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A Holiday Message from NADEC to all DEC Members
As we approach the close of another successful year, we would like to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for your continued efforts in improving and promoting our organization. Your dedication and collaboration have played a key role in advancing our shared goals, and we truly value the opportunities each DEC and Partners have provided to NADEC.
During this festive season, we wish you and your family a time filled with peace, joy, and reflection. May the New Year bring continued success, growth, and prosperity. We look forward to growing our organization in the coming year and achieving even greater milestones together. Thank you for your invaluable support, and we are excited for all that we can accomplish together in the future.
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In This Edition:
- NADEC Chair
- Hurricane Relief
- Trade News
- Committee Spotlight
- Upcoming Events
- Ibt.onl Blog
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Anne Burkett
Alabama DEC
Dear DEC Members and Friends of DECs,
The NADEC Board members have been very busy planning for an exciting new year in trade for 2025! During our strategic planning session in September, we identified four key stakeholders for the NADEC: Local DECs, SME Exporters, Education Institutions and the U.S. Commercial Service. NADEC will focus its programs and initiatives to support our stakeholders starting with Local DECs and SME Exporters. The Education & Outreach Committee is actively planning programs that will benefit these stakeholders and developing partnerships with universities and colleges in the 8 regions to enhance our efforts for a broader outreach. More information on these program initiatives can be found in this newsletter.
Our new DEC Liaison for NADEC, Urszula Wojciechowska, is working toward this effort by providing a direct connection between NADEC and local DECs through one-on-one meetings with local DEC leaders to learn more about their needs and how NADEC can support them and their SME exporters.
We are monitoring any new Trade Policy initiatives that will come to the forefront in 2025 as well as ongoing efforts that benefit our stakeholders through legislative outreach. NADEC recently joined forces with 267 federal, state and local trade associations to send this linked letter to the ILA and USMX to advocate for the Resumption of Port Labor Negotiations. This letter was shared with key Biden administration staff, President-elect Trump transition staff and key Hill staff. NADEC is also actively supporting the STEP Grant Reauthorization and will keep our local DEC partners informed on any updates and how we can all support this valuable program utilizing our grassroots advocacy. Please watch for any “Special Announcements” about STEP and other critical trade policy initiatives that will need YOUR SUPPORT!
Preparing our workforce to take advantage of global opportunities is the key focus of the NADEC Trade DNA Initiative. Encouraging young people to understand and consider career opportunities in international trade will strengthen our country’s economic prospects. Future employees that understand global supply chains, export compliance issues, international market research and sales prospects, export finance, and legal issues will be an asset to SME export success! See the latest Trade DNA updates in this newsletter.
Kind regards,
Anne Burkett
aburkett@naita.org
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Impacts on Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in Relation to Trade News Around the World
Dr. John Pournoor, Co-Chair NADEC Trade Policy Committee
USA:
Regulatory changes in the United States are increasingly relevant for small and medium-sized exporters (SMEs) as new rules target data protection, digital trade, and cybersecurity, which could affect international market access. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) closed a consultation on broadband data caps, which may impact digital services for exporters who rely on internet-based platforms for customer engagement and sales. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance on responsible artificial intelligence (AI) acquisition, which could support SMEs in ensuring their products meet U.S. government standards for ethical AI use, potentially giving them a competitive edge in government contracts. Additionally, the U.S. Government Accountability Office published a report on generative artificial intelligence that outlines considerations for training and deployment. This report provides SMEs insights into regulatory expectations, helping them navigate compliance requirements in developing and exporting AI-driven products.
Europe:
The European Union (EU) continues to introduce comprehensive digital regulations that may impact U.S. exporters targeting European markets. The new General-Purpose AI Code of Practice and updates to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduce strict compliance requirements for AI technologies and digital services, including transparency, user rights, and cybersecurity standards. The EU’s Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2) imposes cybersecurity obligations on businesses in critical sectors, including digital infrastructure. SMEs exporting software or digital services to the EU must align with these standards to avoid penalties or market access issues. The EU also introduced a revised data protection framework under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which focuses on transparency in online advertising and content moderation, impacting U.S.-based SMEs involved in digital advertising or e-commerce targeting European customers.
Asia:
China adopted cybersecurity standards and concluded consultations on mandatory AI labeling, setting new compliance benchmarks for technology exports to China. For SMEs exporting AI-enabled products or digital services to China, these regulations require clear labeling of AI-generated content and adherence to cybersecurity protocols. South Korea and Japan also implemented new standards for digital transactions and data protection, particularly focusing on e-commerce and telecommunications, both of which are essential for U.S. SMEs selling digital products or services. Singapore launched the GenAI Sandbox 2.0 for small and medium-sized enterprises, creating a collaborative space for AI development that U.S. tech exporters could leverage for regional partnerships.
Latin America:
Brazil enacted regulatory measures on online betting and data protection, which impact digital platforms operating in the country. This includes a memorandum of understanding with Canada on data protection, providing a framework for cross-border data flows that can benefit U.S. SMEs in digital and data-driven sectors operating in both regions. New age verification requirements for digital platforms in Brazil also apply to U.S. exporters of digital services and apps targeting younger audiences.
Africa:
South Africa reinforced competition laws, with a focus on mergers and market control in digital sectors. U.S. SMEs targeting the South African market may face stricter oversight regarding partnerships and mergers. The Nigeria-U.S. Bilateral Liaison Group on illicit finance and cryptocurrency aims to strengthen cross-border financial integrity, which could benefit U.S. SMEs in fintech by enhancing the transparency and reliability of financial operations in the Nigerian market.
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Nominees That Could Affect International Trade | |
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Howard Lutnick has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the next United States Secretary of Commerce. He is serving as Co-Chair of Trump's presidential transition team. If confirmed, Lutnick would oversee the Commerce Department's 47,000 employees and its mission to create conditions for economic growth. His past leading global financial firms and navigating crises will likely shape his approach to fostering U.S. economic growth and competitiveness.
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Jamieson Greer has been recommended for appointment by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the United States Trade Representative (USTR). During Donald Trump's first presidential term, Jamieson Greer was the Chief of Staff for the USTR, Robert Lighthizer. Greer began to work on trade negotiations and policy, trade agreement enforcement, compliance for imports and exports while working as a partner at King and Spalding.
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Brooke Rollins has been nominated for the position of Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins served as the Director of the Office of American Innovation, while maintaining the position of Director of the Domestic Policy Council. As a co-founder of the Americas First Policy Institute, she has had an impactful role in Trump's campaign and transition.
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Kelly Loeffler has been nominated by Donald Trump to become the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Loeffler served as a U.S. Senator for the State of Georgia from 2020-2021. Her career includes experience of almost 30 years in the automotive and financial services industries at companies including Toyota Motor Sales USA, Citigroup and William Blair.
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Message from the Education-Outreach Committee
Hello NADEC Members and Partners!
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you all through our friendly newsletter. We are happy to announce the launch of a new webinar series titled "Navigating International Markets: Strategies for Success." This series aims to help small and medium-sized businesses understand exporting better and will be hosted by academic institutions nationwide. The webinars will offer practical advice for current and potential exporters, as well as generate revenue to support NADEC and local DECs.
Here's a sneak peek at some upcoming 2025 webinars:
- African series
- Indo-pacific series
- Central America series
- 5 Day Global Supply Chain MBA
In addition to the webinar series, our NADEC Education Committee is introducing a new program for 2025 called 3/3/3. This program will provide a brief overview of different countries to help regional companies expand their goods and services internationally. Stay tuned for more details from co-chair Russ Monk. The NADEC Liaison will also be reaching out to local DECs that require assistance.
We appreciate your ongoing support and participation in promoting U.S. exports!
Warm regards,
Fred Latuperissa -
Chair I NADEC Education-Outreach Committee
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Dr. Isaac Kalumbu, Assistant Director, Outreach
African Studies Center
Michigan State University
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1st Webinar of the Series
The first session will be a landscape overview of Africa, and we will delve into aspects of the Continent that impact business, such as the history, the regions, the people, cultural nuances, customs and business practices, and diverse market dynamics. The session will be presented by Dr. Isaac Kalumbu and moderated by Wendy Ekua (W.E.) Da'Cruz. Dr. Kalumbu serves as Assistant Director of Outreach at the African Studies Center at Michigan State University (MSU). He was born and raised in Zimbabwe and has led several Study Abroad programs to South Africa. In 2011, he joined MSU’s International Studies and Programs as Assistant to the Director of the African Studies Center. Later, he served as Program Manager for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program , which is a global initiative designed to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by enabling highly talented, service-oriented young people, primarily young Africans, to pursue higher education and cultivate their leadership potential. He also assisted the Foundation with directing the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Community, which comprises the Scholars in all MasterCard partner institutions of higher education in Africa, Canada, and the USA.
Click Here to Learn More!
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2025 Sponsorship Opportunities
Market your company to this targeted audience.
Corporate and Local DEC sponsorship opportunities are available.
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Elevate Your Export Strategy with Online Global Video Marketing Programs
John Koons, Online Marketing Manager, IBT Online
jk@ibt.onl
In today's digital landscape, video marketing has become an essential tool for American exporters looking to succeed internationally. IBT Online's comprehensive video marketing programs provide exporters with the expertise and resources to create compelling video content, engage their international audience, and drive conversions around the world.
Unlock global markets with the power of video marketing! Companies seeking international expansion are best placed to utilize video marketing as it provides a visually compelling and engaging way to showcase your products/ services. It humanizes your brand, fostering trust and connection. In the diverse landscape of international markets, videos speak a universal language, making your message resonate across cultures. Harness the potential of this dynamic tool to reach new audiences, amplify brand awareness, and elevate your global presence.
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Please share your events with the
NADEC Network!
Brenda Stelly is the new Communications Co-Chair and will be doing the NADEC Newsletter. Please send any events that you would like added to the newsletter to brenda@oilcenter.com.
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