September/October 2025

In This Edition:

NADEC Chair
Trade News
Upcoming Events
NADEC Partners

NADEC Chair, Alabama DEC

Dear Colleagues,

As we step into the fall season, I am pleased to share the exciting developments shaping our trade and export community. Recent leadership appointments at the Department of Commerce and USDA underscore the importance of strong advocacy for U.S. businesses abroad. Meanwhile, new initiatives from the International Trade Administration and the Export-Import Bank highlight continued efforts to expand opportunities, strengthen competitiveness, and support American jobs.

To keep you informed, NADEC’s Trade Policy Committee has launched a new Trade Update email series covering the latest trade deals signed by the President. Recent agreements include:

U.S.–Indonesia Reciprocal Trade Deal
U.S.–Japan Strategic Trade and Investment Agreement
U.S.–South Korea Trade Deal
U.S.–EU Framework on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade

Watch for these timely announcements so you can position your company to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

Our upcoming events reflect NADEC’s mission to connect exporters with knowledge, resources, and networks. From webinars on logistics, ATA Carnets, and compliance to U.S. Commercial Service programs highlighting Manufacturing Month October 2025 and major trade missions in Europe and Latin America, there are many ways to engage, learn, and grow. I also encourage you to explore our partnerships and technology-driven tools designed to enhance your digital presence and streamline your global growth strategies.

Thank you for your continued dedication to advancing U.S. exports and supporting our shared mission. Together, we are building stronger connections, fostering innovation, and creating new opportunities for businesses across the nation.

Warm regards,

Anne Burkett

Chair, National Association of District Export Councils

William Kimmitt Sworn In as Under Secretary of Commerce

for International Trade

The International Trade Administration (ITA) announced that William Kimmitt was sworn in by Secretary Howard Lutnick on August 7, 2025 as the 17th Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. In this role, Under Secretary Kimmitt will lead the International Trade Administration, serving as Commerce’s principal advisor on matters of trade, investment, commercial diplomacy and global competitiveness. William Kimmitt was nominated by President Donald J. Trump for the position, and the United States Senate voted to confirm him on July 29, 2025.

Read the full press release HERE.

Secretary Rollins' Statement on Confirmation of Luke Lindberg as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins applauds the Senate confirmation of Luke J. Lindberg as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA), marking another milestone in the Trump Administration’s efforts to put America first and increase opportunities for American agricultural trade.

“President Trump is reorienting our global trade relationships to put America First. Over the last four years, our trade agenda favored foreign competitors over America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers. This led to a $50 billion agricultural trade deficit, when under President Trump we had a surplus. Our farmers, ranchers and producers feed, clothe and fuel the world, and they deserve a strong advocate in every trade negotiation and in every market promotion. We are thrilled to have Luke join our team and I have full faith that his drive and deep experience will ensure we not only defend our producers, but also open new doors to global trade.” said Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Read the full press release HERE.

USDA Under Secretary Lindberg Advances Trump Administration's America First

Agenda during Commodity Cooperator Roundtables

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA) Luke J. Lindberg hosted roundtable events on Aug. 26 and 28 with representatives from 35 U.S. agricultural industry groups. These organizations — ranging from bulk commodities to processed products -- partner with TFAA and the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to expand U.S. agribusiness into new markets.

“By putting American farmers, ranchers, and producers first, President Trump has generated significant demand for our products and brought our high quality, safe, and nutritious food to the world,” said Under Secretary Lindberg.

Read the full press release HERE.

Thomas Bruns

Deputy Director General of the U.S.& Foreign Commercial Service

Thomas Bruns serves as the Deputy Director General of the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service, the U.S. government’s primary commercial diplomacy, export, and investment promotion agency. He manages a staff of more than 1,300 trade professionals across more than 225 domestic and overseas trade offices. Previously, Bruns was the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Middle East and Africa, where he directed the International Trade Administration’s mission to expand U.S. market access, forge strategic commercial partnerships, and strengthen American competitiveness in regions experiencing historic transformation and growth. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, he has held senior commercial leadership positions at U.S. embassies in Abu Dhabi, Moscow, Sofia, and Ankara, and in Washington, D.C., managing complex operations and high-value commercial diplomacy initiatives.

Bruns brings to his public service a strong foundation in the private sector. Before joining the U.S. Department of Commerce, he served as regional director and sales executive for Hilti and worked in sales and marketing for Groupe PSA in France. His early career included work as a Peace Corps Volunteer, Associate Peace Corps Director, and as an independent consultant for UNESCO and USAID in West Africa, giving him first-hand insight into the intersection of economic development, policy, and business.

Bruns earned his BA from the University of Virginia and his MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, and is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society for collegiate schools of business. He is bilingual in French and English, and speaks Bulgarian, Russian, Turkish, and the West African languages of Bambara and Wolof.

Export-Import Bank Greenlights $792 Million to Boost U.S. Energy Exports

The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. has approved nearly $792 million in financing to strengthen America’s energy dominance and counter China’s global influence. The 2 authorized projects include:

Bahrain Project ($500M): Schlumberger Technology Corp. and other U.S. firms will provide services for an oil and gas field optimization initiative.
Iraq Project ($292M): Jacksonville-based Stellar Energy Americas will supply equipment for a power plant upgrade using waste heat recovery technology.

Together, these deals are expected to support about 2,500 U.S. jobs in Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas, while advancing U.S. national security and competitiveness.

Read the full press release HERE.

Global Logistics: Mitigating the Challenges and Maximizing Opportunities

Featured Speaker: Thomas Cook , Managing Director of Blue Tiger International, is a Global trade expert, committed to helping clients reduce supply chain risk and spend to improve performance and increase profitability. He works in all aspects of import/export, risk management, tariff mitigation, trade compliance, purchasing/sourcing, and freight operations, our mission is to increase the effectiveness of supply chain professionals across industries, cross-functional teams, and leadership at all levels.

How to Use ATA Carnets to Expand Internationally & Grow Your Business

In collaboration with the National District Export Council and the U.S. Department of Commerce, this special webinar is presented by Boomerang Carnets to introduce U.S. exporters to the ATA Carnet — an internationally accepted customs document that simplifies the temporary export of goods.

Fuel your Global Growth at the HDEC Export Conference-Where Ambition Meets Opportunity!

Join exporters, manufacturers, and industry leaders from logistics, energy, healthcare, banking, and beyond for a high-impact day packed with expert-led sessions, real-world solutions, and can't-miss connections.

Dive into a powerhouse CEO Panel, get face time with government officials, and walk away with timely guidance on tariffs, export financing, supply chain strategy, tax planning, and compliance-including export controls, sanctions, and Foreign-Trade Zones.

Plus, our dynamic networking event puts you shoulder-to-shoulder with decision-makers and partners who can accelerate your next big deal. If you're ready to sharpen your strategy, de-risk your deals, and supercharge your exports, this is the room to be in.

See more details HERE!

ACE Exports Compliance Webinar: Dive into All Things Export Compliance

The South Florida District Export Council and the U.S. Commercial Service would like to invite you to attend the ACE Export Compliance Webinar. This two-day program brings together experts from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Industry and Security(BIS), OFAC, and U.S. Customs & Border Protection to provide training on export filing requirements.

Anyone who is involved in the export process should plan to attend this invaluable event, including:

• U.S. Principal Parties in Interest (USPPI)

• Export Compliance Managers

• Freight Forwarders

• Exporting Carriers

• Consolidators

• U.S. Customs Brokers

• Compliance Software Providers

See details and agenda HERE!

Trade Talk Tuesdays

Powering U.S. Manufacturing for Global Growth

Manufacturing Month Kick-Off: Navigating Export Resources for U.S. Manufacturers

Discover how U.S. manufacturers can tap into federal export resources, trade counseling, market intelligence, and global connections to expand internationally. Hear from the Export-Import Bank of the United States; International Trade Administration divisions, including Industry & Analysis, the Advocacy Center, SelectUSA, the Supply Chain Center, and the U.S. Commercial Service; the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership; and the Small Business Administration.

Advanced Manufacturing Business Development

U.S., Poland and Türkiye are strong and expanding. Join the U.S. Commercial Service to expand your opportunities in this region. Gain expert insights, learn about the demand within this industry sector, and network with contacts to develop collaborative opportunities.

Join the Energy Technologies Trade Mission to the Southern Cone:

Tap into Some of Latin America’s Most Dynamic Energy Markets

Governments in the region are investing heavily in advanced energy technologies to drive economic growth. Participating U.S. companies will gain critical market insights, visit project sites, and connect directly with pre-screened buyers, agents, distributors, project developers, and government officials.

Engage in targeted meetings and networking events focused on procurement opportunities, key projects, policies, and incentives.

Targeted subsectors include:

Hydrogen and e-fuel technologies
Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity
Energy generation (nuclear, solar, wind, and transition fuels)
Transportation (hydrogen-powered trucks, buses, maritime, rail, and passenger vehicles)
Energy storage
Water, sanitation treatment and management
Strategic materials (lithium and copper)
Decarbonization technologies

As an Event Partner, all NADEC Board of Director and State DEC members have access to the “Event Partner” registration rate of $100 versus the non-member/general registration rate of $125.

There will be a segment on the Exporter Summit Agenda where we will recognize the 2025 Outstanding Exporter Honorees from across the country.

In making Outstanding Exporter Honoree awards, we are looking to recognize innovative SME’s that are highly engaged in exporting and who international business activities are a growing part of their total sales. We look to our Event Partners to assist with the vetting of these nominations and generally make recognition of all companies nominated.

Please email Jackie Rasmussen at rasmussenj@missouri.edu with nomination recommendations.

International Business & Technology

IBT Online and the Online Global Programs in Video

Click HERE to view videos

HubSpot for Global Growth: Automating Leads, Sales, and Market Expansion

Turn HubSpot into your engine for growth.

Join NADEC and IBT Online, a HubSpot Certified Partner, to discover how to automate lead generation, streamline sales, and drive market expansion - powered by AI-driven digital strategies and global growth expertise.

In this fast-paced session, you’ll learn how to:

Capture and nurture leads automatically
Personalize outreach at scale with AI and HubSpot workflows
Boost global visibility with Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and Large Language Models (LLM) search readiness
Align sales and marketing for measurable Return on Investment (ROI)

Whether you are new to HubSpot or ready to maximize its potential, this session will show you how to win more customers, close more deals, and grow your business worldwide.

Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, 11AM EST

Please share your events with the

NADEC Network!

Please send any events that you would like added to the newsletter to Brenda Stelly, Communications Co-Chair, at brenda@oilcenter.com.

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