Jun 05 2009
USA Export: There is a Lack of Demand for US Products
There is a lack of demand for our USA export products!
That was the headline of an article in the Dallas Morning News. It is true that the trade deficit has been getting smaller since the peak in July 2008. That is the result of the decreasing amount of exports and an even more decreasing amount of imports. The global recession has placed a great pressure on sales everywhere. However, according to the CIA world factbook, the US ranks No. 41 in the world for exports per capita. We are right after Gabon at $4482! Some European countries are exporting more than they produce for their own consumption.
It is a fact that US manufacturers have been very busy taking care of their own backyard. And they have taken extremely good care of their backyard. The US has the largest economy in the world. Nevertheless, they have gained little experience looking outside of the US borders and especially outside of North America for USA export products. It is the result of not having offered their products to foreign buyers in a concerted effort. The world economy has been global for several years. Do all US manufacturers understand that in order to survive, exporting is an absolute necessity?
In March 2009 exports amounted to $123,620 million worth of products. Could it have been more, much more, had our manufacturers started exporting programs last year or the year before? The US Commercial Service helps the manufacturer with a lot of information on where to start. Unfortunately, that is where too many business owners leave their efforts. Once the have the information, many do not take the first step to start the business development. Local, state and federal governments must work together with their manufacturers to promote American goods overseas.
The US manufacturer has his hands full with the US customers. It’s true, and in order to export, it is important to understand cultures, perhaps to even learn another language. But if that is not feasible, would it not make sense to hire an expert? An expert would already have had plenty of experience with the international markets. He will prevent the manufacturer from making costly mistakes with USA exports.
