Secretarial Infrastructure Business Development Mission
Brazil, Colombia and Panama
May 12-18, 2013

Grow your Infrastructure Sales in Latin America

The U.S. Secretary of Commerce will lead an Infrastructure Business Development Mission to Brazil, Colombia and Panama that will highlight export opportunities for U.S. businesses in a broad range of infrastructure related sectors: project management and engineering services (including construction, architecture and design); transportation (including road/highways, railways, airports, ports and intelligent transportation systems); energy (including distribution, transmission and smart grid); and safety and security. This mission advances the 2010 launch of President Obama’s National Export Initiative, which aims to double U.S. exports by the end of 2014, supporting economic and job growth.

An Incredible Business Opportunity

While a number of U.S. companies have been successful in Latin America, the U.S. Department of Commerce recognizes that some companies need assistance negotiating the foreign markets to take advantage of the great opportunities that exist. The mission will assist U.S. businesses in initiating or expanding exports to region by making business-to-business introductions, providing market access information, and facilitating access to government decision makers.

Why is Trade Important

The Administration’s efforts to promote U.S. exports are paying off, with export levels reaching a record $2.2 trillion in 2012. The U.S. is continuing to make historic progress toward the President’s goal of doubling exports. As part of this effort, the National Export Initiative has helped U.S. companies by leveling the playing field and providing access to new markets. Not only did exports outpace the growth in imports for the first time since 2007, but exports have helped support the creation of over 6 million private sector jobs over the past 35 months.

2012 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Record level of exports: U.S. exports set another record in 2012, growing $92.6 billion and reaching $2.2 trillion despite significant economic headwinds from abroad.
  • Exports outpaced imports: Growth in exports of goods and services outpaced the growth of imports of goods and services both in dollar value and percent change for the first time since 2007, with exports growing by $92.6 billion or 4.4 percent.
  • America’s trade deficit declined: The U.S. trade deficit improved by $19.5 billion in 2012, from the $560 billion recorded in 2011, and is well below the pre-recession high of $753 billion recorded in 2006. In fact, it is at the lowest level since January 2010
  • Exports were steady as a share of GDP: Exports as a share of U.S. GDP were 13.9 percent in 2012, tying the record set in 2011
  • Country and Region Spotlights: The United States reached record levels of exports for 2012 with more than 70 trading partners, including major emerging markets and 11 free trade agreement (FTA) partners.

Don’t miss out on this tremendous business opportunity. Request an application to participate today.