Global trade not just for big business

Small companies urged to join in growing market. The value of Alabama exports continues to grow, as state trade experts urge more companies of all sizes to take advantage of the global market. “Trade is growing, especially in this state, and more companies are getting involved,” said Robert Stackpole, an international trade specialist with the Alabama International Trade Center at the University of Alabama.

“Small firms are getting involved more than ever before.” Yet, “we need to grow trade in the state.” Stackpole spoke Thursday at the North Alabama International Trade Association’s 2007 Trade Education Tour at the high-tech incubator BizTech. Alabama exported $13.8 billion in goods last year, an increase of 28 percent over 2005 levels, according to the center’s figures. That put the state in fourth place in U.S.

Stackpole pointed out the reasons to trade globally: “It’s where the money is; it’s where the people are; it’s where the income growth is,” he said. “That’s opportunity for Alabama and U.S. “We forget that 95 percent of the world’s population is not inside the U.S.” Stackpole discussed several myths about exporting - getting paid is a problem, no help is available, and the paperwork is too complex. “There are plenty of organizations that can help you,” he said.

Six foreign-trade zones and subzones across Alabama, including one in Huntsville. Among other benefits, no duty is paid on merchandise - if sold domestically - until it leaves the zone. A deep-water port, an inland transportation network and customs entry points. A network of private-sector international services such as bankers, freight forwarders, customs-house brokers, lawyers and accountants for import/export transactions.

Trade assistance from numerous organizations, including the Export Alabama Trade Alliance, a statewide export promotion network led by the Alabama Development Office’s international trade division. The majority of trade in Alabama is conducted by large companies, he said, but more smaller businesses are exporting their goods and services. About 75 percent of the nearly 3,000 Alabama businesses that sell their products overseas are small and midsized companies, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s TradeRoots program.