January News & Updates

 
 

Happy New Year!

Wishing you a happy and productive 2026! We have a full calendar of events planned, check out our website for more information!

 

Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Events

 

Due-Diligence – Knowing Your

Customer, the End Use, User &

Destination


January 22, 2026

Webinar


One of the most important export controls and one that applies to all exports

and exporters is knowing the end user, use and destination. You must employ an aggressive process of due diligence to insure there is no reason not to proceed with a transaction.


Not taking reasonable steps to gather relative information and/or ignoring Red Flags can have serious consequences.


This program will provide an overview of best practices and the various steps that can be taken to insure compliance.

The Happiest Product on Earth: Lessons in Localization and Global Relationship Building


March 12, 2026

Webinar


Your business stands at the threshold of international opportunity--but how do you master the art of international relationship building and localized communication to drive sales? In this webinar, we’ll explore key lessons from popular products around the globe and uncover practical strategies for strengthening messaging in international sales.

56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum


April 19-22, 2026

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown


This is the first time the GBF is being held in Philadelphia, we are excited to welcome companies from the over 300 WTCs from around the world to PA! This event is available to WTC members and partners from around the globe.


World Trade Center Association connects businesses in nearly 100 countries, helping to promote trade and investment opportunities for commercial property developers, economic development agencies and international businesses looking to connect globally and prospect locally.

 
 

No-Cost Catalog Exhibitions

KIMES 2026 

March 2026 

Seoul, Korea


KIMES is the largest platform where medical professionals and influential buyers gather to explore the latest medical technologies and sustainable solutions. Experience a better future at KIMES, which presents global trends in medical technology and leads the industry.



E-Mobility 

April 2026 

Taipei, Taiwan


The world's leading automotive B2B trade show in Asia, presenting the latest trends in 360° MOBILITY - automotive aftermarket, automobile, motorcycle, and EVs that keeps you ahead of the curve.


It is a platform for product displays, seminars, business meetings, and exchange of ideas to stimulate creative communication between companies and to establish future e-mobility collaboration and business models. 

 

Meet Your Trade Reps

Each Month we would like to introduce you to one of PA's Authorized Trade Representatives.


This month we are featuring Efrén Flores, covering Mexico.


Global Business Partners (GBP) Mexico, S.C., is a firm founded in 2006 by Efrén Flores, its current General Director. The firm assists companies and government entities looking to export products and services to Mexico and Central America. The firm is headquartered in Queretaro and has branch offices in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Puebla. GBP Mexico has extensive experience managing information and building relationships with key players in Mexico and around the world and has been a liaison in supporting over 3,330 companies across various industries.  


GBP Mexico has served as Pennsylvania’s authorized 

trade representative since 2006, while some of the firm’s principals and staff members have been working with DCED and supporting Pennsylvania companies since 1998. The firm is also the official representative of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (GSGP) in Mexico. 


In addition to its work with state governments, GBP Mexico assists other foreign agencies, including Chemexcil, the Northern Ireland Promotion Agency, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Santander Bank export promotion agency, and New Zealand Trade Enterprises and Services. 


 

United States Census Bureau updates Schedule B in the Automated Export System (AES)


Stay up to date on changes made by the United States Census Bureau regarding Schedule B tables. Updates were made to accept the changes to the January 1, 2026 codes.


AES will accept shipments with outdated codes during a grace period for 30 days beyond the expiration date of December 31, 2025. Reporting an outdated code after the 30-day grace period will result in a fatal error.


The ACE AESDirect program has been updated with the 2026 codes and will accept shipments with outdated codes during the grace period as well.


Please note, there will be an AES update to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) tables later this month.


News from our Authorized Trade Reps

 

Looking for a Canadian trade show?

New year, new trade show line-up. From home building to mining to hospitality and the convenience industry, there's a lot going on across Canada in March. 

Egypt Institutes Extensive Amendments to Customs Law Regulations

Egypt has approved sweeping amendments to the executive regulations of the Customs Law. The move signals a major pivot toward a whitelist economy, where the state trades traditional, inspection-heavy oversight for a risk-based framework that rewards compliant companies.