U.S. Suspends Tariffs on Most U.K. Goods To Ease Trade Tensions

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The U.S. and U.K. will suspend tariffs for four months “to ease the burden on industry and take a bold, joint step towards resolving the longest running disputes at the World Trade Organization,” the two countries said in a joint statement.

The suspension of U.S. tariffs on U.K. goods, including whisky, will come into force on Mar. 8. The U.S. decision matches the U.K.’s unilateral move to cease applying retaliatory tariffs in January, which was a bid to de-escalate the conflict.

Note:  U.S. tariffs on a basket of European goods, including French wine and cognac, remain in force.

Read more on how the U.S. suspends tariffs on U.K. goods to ease trade tensions, especially between Airbus-Boeing.

Making the World Your Business Just Got Even Easier

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The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) — an international trade organization connecting more than 320 World Trade Centers (WTCs) in 92 countries — has introduced its member World Trade Centers — as well as their business members, tenants and clients — to the Global Trade Helpdesk (GTH).

A new online tool makes market research more efficient.  It allows users to compare demand for products across markets, explore tariffs and other market access conditions, access details about buyers and navigate domestic export processes. 

Start exploring.

Step Up and Live Your Values When Expanding Internationally

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As more and more U.S. companies commit to supporting diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DI&B) in the workplace, one component that often gets left behind is the extension of those initiatives across an organization’s global offices.

What does it take for multinational companies to stay true to their DI&B values around the world while acknowledging differences in local cultural contexts?

This is a question Nataly Kelly, VP of Localization for HubSpot has thought a lot about. And while there are no perfect solutions, she has identified three key opportunities for companies to step up and live their values when expanding internationally.

Here are the 3 key opportunities for implementing inclusive policies across a global organization.

SpectraSpray Founder Janet Ryan Presents Don't Go Global Alone

©2021 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

In this free of charge wegginar® March 3rd at 11AM CT with founder and president Janet Ryan, SpectraSpray Global, you will:

• Understand foreign regulations for your product
• Communicate with partners in other countries and better understand their market
• Establish a relationship for successful international distribution and events
• Learn services available to you through the U.S. Commercial Service
• Discover legal jurisdiction internationally

About SpectraSpray Global

SpectraSpray Global provides cutting edge, high absorption oral sprays that are easy to use and well received by the public as well as knowledgeable health professionals. Janet's travel friendly line has gained interest from buyers both domestically and internationally.

To learn more and to register, visit:

https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org/2021/01/22/dont-go-global-alone-with-janet-ryan-founder-of-spectra-spray-global/

wegg's educational wegginar is available at no cost thanks Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®'s generous sponsors.

Today in Global Small Business: Stimulus Measures Offered By Country Due to Coronavirus

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What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) is expanding its Think Big for Small Business (TBSB) program globally, to help small and minority-owned AWS Partners gain access to business, technical and marketing enablement support that can help scale their business, according to a statement from the company.
• Here is a list of what each country or region is doing relative to stimulus measures caused by the coronavirus to provide relief to those suffering from the pandemic.
• Quote of the week:  "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new." – Socrates
• A roundup at how global small businesses are making a huge difference by supporting education.
• The problems plaguing small business owners seeking loans from the government’s revived small-business relief program have ranged from simple to shocking.
• Shadow I.T. includes the procurement and use of I.T. assets by a business unit or individual (e.g., user-developed applications) without the I.T. organization's knowledge or control.  Is it a technical problem?

Find Yourself

©2021 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Sometimes we must lose ourselves to find ourselves." – Sonny Long

She Can Run: Irish-Bred Filly, Going Global, Makes Her First Start in North America

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Irish-bred filly Going Global made her North American debut a winning one February 14 when she took home the $103,500 Sweet Life Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park. 

A daughter of Mehmas, Going Global made her first four starts at 2 across the Atlantic for former trainer Michael Halford. Bred in Ireland by N. Hartery, the filly is out of the Invasor mare Wrood. 

Read more about how Going Global scores first stakes win in Sweet Life.

Ensuring a Steady and Secure Global Supply Chain

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President Joe Biden is looking to work with international partners to ensure a stable and reliable supply chain.  Further, he is preparing to sign an executive order to review U.S. supply chains for large-capacity batteries, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals and semiconductors that power cars, phones, military equipment and other goods.

The United States has become increasingly reliant on imports of these goods - a potential national security and economic risk that the Biden administration hopes to address.

Read more about Biden's review of US supply chains for vital goods.

It's Never Too Early to Prepare for St. Patrick's Day and Get In the Irish Spirit

©2021 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

We are already gearing up for the big day March 17th.  Who isn't Irish on St. Patrick's Day?  And o'what are we listening to to get into the wonderful Irish spirit?

We share our biggest secret here and below.  Enjoy.  Hope it brings you a bit of cheer.

Just the Facts, Ma'am or Sir, Just the International Facts

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Get the latest data, facts and reports produced by the International Trade Administration's (ITA's) team of trade specialists.  

Navigate to data relating to a specific topic where you can discover:

• Export Database
• TradeStats Express
• Metropolitan Export Series
• Marketing Diversification Tool
• Economic Research
• FTA Tariff Tool

Go to ITA's Trade Statistics to learn more.

Today in Global Small Business: The Impacts of COVID-19 on SMBs

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What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Facebook released the latest iteration of its State of Small Business Report, which looks at how COVID-19, and the related lockdown measures, are impacting SMBs around the world.  Full report.
• Not everything is rosy – small-business optimism declines to an eight-month low.
• Quote of the week:  "No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else." – P.T. Barnum
• Take a look at the large U.S. metropolitan areas most dependent on small businesses.
• These businesses thrived during the global pandemic as others struggled to survive.
• Help your company emerge from the pandemic stronger and more agile than ever with these tips.

Stand By Your Word

©2021 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Biggest character flaw a person can have?  Not standing by their word." – Laurel J. Delaney