014, without Congressional reauthorization. We urge you to show your support for Ex-Im and the opportunities it creates by signing our letter to Congress and encouraging your business members to do the same.

Additionally, we invite you to join U.S. Chamber's Senior Director Christopher Wenk and Senior Vice President Jack Howard on a conference call Wednesday, May 28 at 1:00 pm EST. They will discuss Ex-Im's effect on the business community and how your organization can benefit from its reauthorization. To register for the call, click here.

We appreciate your support and look forward to speaking with you on Wednesday.
Get involved!
•    Sign onto the letter to Congress (Collecting signatures from companies, Chambers, associations, and more. All are welcome! Deadline June 4)
•     Join us on May 28 for a conference call
•     Visit our website www.uschamber.com/ex-im
•    See the companies in each congressional district that utilize Ex-Im Bank
•     Check out the small business stories here and here
•    Download the Chamber's pamphlet on ExIm
•    Get the "Myths and Facts about the Export-Import Bank of the United States"

Exporting to Expand into New Markets

UPDATE:  Cancelled for future Rescheduling.

The Pierce County Economic Development Department is hosting an EXPORT FORUM. The FORUM is for companies new to exporting and those exporting that might want to expand to new markets.

Exporting provides opportunities to broaden and deepen your customer base, taking advantage of shifting worldwide economic trends.  Washington firms have access to an array of public and private services which can help you negotiate the seemingly formidable obstacles.

REGISTRATION
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