The WTCGP, in collaboration with the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, led a trade mission to Panama and Colombia in June.  Eight  Philadelphia area companies from the agricultural, architectural and IT services industries traveled to Panama City, Bogotá and Medellín.  City itineraries included a day of on-one-one business meetings with pre-screened potential business partners.   For the company participants, the mission provided both insight into the local market and tangible trade leads. Several participants have quotations pending or are in negotiations with Colombian buyers.

In a combined effort to identify market opportunities for their members and client companies, representatives from the WTCGP and the GPHCC met with government procurement departments in each country to understand the workings of their procurement systems. They also met with the relevant local Chambers of Commerce as a means to promote the City of Philadelphia as a place for international business and tourism.

Through his Director of Investments, Ms. Luz Monica Perez, and on behalf of the city of Medellin, Mayor Alonso Salazar Jaramillo presented the delegation with the gift of a photographic book of his city. The WTCGP and the GPHCC presented this to Mayor Nutter on September 3rd.   

In the spirit of continuing a winning partnership, The WTCGP and the GPHCC are again joining forces to host a visiting delegation from Barranquilla, Colombia September 28th and 29th. 

June 2009 Export Statistics Released August 12, 2009 

EXPORT OVERVIEW:

• With the release of June 2009 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report by the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. exports of goods and services increased by 2.0 percent in June 2009 to $125.8 billion since May 2009, while imports rose 2.3 percent to $152.8 billion over the same period.In June 2009, the monthly U.S. goods and services trade deficit increased by 4.0 percent to $27.0 billion when compared to May 2009.
• The largest export markets for U.S. goods year-to-date through June 2009 were Canada ($96.2 billion), Mexico ($58.6 billion), China ($30.4 billion), Japan ($24.8 billion), and the United Kingdom ($22.8 billion).

 TRADE SPOTLIGHT: First Half 2009 Trends 

• Through the end of the first half 2009 (January – June) U.S. goods and services exports totaled $745.9 billion, a 19.3 percent decline from the $924.4 billion exported through the same period of 2008. Comparatively, U.S. goods and service imports fell faster than exports, with imports declining 28.8 percent through the first half of 2009 (when compared to the year earlier period). Despite declines in world demand leading to a fall in U.S. exports, there are a few bright spots where U.S. goods exports have risen. Through the first half of 2009 (compared to the same period of 2008), U.S. exports of pharmaceutical preparations rose by $4.3 billion. U.S. goods exports also increased in civilian aircraft ($825 million), and industrial engines (up $665 million).On a quarterly basis, the downturn in U.S. exports appears to be slowing. Between the fourth quarter of 2008, and the first quarter of 2009 U.S. exports of goods and services fell by 11.5 percent, compared to a decline of only 1.3 percent between the first and second quarter of 2009. Likewise, the decline in U.S. imports of goods and services is also slowing. Between the fourth quarter of 2008, and the first quarter of 2009 U.S. imports of goods and services fell by 18.0 percent, compared to a decline of only 3.0 percent between the first and second quarter of 2009.
• A major factor in the decline in imports through the first half of 2009 has been falling energy prices. Through the first half of 2009, the average unit price of crude oil fell 52.2 percent or $50.42 per barrel compared to the same period of 2008. As a result, imports of crude oil have fallen to $77.6 billion through the first half of 2008, down $95.1 billion from the same period of last year.

U.S. Export Fact Sheets are prepared by ITA’s Office of Trade and Industry Information, (202) 482-3809.

PRESS RELEASE

Issued August 20, 2009

Philadelphia, Pa. - The region's manufacturing sector is showing some signs of stabilizing, according to the firms polled for the August Business Outlook Survey. The indexes for general activity, new orders, and shipments all registered slightly positive readings this month. The general activity index increased to 4.2 this month from -7.5 in July. In the special questions, manufacturers were asked about their inventory situations.

Philadelphia Federal Reserve Senior Economic Analyst Mike Trebing summarized the survey:

"Manufacturing executives responding to the Business Outlook Survey reported more stable conditions this month. For the first time since November 2007, the survey's broad indicators for general activity, new orders, and shipments were all positive. Firms reported declines in employment and work hours again this month, but the declines were not as widespread. Although more firms reported higher input prices this month, prices for final manufactured goods were nearly steady. The region's manufacturing executives still expect business to recover over the next six months."

This survey, which was started in 1968, gathers information on the manufacturing industry in the Third Federal Reserve District covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware. Participation in the survey is limited to manufacturing firms with plants in the area with more than 100 employees. The survey asks about the current pace of business in the participants' plants and their future expectations of business.

Source:  Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.

PRESS RELEASE

Issued August 12, 2009

Philadelphia Manufacturer AgustaWestland To Export Helicopters To Trinidad and Tobago With EX-IM Bank Backing

WASHINGTON, D.C.: AgustaWestland, a helicopter manufacturer in Philadelphia, Pa., will export four AW139 multiple-mission helicopters to the government of Trinidad and Tobago with the support of an approximately $80 million, 10-year loan guaranteed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank). The lender is BNP Paribas of New York, N.Y.

Two of the helicopters will be delivered in September 2010, and the remaining two will be delivered in September 2011.

The helicopters will be used by the Air Guard of Trinidad and Tobago for surveillance and reconnaissance missions related to search and rescue, border patrol and drug interdiction. The export is part of a larger contract with the government of Trinidad and Tobago under which AgustaWestland will provide extensive mission support, training and logistics for helicopter operations for a period of seven years.

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October 13, 2009 ~ State Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA

Please join us on the steps of the State Capitol on October 13, 2009 to rally on behalf of international trade success in the state of Pennsylvania.  Exports and foreign direct investment are fundamental to the success of the Pennsylvania economy.  Together we will educate consumers, businesses, workers, farmers, families, elected officials and the general population of the state of Pennsylvania as to the importance of international trade in all aspects of the economy.

This rally is part of a multi-year private sector partnership - TradeRoots PA - led by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, key chambers, and the business community from throughout the state of Pennsylvania. This unique, unified group of the state’s international trade community sends a powerful message that Pennsylvania is open for business. 

We encourage you to gather your company’s products to display on tables in the Capitol Rotunda!

Please sign-up today at www.regonline.com/patraderally

Please contact Kelly Smith at (202) 463-3122 with any additional questions.

Schedule of Events

10:00-11:00am – Registration / Set-up products in the Capitol Rotunda
 

11:30am – Press Conference in the Capitol Rotunda (Speakers will include the Canadian Ambassador to the US-invited, US Chamber of Commerce, PA Chamber of Business & Industry, and others TBD)

12:00-1:00pm - Lunch (boxed lunch will be served)
 

1:00-2:00pm – Products displayed for viewing / meet with your state representative

2:00pm – Break down displays and conclude trade rally

World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia members and Global Traveler readers were asked to submit an essay on how the WTCGP helped their company grow internationally. 

From the many great essays submitted, Global Traveler selected the winner and we are pleased to announce and publish the two winners.

First Place – two tickets to Brazil: Scott Bentley

Second Place – set of Heys Luggage: Bob Kritzer

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Global Trade Today and the Risk of Protectionism

Join the Global Interdependence Center (GIC) on Friday, September 18th, at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, 100 North 6th Street, for this half-day conference which will include presentations on topics such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, regional industries including life sciences, tourism, and education, as well as a discussion on markets involving China and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Registration is required online at www.interdependence.org.

GIC would like to acknowledge the support of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, Temple CIBER, and Temple SBDC.

40th Annual World Trade Centers Association General Assembly

On October 19-22, 2009, WTCA members and delegates will meet in Barcelona, Spain for the annual General Assembly.  With the almost 200 people currently registered, there will be ample opportunity to network and learn about how World Trade Centers around the world succeed.  Please visit www.wtca.org for more information.

8th Annual State of the Port Address and Luncheon

Save the Date!

Friday, November 6th

11:30am - 2:00pm

This annual event brings together the leaders in the port community:  Delaware River Port Authority, the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, the South Jersey Port Corporation and the Philadelphia International Airport.  Each organization provides a presentation on the state of their business and their outlook for port and travel business in the region. 

Please visit our website for updates!

December 8-11, 2009           

India (Mumbai, Bengaluru)

September 26-30, 2009        

INTERMOB (Istanbul, Turkey) – Hardwoods/Construction

October 10-14, 2009              

Anuga (Berlin, Germany) – Food and Beverage

October 21-24, 2009

Green Taiwan - Green Technology and Renewable Energy

November 18-21, 2009         

MEDICA (Dusseldorf, Germany) – Healthcare and Sciences

Start enjoying the benefits of WTCGP membership today.

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October 15, 2009 - Trade Tactics Mentoring Breakfast

November 6, 2009 - State of the Port Address and Luncheon

More Events...

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H2L2

K'NEX Industries, Inc.

Lenox Corporation

M & T Bank

VideoRay

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Dontech, Inc.

Environmental Tectonics Corporation