Author: World Trade Center Harrisburg
Netherlands Day in Harrisburg
April 30, 2018posted by Katrina Chan
|
| Left to right: Allan Kline, President of Klinge Corporation and WTC Board Member, Consul General Dolph Hogewoning and Amabassador Henne Schuwer |
The World Trade Center Harrisburg and Stevens & Lee/Griffin International, LLC collaborated in organizing a morning roundtable to host Ambassador Henne Schuwer, Consul General Dolph Hogewoning and his delegation from the Netherlands. The event was held on April 30, 2018, as part of a celebration of King’s Day and the proclamation of “Netherlands Day in PA”.
The Netherlands has a strong trade presence in Pennsylvania. Ambassador Schuwer and his delegation from the Netherlands came to Harrisburg to further strengthen that longstanding relationship and discuss the strong economic bond that exists between Netherlands and PA.
The day started at 10am with a business and economic roundtable discussion with local companies from Central Pennsylvania that conduct business in the Netherlands. This was a good opportunity for companies to meet with the Dutch Ambassador and his senior staff and discuss business opportunities in the Netherlands.
Lt. Gov. Mike Stack hosted the afternoon lunch reception for the delegation in his Capitol office. The reception was followed by a news conference where Lt. Gov. Mike Stack presented Ambassador Henne Schuwer with a gift and an official proclamation that marks April 30th as “King’s Day in Pennsylvania”.
What You Need to Know About the New Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
March 9, 2018posted by Tina Weyant
Yesterday, President Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation regarding the imports of steel, and a second Proclamation regarding the imports of aluminum.
A 25% additional duty on steel and a 10% additional duty on aluminum products will become effective on March 23, 2018 for all countries, except Mexico and Canada for now.
Steel Articles
Steel articles are defined with reference to the following U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule‘s 6-digit subheadings:
Steel articles are defined with reference to the following U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule‘s 6-digit subheadings:
- 7206.10 through 7216.50
- 7216.99 through 7301.10
- 7302.10
- 7302.40 through 7302.90
- 7304.10 through 7306.90
Aluminum Articles
Aluminum articles are defined as follows:
Aluminum articles are defined as follows:
- HTS 7601 – unwrought aluminum
- HTS 7604 – aluminum bars, rods, and profiles
- HTS 7605 – aluminum wire
- HTS 7606 and 7607 – flat rolled aluminum products, including plate, sheet, strip, and foil
- HTS 7608 and 7609 – aluminum tubes and pipes and tube and pipe fitting
- HTS 7616.99.51.60 and 7616.99.51.70 – aluminum castings and forgings
These rules include any subsequent revisions to the HTS classifications
Possible Product Exclusions via a Petition Process:
There will be a petition-based, product exclusion process run by the Department of Commerce, based on the following standard of whether the article is:
- produced in the United States “in a sufficient and reasonably available amount or of a satisfactory quality” or
- subject to specific national security considerations
Petitions need to be filed by a directly affected party located in the United States. The US Dept. of Commerce will issue formal procedures for this process by March 18th.
Possible Country Exclusions:
Imports from Canada and Mexico are exempted from the additional duty for now. Imports from countries with which the United States has a security relationship are encouraged to discuss with the Administration alternative ways to address the threatened impairment of the national security presented by imports from their country.
Thank you Ted Murphy, of Baker McKenzie
for background details regarding this article
We would like to know how the new tariffs affect the ability of your company to compete globally.
Recap: 4th Annual State of the Ports Address
February 27, 2018posted by Katrina Chan
WTC Harrisburg successfully hosted its Annual State of the Ports Address on 22 February at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel.
The State of the Ports Address was the perfect opportunity for companies who wanted to expand internationally to get to know their local port authorities and to network with different business who also attended the event.
This year’s speakers were Marie Byers, Dominic O’Brien and Scott Merlo from Harrisburg International Airport, Phila Port, Customs and Border Protection.
Our speakers presented very informative, useful updates about the Philadelphia port as well as additional knowledge to makes it easier for local companies to understand the importing and exporting process. Attendees found the event to be very insightful and useful, especially companies within the manufacturing business who plan on expanding their business internationally.
We would like to thank our sponsors and partners:
Gold:
Silver:
Bronze:
Partners:
This event would not have been successful without their support and generosity!
2017 Recap: Annual Holiday Luncheon and Reception
February 1, 2018
Posted by Katrina Chan
 |
| Annual 21st Holiday Luncheon |
The World Trade Center Harrisburg team hosted the annual holiday luncheon on December 1st at the Out Door Country Club, York, PA for board members, members and sponsors. The luncheon started with an opening reception and light refreshments were served.
Tina Weyant presented the opening speech, highlighting key events that happened in 2017 – one big update being the move from York to the new Harrisburg World Trade Center Building.
This luncheon marked Jan Kreidler’s last event as an employee of the WTC. Jan has been diligently working at the World Trade for the past 15 years. All of us at the World Trade Center will miss her, but we wish her all the best with retirement.
 |
| Jan’s Appreciation |
For this year’s holiday luncheon, intern Katrina Chan delivered a lively and informative presentation about holiday customs and gift giving traditions in Malaysia.
For more information about Malaysia, the link to her presentation is here (including video links).
The luncheon ended with a short networking session accompanied with an assortment of desserts.
We would like to thank attendees and members joining us in celebrating another successful year.
We would also like to thank the following event sponsors:
Gold
Central Pennsylvania Foreign Trade Zone
Silver
Fulton International Group
Harrisburg Academy
Mantec
Stambaugh Ness
UPS
York County Economic Alliance
This event was made possible because of their generosity!
Bringing the World to PA 2017
September 19, 2017Posted by Katrina Chan, Intern
This past week, The World Trade Center Harrisburg in conjunction with the Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development hosted the 18th annual Bringing the World to PA . The event kicked-off at 7:30AM on Thursday, September 14, 2017 with registration which was followed by breakfast.
Appointments with PA’s Trade Offices:
PA’s authorized trade representatives meet with local firms eager to expand and grow their businesses. Companies had the opportunity to meet one on one with trade representatives throughout the day to discuss international market opportunity and map out a strategy that was custom fit to their respective businesses. These representatives cover 47 different international markets for Pennsylvania.
All of Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representatives include:
Australia/New Zealand….Ms. Angela Foley
Canada…………………..Ms. Nancy Ward
Central/Eastern Europe….Ms. Pavlina Becvarova
China…………………….Mr. Nik Snyder
Germany…………………Ms. Franziska Wegerich
India……………………..Ms. Supriya Kanetkar
Korea…………………….Mr. Steve Shin
Mexico …………………. Ms. Lorena Ozuna
Middle East Region………Mr. Seth Vogelman
Netherlands/Belgium……Mr. Henk-Jan Broeksma
Saudi Arabia…………… Mr. Will Brodt
Singapore………………. Ms. May Abrera
Taiwan ………………… Ms. Irene Tsai, Ms. Amy Pan
United Arab Emirate…… Ms. Arshi Shaikh
United Kingdom………… Mr. Martin Lewis
Companies that attended the event represented a broad range of industries that manufacture unique products.
Lunch Reception:
Lunch was served at the Sheraton-Harrisburg Hotel where the event was held. This year’s keynote speaker was Kieran Dolan, the VP of Bank of Ireland Global Markets.
 |
| Lunch at the Sheraton-Harrisburg Hotel |
 |
| Dolan’s insightful message included a background and analysis of the market in Ireland, United States, and an overview of the Ireland-US trade relationship |
 |
| Representatives from UPS, Fulton Financial Corporation and Stambaugh Ness |
A networking session followed shortly after lunch, allowing companies, exhibitors, sponsors and trade representatives to connect. The day ended late afternoon at 4pm.
Special Thank You to our Sponsors
The World Trade Center would like to thank its sponsors and partners for their kind support for the Bringing the world to PA Annual Event.
Our Silver Level Sponsors:
Stambaugh Ness
UPS
York County Economic Alliance
Our Bronze Level Sponsors:
Bank of Ireland
Fulton Financial Cooperation
Strategic Partners:
MANTEC
PA’s Office of International Business Development
Our annual event is yet again another success because of their generosity.
International Trade Conference 2017 Recap
June 6, 2017Posted by Emilie Smetak, Intern
This year marked our 18th annual trade
conference, All Bets Are Off: Navigating
a Changing Global Environment! The
conference was hosted on May 25th in York, and speakers included
government officials, finance advisors, business leaders and policy directors.
Recaps of the presentations are provided below. We hope to see you next year!
conference, All Bets Are Off: Navigating
a Changing Global Environment! The
conference was hosted on May 25th in York, and speakers included
government officials, finance advisors, business leaders and policy directors.
Recaps of the presentations are provided below. We hope to see you next year!
“Making Trade Agreements Work For You!”
Policy Director Brian Woodward, Office of Trade AgreementsNegotiations and Compliance (TANC), and president of Klinge Corporation Allan
Klinge spoke on the many services provided by TANC and the ability for businesses
to tap into these resources. Woodward described TANC’s expertise in areas
relating to competition, import licensing, government procurement and
state-owned enterprises, as well as the diplomatic/advocacy tools available. Klinge detailed how his refrigeration company reached
out to TANC when faced with trading concerns and was impressed with the speed
in which they received help. Woodward and Klinge encouraged companies to
utilize TANC’s programs and expertise in ensuring optimization of trade
potential and avoidance of legal issues.
Klinge spoke on the many services provided by TANC and the ability for businesses
to tap into these resources. Woodward described TANC’s expertise in areas
relating to competition, import licensing, government procurement and
state-owned enterprises, as well as the diplomatic/advocacy tools available. Klinge detailed how his refrigeration company reached
out to TANC when faced with trading concerns and was impressed with the speed
in which they received help. Woodward and Klinge encouraged companies to
utilize TANC’s programs and expertise in ensuring optimization of trade
potential and avoidance of legal issues.
 |
| Thomas Moul kickstarts the conference by co-presenting “The Lifecycle of Going Global” |
“The Lifecycle of Going
Global”
Global”
Stambaugh Ness Employees
Thomas Moul, Principal/Director of Strategic Tax, Jennifer Nelson, Principal
and Tax Practice Director, and Lynn Knepp, Member of CFO Advisory Group, discussed several tax policies and practices relating to international trade.
The presenters stressed the importance of understanding issues such as tax
duration, social security and pensions, as well as the different regulations
for long and short-term assignments. The presentation concluded with an
overview of the financial technicalities relating to international interns and
employees, tax regulations for establishing a business internationally,
and the importance of seeking assistance from trading experts.
Thomas Moul, Principal/Director of Strategic Tax, Jennifer Nelson, Principal
and Tax Practice Director, and Lynn Knepp, Member of CFO Advisory Group, discussed several tax policies and practices relating to international trade.
The presenters stressed the importance of understanding issues such as tax
duration, social security and pensions, as well as the different regulations
for long and short-term assignments. The presentation concluded with an
overview of the financial technicalities relating to international interns and
employees, tax regulations for establishing a business internationally,
and the importance of seeking assistance from trading experts.
“Spotting and Avoiding Export (Legal) Pitfalls in a Fast-Changing International Business Environment”
 |
| Timothy Charlesworth leads discussion on legal pitfalls |
Attorney and shareholder Timothy Charlesworth, Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C., spoke on the many legal issues facing exporters today. Although warning exporters of the risks associated with bribery and poorly written trade agreements, he provided tools for steering clear of these legal traps. He recommended doing your homework in understanding your consumer, keeping records for a minimum of 5-7 years, talking to local legal help, and committing time to international trading partners. Charlesworth encouraged exporters that although legal measures may seem constraining and enigmatic, many businesses and government agencies are explicitly designed to support exporters in this pivotal aspect of trade.
“Export Finance Tools to Mitigate Risk”
Aerek Stephens, Export Finance Manager at Export-Import Bank of the United States, and Kirk Elken, Securitas Global Risk Solutions, provided a statistical overview of Pennsylvania’s trading performance, as well as the resources available at Export-Import Bank of the U.S. (Ex-Im Bank). Stephens began by discussing Ex-Im Bank’s commitment to helping exporters minimize the risks of trade and support industries such as manufacturing, mining, renewable energy and agribusiness. Drawing from PA export statistics, Elken discussed the advantages afforded from Ex-Im Bank like enhancing primary sources of repayment and creating more working capital.
 |
| David Hanson presenting his economic forecast |
“Economic Update: Emotion trumps Model”
CEO of Fulton Financial Advisors and Clermont Wealth Strategies David Hanson presented a forecast on our nation’s current economic and political conditions. Despite the U.S.’s rocky economic landscape, Hanson reminded that the U.S. boasts a surging GDP per capita and is currently witnessing a small business optimism that increased 38% post-election. Hanson suggested that such an unprecedented increase in GDP per capita is largely bolstered by risk-taking, innovation, and the U.S.’s ability to attract businessmen worldwide. Hanson concluded that although Trump’s economic strategy remains ambitious, economic success hinges on the president’s ability to harness this surging business optimism, as well as businessmen’s capability to transform this confidence into increased investment and employment opportunities.
“All Bets Are Off: Navigating a Changing Global Environment”
 |
| UPS employees Mike, Leslie, Nyja, and Craig after Leslie’s keynote speech |
Leslie Griffin, Senior VP of International Public Policy at UPS, spoke on the Trump administration’s stance towards trade deals and how exporters can succeed within this changing political era. Griffin discussed the direct correlation between trade deals and increased export revenue, as well as this administration’s support of individual country partnerships instead of multi-country agreements like TPP and NAFTA. She spoke heavily on the current NAFTA negotiations, affirmed the importance of trade partnerships with Canada and Mexico, and argued the importance of quick trade negotiations as the Mexican election approaches. Griffin reminded that although much uncertainty remained in regards to the U.S.’s stance on trade, current negotiations could prove useful in re-structuring decade long trade agreements and require active input from local exporters.
We want to give a big thank
you to our sponsors who helped make this event possible! Silver Level:
Stambaugh Ness,UPS and The York County Economic Alliance. Bronze Level:
Foreign Trade Zone 147, Fulton Financial Corporation and The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Strategic Partners: MANTEC.
Thank you!
you to our sponsors who helped make this event possible! Silver Level:
Stambaugh Ness,UPS and The York County Economic Alliance. Bronze Level:
Foreign Trade Zone 147, Fulton Financial Corporation and The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Strategic Partners: MANTEC.
Thank you!
 |
| Attendees network over breakfast before the breakout sessions |
The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment
February 16, 2017Posted by Jillian McCue, Intern
Have you ever wondered
how much Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been invested in the Southcentral
PA region? In 2016, our region had 898 foreign owned companies operating in the
area who employed 71,519 employees!
how much Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been invested in the Southcentral
PA region? In 2016, our region had 898 foreign owned companies operating in the
area who employed 71,519 employees!
We were able to pull
together regional level as well as county level data for both, number of
foreign owned companies and the number of personnel employed by those foreign
owned companies, from recent data from Dun & Bradstreet.
together regional level as well as county level data for both, number of
foreign owned companies and the number of personnel employed by those foreign
owned companies, from recent data from Dun & Bradstreet.
The report focuses in
detail on the impact of FDI for our region’s eight counties, as well as how our
region compares to the others within the state.
detail on the impact of FDI for our region’s eight counties, as well as how our
region compares to the others within the state.
- Adams
- Berks
- Cumberland
- Dauphin
- Franklin
- Lancaster
- Lebanon
- York
 |
| Employees of Foreign Owned Companies |
 |
| Foreign Owned Companies |
- Southcentral was the third highest-ranking region based on number of foreign owned companies and number of employees of foreign owned companies (behind Southeast which has the Philadelphia metropolitan area, and Southwest which has the Pittsburgh
metropolitan area)
- The number of employees of foreign owned companies in Southcentral grew from 53,423 people in 2015 to 71,519 people in 2016
- Southcentral had two of the top ten counties based on number of foreign owned firms
- Southcentral had three of the top ten counties based on number of employees of foreign owned firms
- Dauphin County had 141% growth in the number of citizens employed by foreign owned companies from 2015 to 2016
 |
| Southcentral Foreign Owned Company Employees |
Southcentral PA’s 2015 MSA Report
January 31, 2017Posted by Brittany Fleisher, Intern
Each
year following the International Trade Administrations’ release of their
“Metropolitan Export Series” data, we summarize the information for our region.
The southcentral region of Pennsylvania encompasses
seven Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). These seven MSAs grew their
exports by $2.3 billion since 2010, reaching a total of $8.8 billion in 2015
that accounted for 22.4% of the total share of Pennsylvania’s exports. Since
2005, export sales for our region have increased by over 159%.
year following the International Trade Administrations’ release of their
“Metropolitan Export Series” data, we summarize the information for our region.
The southcentral region of Pennsylvania encompasses
seven Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). These seven MSAs grew their
exports by $2.3 billion since 2010, reaching a total of $8.8 billion in 2015
that accounted for 22.4% of the total share of Pennsylvania’s exports. Since
2005, export sales for our region have increased by over 159%.
|
Metropolitan
Statistical Area |
2005
Ranking out of 371 U.S. MSA’s |
2005
Total
Export Sales |
2014
Ranking out of 386 U.S. MSA’s |
2014
Total Export Sales |
2015
Ranking out of 386 U.S. MSA’s |
2015
Total
Export Sales |
|
Harrisburg-Carlisle
|
127
|
$824.1 M
|
79
|
$3.053 B
|
78
|
$2.926 B
|
|
York-Hanover
|
95
|
$1.288 B
|
102
|
$2.024 B
|
95
|
$2.076 B
|
|
Reading
|
151
|
$605.5 M
|
114
|
$1.743 B
|
108
|
$1.778 B
|
|
Lancaster
|
150
|
$605.6 M
|
165
|
$974.3 M
|
165
|
$901.3 M
|
|
Lebanon
|
316
|
$85.05 M
|
205
|
$579.8 M
|
194
|
$606.6 M
|
|
Chambersburg Waynesboro*
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
200
|
$659.2 M
|
218
|
$475.3 M
|
|
Gettysburg*
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
361
|
$63.74 M
|
362
|
$55.69 M
|
Pennsylvania’s
top 5 export destinations are shown below. Most notably, the United Kingdom
experienced the largest percentage increase of PA exports at 25%; surpassing
Germany to enter the top five export countries.
top 5 export destinations are shown below. Most notably, the United Kingdom
experienced the largest percentage increase of PA exports at 25%; surpassing
Germany to enter the top five export countries.
|
Pennsylvania’s Top 5 Export
Destinations |
||||
|
Rank
|
Country
|
2014
Exports |
2015
Exports |
%
Change |
|
1
|
Canada
|
$12.30
B |
$11.60
B |
6%
Decrease |
|
2
|
Mexico
|
$3.73
B |
$4.18
B |
12%
Increase |
|
3
|
United
Kingdom |
$1.85
B |
$2.33
B |
25%
Increase |
|
4
|
China
|
$2.40
B |
$2.06
B |
14%
Decrease |
|
5
|
Japan
|
$1.58
B |
$1.67
B |
5%
Increase |
Additional
information in the report include Pennsylvania’s state merchandise export
totals, other Pennsylvania MSA rankings, top 10 export industries, and the balance
of trade. National data includes the top 15 U.S. exporting states-which
Pennsylvania ranks 10th-and the entire United States’ balance of
trade to further our comparison.
information in the report include Pennsylvania’s state merchandise export
totals, other Pennsylvania MSA rankings, top 10 export industries, and the balance
of trade. National data includes the top 15 U.S. exporting states-which
Pennsylvania ranks 10th-and the entire United States’ balance of
trade to further our comparison.
All
data included in this report is public information from the following
databases:
data included in this report is public information from the following
databases:
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17th annual Bringing the World to PA!
September 23, 2016posted by Hannah Copenheaver
 |
| Governor Tom Wolf with Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representatives |
In conjunction with the
Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development, we hosted the 17th
annual Bringing the World to PA on Monday, September 19, 2016.
Meetings with PA’s Trade Offices:
The event brought 14 of
PA’s authorized trade representatives to meet one on one with local
manufacturers and colleges to discuss their international business strategies. These
representatives cover 46 different international markets for Pennsylvania. The list of Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representatives in attendance included:
PA’s authorized trade representatives to meet one on one with local
manufacturers and colleges to discuss their international business strategies. These
representatives cover 46 different international markets for Pennsylvania. The list of Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representatives in attendance included:
- Australia (Australia, New Zealand)
- Ms. Angela Foley
- Canada
- Mr. Chris Leslie
- Central & Eastern
Europe (Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia,
Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Ukraine) - Ms.
Pavlina Becvarova - Germany (Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland)
- Ms. Franziska Wegerich
- India
- Ms.
Supriya Kanetkar - Indonesia
- Ms.
Mary Veronika - Mexico
- Mr. Efren Flores
- Middle East (Egypt, Greece, Israel, Jordan, Turkey)
- Mr. Seth Vogelman
- Netherlands (Belgium, Netherlands)
- Ms. Nora van der Horst
- Saudi Arabia
- Ms. Wiam Alwazir
- Singapore (Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam)
- Mr. Sarath Menon & Ms. Carma May Abrera
- South Korea
- Mr.
Steve Shin - Taiwan
- Ms. Irene Tsai & Ms. Amy Pan
- United Kingdom (Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden,
United Kingdom) - Mr. Martin Lewis
 |
| Sarath Menon (Singapore) and May Abrera (Philippines) |
 |
| Chris Leslie (Canada) |
Each year, the event
seems to attract more and more companies – and we hit a record number! Companies
represented the southcentral Pennsylvania area, which encompasses Adams, Berks,
Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties. Here are
this year’s event numbers:
seems to attract more and more companies – and we hit a record number! Companies
represented the southcentral Pennsylvania area, which encompasses Adams, Berks,
Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties. Here are
this year’s event numbers:
- 14 authorized trade representatives
- 87 attendees for meetings
- 41 different companies, 15 of which were new to the event
- 150 meetings between companies and trade representatives
This year
also presented a new opportunity for us to showcase the export program in front
of Governor Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf, as they kindly opened the
Governor’s Residence to host the event.
also presented a new opportunity for us to showcase the export program in front
of Governor Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf, as they kindly opened the
Governor’s Residence to host the event.
Evening Reception:
 |
| Governor Tom Wolf |
The day
ended with a networking reception in the Governor’s Rose Garden. The 129 reception
attendees included state and federal government officials, the Philadelphia
consular corps members, World Trade Center Harrisburg members, event sponsors, and
local manufacturers and trade service providers. Guests of
Honor during the reception included:
ended with a networking reception in the Governor’s Rose Garden. The 129 reception
attendees included state and federal government officials, the Philadelphia
consular corps members, World Trade Center Harrisburg members, event sponsors, and
local manufacturers and trade service providers. Guests of
Honor during the reception included:
PENNSYLVANIA
STATE GOVERNMENT
STATE GOVERNMENT
- Governor Tom Wolf
- First Lady Frances Wolf
- Department of Agriculture
- Secretary Russell Redding
- Deputy Secretary Hannah Smith-Brubaker
- Department of Community and Economic Development
- Secretary Dennis Davin
- Deputy Secretary Joseph Burke
- Deputy Secretary Carol Kilko
- Department of Education
- Secretary Pedro Rivera
- Department of Labor &
Industry - Secretary Kathy Manderino
- Department of State
- Secretary Pedro Cortés
 |
| DCED Secretary Dennis Davin |
PHILADELPHIA
CONSULAR CORPS
CONSULAR CORPS
- Germany: Honorary Consul Ralf D. Weidemann
- Flanders: Representative Daisy van den Hooff-Mertens
- France: Honorary Consul Michael E. Scullin
- Mexico: Consul Alicia Kerber
- Pakistan: Honorary Consul Inayat H. Kathio
- Peru: Consul General Vitaliano Gallardo
- Switzerland: Honorary Consul Christine Pfister
- Uruguay: Honorary Consul Peter Longstreth
 |
| WTC Executive Director Tina Weyant |
So, why do we hold this event?
We wanted to showcase just how large the southcentral Pennsylvania export economy is and why it is important to our state’s growth. Studies show that manufactures who export show increased and faster profits, which in turn leads to more jobs and higher paid workers. According to the latest merchandise export trade statistics for US Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA’s), which were released on September 8, 2016, the seven MSA’s of southcentral Pennsylvania exported a total of $8,818,824,663 in 2015. This represents 22.4% of the total Pennsylvania state exports! These figures demonstrate just how vast and mighty this region truly is.
Thank you to our event sponsors!
We would like to extend a special ‘thank you’ to Team Pennsylvania, the
event’s signature sponsor, for all of their gracious support. At the silver
level, we had the support of UPS and the York County Economic Alliance,
York’s chamber of commerce and economic development corporation. At the bronze
level, CAM Innovation (a York-county manufacturer), Fulton Bank’s international
group, K&L Gates, Klinge Corporation (also a York-county manufacturer), and
Stambaugh Ness provided additional financial support. Furthermore, the program
would not have been possible without our partnership with MANTEC.
event’s signature sponsor, for all of their gracious support. At the silver
level, we had the support of UPS and the York County Economic Alliance,
York’s chamber of commerce and economic development corporation. At the bronze
level, CAM Innovation (a York-county manufacturer), Fulton Bank’s international
group, K&L Gates, Klinge Corporation (also a York-county manufacturer), and
Stambaugh Ness provided additional financial support. Furthermore, the program
would not have been possible without our partnership with MANTEC.
 |
| Steve Shin (Korea), Franziska Wengerich (Germany), and Nora van der Horst (Netherlands) |
A Look at the Trans-Pacific Partnership
July 20, 2016
Posted by Ian McGinnis, Intern
The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a free trade agreement among the United States and 11 other Pacific Rim countries. Generally speaking, the agreement lowers tariffs and reduces barriers to trade among all countries involved. The trade agreement is one of the largest ever, consisting of 40% of the global GDP and 25% of the world’s exports. Full text of the agreement can be found on the United States Trade Representative website.
As with any policy decisions, there will be negatives and positives. One positive of the TPP tariff reductions is the gains to be made in the agricultural sector. The export tariffs on certain goods such as fruit and soybeans are cut, giving an edge to companies that export these products. Also, machinery export tariffs are cut, which could provide that sector with a nice push. Big pharmaceuticals may not have as positive of an outlook on the TPP due to decreased intellectual property rights changes. Another way the TPP may affect the U.S. is with reduced tariffs, import competition will increase because of the decrease in price. This may have an adverse effect on the economy due to displacement of jobs. However, this will most likely be offset by job churn.
Many estimates show small gains to be made relative to currently projected growth in the U.S. This is due to the fact that 40% of American exports go to the six countries in the TPP that we already have trade agreements with, and only 6% of current exports go to the TPP countries that we do not have current agreements with. Much of the gains to be made in this deal are in countries which need greater market access such as Japan, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
This is just a brief snapshot of the agreement. There are many sources from which you can learn about it and how it will have an effect on your community; here are a few:
WSJ Opinion Article “Some U.S. Industries Seen as Winners in Pacific Trade Pact”
[Photo via Saigoneer]