Published March 2003

International trade
not just for big companies

Trade, it’s said, is an avenue to community.

When we establish equitable trade ties with others, we get to know one another better in the course of doing business. Done well, trade relationships benefit both sides. The fortunes of our trading partners become ours, and we find that it is in our best interest to help them prosper.

We in Snohomish County know this well. Our home has long been a national nexus of international trade. Central Puget Sound, which includes Snohomish, Pierce and King counties, remains one of the most internationally trade-dependent economic areas in the United States. Our marine ports are closer to Asia than any other major ports on the U.S. West Coast, and in the past two decades, our companies have built trade relationships with companies around the world that now bring billions of dollars into our state and local economies.

Even in the last two years, during a time of economic recession, international trade has remained central to our economy. We traditionally say that one of three jobs in Washington state is tied to international trade. That means that if your job isn’t aided in some way by our strong ties to our international trading partners, those of your friends and neighbors likely are. I know mine are.

According to the latest state statistics available, international trade is big business. In 2001, Washington was the fourth state in the nation in international trade in terms of the dollar value of exports. We exported $35 billion out of a U.S. total of $731 billion, still propelled in large part, as usual, by sales of aircraft and related aerospace parts and services.

Top trade partners included Japan, $3.4 billion; Singapore, $3 billion; China, $2.9 billion; and the United Kingdom and Canada, $2.7 billion each. Countries we don’t often think of as major trade partners are among our state’s 20 largest partners: New Zealand, Ireland, Malaysia.

Snohomish County, its cities and the EDC have long recognized that, as home to companies whose livelihoods depend on sales to companies around the world, we have a responsibility to nurture and expand our trading ties. The EDC, in particular, is in the business of creating economic opportunity for Snohomish County businesses. Using our business support programs and our collaborations with other trade organizations, we can put companies in touch with trade experts that can help them establish fair and equitable trade relationships with customers in other countries.

Diane Mooney, a senior international trade specialist from the U.S. Export Assistance Center, is available in the EDC office every Wednesday to work directly with companies interested in developing export programs. Contact Mooney at 206-553-7251 or visit www.export.gov.

Snohomish County, the city of Everett and others are working with the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle to expand awareness of Snohomish, King and Pierce counties in targeted world markets, as well. The goal is to increase the number of opportunities you have to do business overseas.

Because — and here’s the important part — international trade isn’t just for giant companies. Many small and medium-size businesses are finding profitable markets for their products and services in other parts of the world, either informally through communications such as word of mouth or the Internet, or through trade programs staffed by those experienced in the mechanics of successful trade relationships.

On March 24, the EDC is sponsoring a way for you to learn more.

On that day, representatives of the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development will be in Snohomish County to meet individually with small and medium-size businesses who would like to learn more about their company’s trade potential.

Representatives of the department’s five foreign trade offices — in China, Europe, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan — as well as the department’s own trade specialists, will be in Everett to help you launch your business in new, international markets.

If you are interested in exporting or are currently exporting and would like help entering or expanding your presence in particular markets, you will want to consider participating.

In addition to the free private sessions, the day will include an informative working luncheon with the trade specialists at noon in the Weyerhaeuser Room of the Everett Station. Cost for the luncheon is $15. Register at www.snoedc.org/event_calendar.jsp. Seating is limited to 150.

Unfortunately, the availability of private consultations is necessarily limited as well. Contact the department today to schedule your appointment at 206-256-6100 or visit www.exportwashington.com.

Deborah Knutson is president of the Snohomish County EDC. She can be reached at 425-743-4567 or by e-mail to dknutson@snoedc.org.

Back to the top/March 2003 Main Menu