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Five-Point Plan Implemented for UK Port Success

Archives, Global Trade Daily, Ocean Ports

Five-Point Plan Implemented for UK Port Success

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In an effort to continue leveraging the major port’s prior successes, the UK Major Ports Group composed and implemented a five-point plan this week during the Annual Parliamentary reception, according to a release. The plans five points focus primarily on connectivity, the trade environment as well as location and the ability to develop and create a sustainable framework that boosts growth in an uncertain time.

“This is the time for ports. The current focus on Brexit and the UK’s trade with the world has shone a light on ports and their importance to the U.K. And it’s not just the current context. The ports sector is on the cusp of major technological change to radically transform the business models of major ports and many of our customers and supply chain partners. So, it’s never been a more important or exciting time to be in the ports sector. The members of the U.K. Major Ports Group are ambitious to invest more in the U.K. and grow the £7.6bn of value we directly contribute to the U.K. as well as the vital enabling role facilitating trade we provide for the rest of the economy. That’s best achieved by industry and government working together and today’s 5-point plan identifies the key areas where that needs to happen, ”  UKMPG Chair and Chief Executive of Forth Ports Charles Hammond said in the release.

The outline for the plan as follows:

-Ensure the UK has a major ports sector than can continue to thrive in a changing world

-Promote connectivity that boosts trade, productivity and sustainability

-Create a positive planning and development framework to boost investment and jobs

-Deliver a balanced environmental approach that delivers both sustainability and growth

-Makes sure the UK is well placed as a location to develop the ports of the future

Considering the fact that 95% of the UK’s trade is via the sea, the outline is a good indicator of the strength seen within a hugely successful sector in the global trade industry, even in the midst of the Brexit controversy.

Source: UKMPG

Acquisitions, Archives, Global Trade Daily

Another Airfreight Acquisition for 2018

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Quick International Courier, known for its global role as a leader in time-intensive transportation and logistics in addition to generating 200 million annual net revenue, is officially supporting Kuehne + Nagel’s footprint extension strategy, according to a release this week.

“This acquisition is an important milestone in the implementation of our solutions strategy and a confirmation of our leading position in airfreight. With its unique expertise in time-critical shipments in the fields of aviation and pharma & healthcare – both key strategic focus and investment areas for Kuehne + Nagel – the company perfectly complements our existing global portfolio. Our customers will benefit from a much greater scope of services and capability for time-critical shipments, while Quick’s customers will get access to Kuehne + Nagel’s global network across more than 100 countries”, Yngve Ruud, Member of the Managing Board of Kuehne + Nagel said.

The announcement released this week accounts for the second acquisition for Kuehne + Nagel in a month. Back in October, the company announced the acquisition of Wira Logistics in an effort to support the warehousing distribution network in Indonesia.

“Kuehne + Nagel’s M&A strategy is focused on expanding our footprint, creating synergies and acquiring know how. The acquisition of Quick is another accelerator to drive network growth and to enhance our global customer solutions portfolio”,  Dr. Detlef Trefzger, CEO of Kuehne + Nagel International AG said.

With Q1 around the corner, industry experts continue making strides as seen with various acquisitions to maximize growth and extension opportunities on a global scale. With improved transportation of critical logistics intense materials, Kuehne + Nagel are now able to provide some of the most complex deliveries.

“We are looking forward to become part of the Kuehne + Nagel Group. Joining forces with one of the leading logistics providers offers us new growth perspectives within a worldwide operating network”, Dominique Bischoff-Brown, CEO of Quick International Courier said about the acquisition.

Source: Kuehne-Nagel

Archives, Global Trade Daily, Ocean Carriers

The “Deadly Dozen” and Human Behavior

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Maritime safety and ensuring minimal risk impact is a topic that isn’t discussed enough. Human error is unpredictable, and until shippers evolve into a fully digitally integrated system, human hands are absolutely essential to keep business moving.

A report released  provides insight and tips to consider and leverage for improving procedures. Surprisingly enough, the majority of the high-risk behaviors analyzed are fairly common and are the determining factor between making or breaking business initiatives and successful processes.

Reducing risks while on the sea can greatly impact workers and business relationships beyond the numbers, creating satisfaction and a positive working environment. One of the most common themes in the trends highlighted boils down to simple communication: alerting, situational awareness and mindfulness of culture differences. Without effective communication, business is a shot in the dark.

Here are a few examples taken from the deadly dozen to consider:

Situational Awareness

This asks the obvious but extremely important question of, “What’s the situation?” If you can’t answer this, it’s a problem. The report advises effective communication and always leveraging your team for feedback. Remember to ask yourself WHIM: “What Have I Missed?

 Alerting

Make sure to speak up at all times. Encourage this within your team and don’t chastise an assertive or proactive approach to a potentially disastrous situation. Again, this is directly linked to effective communication. Alerts can save lives and prevent accidents.

 Communication

Understand that 30% of communication is actually verbal and different cultures have different approaches will not only reduce risks but also eliminate possible strife due to offense. The report advises implementing climate control internally and externally through considering these factors for success.

 Fatigue

Don’t overwork your crew – it doesn’t pay off and creates a toxic and risky environment. The report highlights this is an ever-present condition for workers on the sea and can create ill-health as well as present risky conditions.

Pressure

Cutting corners should never be an option. In doing so, details are overlooked, tension is caused and stress is multiplied. Ensure there’s a system of balance in place and there’s always someone keeping a finger on the pulse to verify the safety and wellness of the team. Healthy pressure can create productivity, but don’t push it.

These common-sense tips and approaches can become more difficult to implement the more demanding the market becomes. Maritime trade is one of the largest sectors the industry utilizes. Within this sector, the human element is the common denominator associated with accidents, incidents and errors.

To view the full report, visit: Human Element Guidance

 

Source: MGN 520

Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

“A Force to be Reckoned With”

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The Asian Logistics and Maritime Conference kicked off this morning with a strong opening message from Mrs. Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. Lam didn’t fail to mention this was her fourth year in a row speaking at the eighth annual conference and noting that the representation brought is “One of Hong Kong’s and the world’s most vital sectors” paired with a strong turnout each year.

Lam focused on how the recent topic of the Belt and Road Initiative continues to “connect the region and the world” and building on the ties among other industry leaders around the world is vital to continued success. Additionally, she touched on the importance of free trade within the Hong Kong region, noting it as “immutable” before confirming the conclusion of a free-trade agreement with Australia within the last few days.

Adaptability and rolling with the market changes were a high point during Lam’s address, noting that trade and logistics are one of Hong Kong’s four pillar industries that contributes 22 percent of GDP, making Hong Kong a leader in logistics and financial centers in addition to trading economies in the world.

“Hong Kong’s noble market may be modest, but our ability to serve and create markets for trading goods and services for the world is inexhaustible. For that, we can thank our formidable foundation for international trade… I’m talking about world-class infrastructure, superb connectivity.. institutional strengths as well as an abundance of talents…”

Lam went on to expand on the massive container port quantities and TEU numbers within Hong Kong which include 320 lining ships per week, and over 3.8 million TEUs on record for last year. She also mentioned that the shipping rates are the fourth largest in the world and in regards to the air, “Hong Kong is a force to be reckoned with”  noting their airport has been the world’s busiest for international air cargo for the last 22 years in a row, serving high-value logistics in the Asia-pacific region and boasts sustainable air-service agreements with dozens of countries around the world, 67 to be specific.

As she concluded her opening address by reinforcing global connectivity and the ability to adapt to an evergreen market. The primary message remained consistent that Hong Kong will continue to leverage its impressive trade momentum regardless of market trends.

Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

And the winner is…

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The Transport and Logistics Middle East ceremony awarded LogiPoint the official Logistics Zones Operator of the Year for their unmatched involvement and footprint in the logistics supply chain sector for the region.

According to the release, “By introducing Logistics Parks Modon 1 and Logistics Parks-South Jeddah we hopes to build on the success of the Bonded and Re-export Zone and develop similarly high quality integrated facilities throughout the Kingdom,” (W7 Worldwide).

The company is also applauded due to the remarkable development and operation of what is the largest and first re-export zone. With technology growing more in the economic and trade sectors, LogiPoint has stood the test of time with technology innovations and efforts to team up with stakeholders for a unified mission. Their efforts include an impressive facilities and warehousing in addition to customized alternatives for client needs.

With more innovation and conceptualization on the horizon, LogiTech focuses on integrating international logistics solutions in the mix. With 19 years of success and innovation to account for, LogiTech continues to create strategic planning and implementing standards that put them at the top with record numbers.

About LogiPoint

LogiPoint, which used to be known as Tusdeer but underwent a re-branding exercise last October, will contribute to the Kingdom’s vision of the future and renovate it into an integrated logistics solution provider by achieving global competitive standards, adapting to change creatively and adopting a customer-focused approach in a transparent manner.”

Source: W7 Worldwide 

Archives, Global Trade Daily, Special Reports

New Management and Capital Investment on the horizon for Powderhorn Mountain Resort

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With winter on the forefront, Powderhorn Mountain Resort onboards ZOMA Capital and Pacific Group Resorts to support management efforts, capital improvements and leverage opportunities for incremental investment dollars and economic development success.

Powderhorn entered into a  long-term lease with Pacific Group Resorts that will strengthen and support the overall positioning and enhance the resort’s prime winter and summer season success. The recent Grand Mesa Opportunity Zone designation is also being considered for investment dollars in the near future to continue aligning the goals between Daly, the Garts and ZOMA. The three aim to leverage and support the economic vitality of the Grand Valley.

“We are deeply appreciative of the incredible support we’ve
experienced since becoming part of the Grand Valley in 2011, and in particular, we want to share our appreciation for Home Loan State Bank who has been a terrific partner in supporting us in this next step of our progress,” Daly said.

The main focus from PGRI surrounds the season pass program, originally implemented to provide affordable options for families and an anticipated “Learn to Ski” program scheduled for kickoff this winter. Powderhorn has already seen a strong 55 percent increase in sales since the adoption of the season pass program for Spring 2018.

“This season, Powderhorn introduced the innovative Mission: Affordable season pass program which has been a smashing success, bringing thousands of new customers to Powderhorn for affordable skiing,” said Andy Daly.

The anticipated developments consist of the 32-mile Palisade Plunge mountain biking trail provide key opportunities for economic growth for the resort and Grand Mesa. Pacific Group brings additional connections within the ski community to the partnership as well as some history with president and CEO Vern Greco originally from Denver.

“Today marks the confluence of several strategic partnerships that will not only support Powderhorn’s long-term success, but will advance the Grand Valley’s determination to drive economic development through outdoor recreation and tourism,” said Robin Brown, executive director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP). “It has been a collaborative effort among partners including the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade.”

About Powderhorn Mountain Resort
Powderhorn is nestled deep in the heart of the Grand Mesa on the storied Western Slope of Colorado. For 51 years, Powderhorn has been a scenic, family-friendly resort featuring 1,600 acres of terrain suited to a variety of abilities and preferences. Powderhorn is known for extending exceptional value to each guest, thanks to improvements at the resort and a mountain focused on creating a one-of-a-kind, year-round experience. Visitors choose Western Colorado for its wideopen spaces, distinctive topography and friendly local residents. To learn more about Powderhorn Mountain Resort, visit www.powderhorn.ski or call (970) 268-5700.

Source: Grand Junction EDC 

Archives, Global Trade Daily, Special Reports

How Modern Networks are Supporting Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Recovery

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Ensuring how lifesaving medicines and supplies are distributed is challenging, especially when it involves moving supplies in a hurry. Whether overseeing how disaster relief services are distributed in a time of crisis or to secure the medical supply chain to help eliminate counterfeit drugs, locking lock down the global supply chain and achieving transparency has never been more critical.

Traditionally, many U.S. based nonprofits have been penalized by potential donors for having high administrative costs. Thanks, in part, to this increased spending scrutiny, investments in technologies that could be transformational in the fight against poverty and disease have been shelved to keep spending at bay and to avoid doling out the high price tag the technology could cost. Dan Pallotta’s Ted Talk called out the double standard that drives our broken relationship to charities when he urged companies to start rewarding charities for their big goals and big accomplishments even if that comes with big expense. Having worked with hundreds of nonprofit organizations, I have witnessed their Herculean efforts to get the right aid, to the right people, at the right time despite the fact they were saddled with antiquated technology.  Nonprofit organizations, especially those delivering lifesaving aid, need world-class tools as much, if not more, than for-profit organizations.

Coping with Supply Chain Management Challenges

The sheer number of constituents involved in the aid ecosystem – nonprofits, first responders, governments, funders, suppliers, logistics providers, warehouses, food banks, clinics, etc. – each rely on different systems, applications, and formats that make custom integrations necessary for them to collaborate.

For instance, many non-government organizations (NGOs) are working to end AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in Africa. However, they all face a number of logistical challenges as they deal with naturally occurring data silos that are scattered across various geographic locations. Also, the scale of these programs is massive. In Ethiopia alone there are more than 435,000 square miles with more than 30M people living in poverty.

In the humanitarian arena, challenges are also amplified by poor infrastructure. When it comes to internet speed, most of Africa ranks at the bottom of the list with Ethiopia coming in at 139 out of 196 countries worldwide. And as one could imagine, the internet access declines the further one  travels into more rural areas.

While distributing international aid is challenging, managing a supply chain moving pharmaceuticals is especially difficult. First, there’s a lot of product to deal with and pharmaceuticals require a hyper focus on expiration dates, medical oversight and, for some products including vaccines, a temperature-controlled supply chain.

Then, there is the growing epidemic of fraudulent and counterfeit products that are entering the supply chain. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, substandard and counterfeit drugs cause improper dosing, compromise the effectiveness of medicines and can even lead to overdose and death. The WHO says that one in ten medicines are counterfeit, and 100,000 people in Africa die every year due to counterfeit medicines.

As if the above challenges aren’t bad enough, a disaster can make them exponentially more difficult. Communication problems are magnified, internet access can be lost in affected communities, and new players are introduced. Consequently, needs are changing even more rapidly and time is of the essence.

Humanitarian Aid Reaches a Tipping Point

Nonprofits and the partners they rely on are realizing that the flawed architecture of single enterprise-centric solutions cannot support the highly dynamic and interconnected business environment that is required to deliver aid. Just as cloud-based social networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook have created new approaches to how we manage our personal and business relationships, new network platforms and the resulting communities are changing how business is conducted between the end consumer and all the companies on the network.

Similar to when you change your status or job, your entire network has access to this information in real time, and supply chain networks work the same way. With you and all of your partners on the same page at the same time brings unprecedented value to the humanitarian aid ecosystem.

In a network model, costs are reduced for all parties as the network grows, because they are shared by the members. In addition, these networks operate using a monthly subscription fee versus the traditional large up-front costs. This lowers the barrier to entry, provides a predictable ongoing run rate, and enables all parties to leverage the same platform and infrastructure.

In the network model, the technology is by the community for the community. The community defines best practices and as new features are added, they are shared across the network. The technology is evergreen versus stagnant; constituents stay on the leading edge, rather than having to invest in expensive upgrades.

How Networks are Supporting Universal Visibility and Transparency

Sophisticated permissions technology is also enabling new found visibility, as advanced networks can partition data and provide the right information to the right person. Now, logistic providers know the exact location of their trucks, program managers can see who received aid, and funders will see their impact quantified.

Networks also provide a single version of truth to all the constituents so the entire humanitarian ecosystem can be on the same page and focus on the recipients changing needs. This is especially important in a disaster, when every moment counts.

The network can also be used to fight the counterfeit problem as the technology can store a library of authentic products by dosage form all the way down to the molecule. At any point in the supply chain products can be validated to ensure they are legitimate using sophisticated scanners. If a counterfeit product is detected, networks provide the ability to track and trace through serialization which greatly helps in the event of recalls and the removal of counterfeit products.

As more organizations join the network, the value of being a participant increases. New companies will find that many of their business partners are already on the network, which reduces time for on-boarding. This enables the humanitarian response to be agile and expand as required, which is especially important in disaster response because you never know when or where the next disaster will strike. Even with no internet access, some sophisticated network providers offer the ability to work offline and then synch up when an internet connection becomes available. In a disaster response scenario or working in developing countries, this is a game changer. Today, nonprofits have the opportunity to leap frog some traditional challenges and investments. For example, they can skip ERP and go straight to a network platform.

Whether working domestically or internationally, networks give humanitarian organizations transformational abilities that can magnify bottom of pyramid impact. By allowing the supply chain to bypass ERP solutions, participants have the ability to create bi-directional supply chains versus the traditional push model. This enables them to better understand what is needed and ultimately help relieve the suffering for those inflicted.

About the Author:

Melis Jones, Global Marketing Director at One Network Enterprises., a provider of the blockchain-and AI-enabled network platform, The Real Time Value Network.  To learn more, visit https://www.onenetwork.com/ or follow them at@onenetwork

Archives, Global Trade Daily, International Trade

Dubai Improves Global Trade Status

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The roles of technology and government policies in the trade industry are becoming of increased importance for the Dubai trade mission after a release  highlighted the increased growth statistics this week.

According to the release, “Trade through free zones increased 22% to AED by 394.3 billion during the first nine months of 2018,” (Dubai Customs, 2018). ”

This along with several additional impressive numbers of growth solidify the focus and preparation for Expo 2020, scheduled for October 20, 2020 and is mentioned to hone in on the sustaining of “public happiness, welfare and prosperity and turn Dubai into a world class model,” by the Dubai Government Departments (Dubai Customs, 2018).

”We have an integrated strategy in place to develop the external trade performance further following the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and along with the guidelines of Dubai Plan 2021 and the UAE Centennial 2071. We are watching closely the changes taking place in the international trade and we will turn challenges into opportunities by entering new markets and expand our existing ones,”  Director of Dubai Customs, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih stated in the release.

In addition to a 4.1% increase in seaborne trade and a 2.3% increase in airborne trade,  China maintained the leading position as the largest trading partner with India closely following. India’s trade increased by 16% during this time as well.

As Dubai focuses on finishing the year strong, the city aims to “move ten years ahead of other city’s in fulfillment of the emirate’s vision” while increasing statistics and breaking new grounds through technology  and government implemented initiatives.

 

Source: Government of Dubai

Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

As sales of U.S. soybeans to China plunge amid trade dispute, exporters need a new strategy to access international markets

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Trade tensions between the United States and China are being felt across America’s heartland.

Prices for soybeans have tumbled and stockpiles are growing with the harvest nearly complete because exports to China, the largest foreign destination for U.S. soybeans, have plummeted. The latest federal data, through Oct. 25, shows American soybean sales to China have declined by 97 percent from last year’s harvest.

In response to U.S. tariffs placed on billions of dollars of Chinese goods, China imposed a 25 percent tariff on U.S. soybeans and shifted to buying soybeans from Brazil and other countries. Since tariffs were announced in June, the going rate of U.S. soybeans has fallen from roughly $10.50 a bushel to $8.34, as of Oct. 30, according to Markets Insider.

The timing of the trade dispute couldn’t be worse for American farmers. The USDA has forecasted that U.S. soybean production in 2018 harvest would rise to an all-time high of 4.6 billion bushels, up from 4.4 billion bushels a year earlier. The federal estimate for Illinois, the top-producing state, shows an increase of 12.4 percent to 688 million bushels.

While farmers hope for a new trade deal, there is urgency to find alternative markets for the oilseed. One of the keys to diversifying the U.S. export market lies in a 20-foot-long steel box.

Shipping containers dominate international trade. Yet, they are not widely used in U.S. agricultural exports. The movement of soybeans in 20-foot or 40-foot-long containers has represented 5 to 7 percent of total U.S. soybean exports in recent years. Bulk ocean vessels and rail to markets in Canada and Mexico are the current primary transportation methods.

But to enter new markets, smaller shipments will be needed, and container shipping is the solution. It offers several advantages over bulk vessels, including:

-Soybeans shipped in containers are generally higher in quality because they are handled less, reducing the amount of split and broken soybeans and foreign materials.

-Smaller importers can buy the measured quantities they demand, ordering soybeans only when they need them, as opposed to taking positions for large deliveries on bulk shipping vessels. “Just-in-time” inventory management, popularized by the Japanese and now prevalent throughout manufacturing, cuts costs and reduces waste.

-In the event there are logistical problems, the demurrage for containers is much lower than that of entire vessels, thereby minimizing the overall financial risk.

-Buyers seeking high-value or specialty soybean products can buy direct from smaller exporters. Importers in Japan use containers, for instance, to preserve food-grade soybeans.

-Customers can have their orders fulfilled much quicker. Three to four weeks is the typical turnaround time for the container shipping to Asia, compared with three to four months via the bulk vessel channel.

U.S. soybean exporters have been able to nurture markets in Taiwan and Indonesia by shipping in containers. Indonesia is now one of the largest importers of soybeans. In addition to producing animal feed, Indonesia uses soybeans to make foods such as tofu and tempeh.

Thailand, Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia are also using more soybeans as household incomes grow. Income growth leads more meat consumption, which in turn fuels demand for soybean-based animal feed.

Smaller international markets in Asia, Europe and Africa are perfect for container shipping because they haven’t achieved the economies of scale required to use the bulk transportation system.

Shipping by container also will help solve a major problem in the logistics industry. More than 11 million maritime containers arrive at U.S. ports each year. Most of those are coming from Asia, containing televisions, furniture, sneakers and other manufactured goods. But the imbalance of trade between Asia and the U.S. means about half of those are returning empty.

All this empty space on ships is a multi-billion-dollar loss for shipping companies, exporters and importers. Soybeans and other grains can take advantage of backhauling opportunities for ocean carriers repositioning empty containers.

Momentum to ship soybeans by container is growing. Soybeans loaded into containers in Illinois reached a new high of 66 million bushels in the 2017-18 marketing year ended Aug. 30, according to Informa Economics IEG.

But that represents about 10 percent of soybean production in Illinois, so there is a lot of room for growth. Illinois is the nation’s top producer of soybeans, is close to a sizeable supply of available containers and has several major railroads converging in the Chicago area.

The American economy depends on the exporting of soybeans and other crops. Even if China lifts the tariffs on soybeans, the trade standoff has sharply illustrated the need to cultivate new markets. Shipping by container can help lead the way.

Eric Woodie is a trade analyst with the Illinois Soybean Association’s Checkoff Program, and has over a decade of experience in export trade, foreign markets, and inland logistics.

 

Archives, Features, Global Trade Daily

Our 2018 Picks for the Top 100 Cities for Global Trade

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Each year, Global Trade magazine takes the time to look at U.S. cities to guide our readers to the best places to do business.

We choose these cities based on many factors: what they’ve done, what’s planned, and how global trade has responded to them. As with any list like this, there is always room for interpretation, but we feel that each of these cities, from the country’s largest to some tiny cities, all deserve to a look from anyone interested in doing business in the United States.

THE NATIONAL ECONOMY AND TRENDS

The economy of the U.S. is stronger than it has been in decades. Record low unemployment, rising wages and high consumer and business confidence are all contributing to huge growth in the economy. The fundamentals of the economy are strong and don’t appear to be weakening soon.

Many businesses and industries that had abandoned the U.S. for cheaper shores are returning due to changes in tariffs and economic realities. Notable is the return of the steel industry, which was all but dead in the U.S. but now appears to be making a quiet resurgence.

On the horizon are areas for concern, depending on whom you ask.

The current administration succeeded with renegotiating some trade agreements, as evidenced by the creation of USMCA to replace NAFTA, but trade with China is still a huge question mark. China’s government doesn’t appear to respond to strong-arm tactics, and they have a large enough economy they may be willing to battle with the U.S. administration.

Some economists predict a mild recession in 2109, but most offer different reasons for this. Without a consensus, it’s hard to believe these predictions will come to fruition.

 

THE BEST CITIES FOR GLOBAL TRADE

Each category of this list allows business leaders to look at locations in which to open or relocate a business.

Multi-Category Winners

These cities deserve mention in several categories. Most times, these are America’s largest cities and are obvious candidates for many categories….

 

New York City(Export/Financial Hub)

New York City is an obvious choice for several categories. As the heart of the global financial community, with Wall Street and most of the world’s largest banks, New York is arguably the global financial center. The Port of New York and New Jersey is still the second busiest in the world. The Big Apple is the launching point for millions of global businesses.

 

Seattle(Export/Skilled Workforce/Financial Hub)

Seattle has been a global trade leader for over a generation. With its well-protected port, and as the home of such businesses as Amazon and Microsoft, skilled workers and financial services have flocked to the city. Few cities in the world offer the global trade access that Seattle does without massive populations.

 

Chicago(Export/Intermodal)

The Windy City has been the entry point to and exit point from the heart of the United States. It is still the ideal location to import and export goods. Its intermodal strengths include a massive highway system, river barges and rail that allow the movement of goods within the country with ease. The St. Lawrence Seaway provides access for ships of every size to go into and out of the Great Lakes.

 

Detroit(Export/Financial Hub/NAFTA/USMCA/Business Incentives)

Despite a legendary crash of the auto industry and bleak images of a downtown in shambles, the Motor City is still an economic powerhouse. With easy access to the Great Lakes and Canada, Detroit is an excellent place to do business with America’s second largest trade partner, Canada. The economy in Detroit has led to business incentives that rival or best anything being provided by the Southern states.

 

Miami , Florida(Export/Skilled Workforce)

More than pristine beaches, Miami and its high-tech port are an excellent location for import/export. There is also an abundance of skilled workers who have arrived in the city, many of them immigrants bringing an intimate knowledge of other nation’s economies and markets.

 

Dallas(Export/Intermodal)

The Big D is a place with a Texas-sized economy and the assets to keep it that way. The intermodal assets in the city make it an ideal location to bring goods in via air or the nearby Gulf ports and ship it to the booming South and into the Mountain states.

 

San Francisco(Financial Hub/Cities to Watch)

San Francisco has been a financial hub since the Gold Rush, and it continues to show its prowess by attracting financial business from Silicon Valley and the large, but hidden, economy of Northern California. The Golden Gate City makes our list of cities to watch as it is going through a growth spurt and, if the city leaders adapt well, will solidify San Francisco’s place among such cities as Hong Kong, Singapore and Los Angeles as a Ring of Fire powerhouse.

 

Charlotte, North Carolina(Financial Hub/Start-Relocate a Business)

There are few cities like Charlotte. Maintaining much of its old Southern Charm, this city has modernized overnight and is attracting some of the best businesses and minds in the country. The quality of life, the vibrant economy and the entrepreneurial spirit of the city make it an ideal place to start or relocate a business. The financial sector makes Charlotte a quiet giant, home to billion-dollar deals and a large investment community.

 

Minneapolis/St. Paul(Financial Hub/Skilled Workforce/Business Incentives)

The Twin Cities have been and are home to many of the nation’s largest financial institutions. It maintains its place as one of the best educated cities in the country with great colleges and universities and a quality of life that keeps people there. The region’s economic developers are committed with loans and grants to help businesses grow and thrive in the area.

 

Durham, North Carolina(Financial Hub/Start-Relocate a Business)

At one point of the Research Triangle, Durham, North Carolina, is on our list of places to start or relocate a business. With abundant workers, from unskilled to highly skilled, arriving to the region every day, it’s an ideal place to put most types of business. The financial sector in Durham is growing as the surrounding states are welcoming large global businesses with staffs that need local financial services.

 

Memphis, Tennessee(Intermodal/Business Incentives)

The Mississippi River flows past this city, known for its music life. The river along with a well-established intermodal system make Memphis a perfect spot from which to import and export. Bringing business to the city is made easier by incentives that often lead the nation in their boldness. Memphis sits at the heart of the South, centrally located to move goods and people up and down the entire country.

 

El Paso, Texas(Export/NAFTA/USMCA)

There might not be a better city to trade with Mexico and South and Central America than El Paso. Right on the Mexican border, with one of the best intermodal systems in the region, El Paso makes it easy to do business with America’s southern neighbors.

 

Austin, Texas(Start-Relocate a Business/Skilled Workforce/Quality of Life)

In a state famous for its rugged individualism, Austin is a place built on community growth and shared wisdom. This has attracted tens of thousands of skilled workers and created a capitol city that is friendly to residents and new businesses. Altogether, this makes Austin one of the coolest cities from which to launch one’s global empire.

 

Cheyenne, Wyoming(Start-Relocate a Business/Small Market)

With just 64,000 residents, Cheyenne is a small city that has a lot going for it. Wyoming is leading the nation in business climate, according to the Tax Foundation. This, combined with a commitment to small and medium-sized businesses, makes Cheyenne a great place to start or relocate a business. Still small enough to have that small-town feel, Cheyenne has a full-sized business climate.

 

Bismarck, North Dakota(Start-Relocate a Business/NAFTA/USMCA/Small Market)

Along the Canadian border there is a business boom that is quietly eclipsing the country. North Dakota’s oil rich economy is creating a perfect environment for starting or relocating a business, particularly if you’re looking to do business with Canada. North Dakota’s capitol city is small (72,500 souls) but is moving up the ranks of business-friendly cities.

 

Sioux Falls, South Dakota(Start-Relocate a Business/Business Incentives)

Sioux Falls, like Bismarck, is enjoying a statewide boom in energy. One of this small city’s biggest assets is the incentive efforts that are made to welcome and grow businesses. The leadership is very creative with assistance to bring jobs to town. Starting or relocating a business in the city is a powerful way to take advantage a great small city in a state that offers outstanding tax rates.

 

Texarkana, Texas(Business Incentives/City to Watch)

By far the smallest city on our multi-category list, Texarkana has a unique history that makes it a city to watch. In the Panhandle, it is on the Arkansas border and very near the Louisiana and Oklahoma borders. Once home to the U.S. military’s largest weapons depot, this city has rail lines to spare and buildings that were literally built to withstand a bomb (or decades of business). The leadership offers amazing incentives and works with businesses to get them what they need. A tiny Texas giant, this is a city poised to lead the nation in growth.

 

Des Moines, Iowa(Quality of Life/City to Watch)

There are many nice cities, but Des Moines stands out. The moderate climate and Midwestern charm make it a great city to live in. The business climate continues to improve, making this gateway to the Plains a perfect place for any concern looking to bridge the distance between Chicago and the East and the energy of the Upper Plains states.

 

San Diego, California(NAFTA/USMCA/Skilled Workforce)

The largest city on the Mexico border, San Diego is the perfect place to do business with its southern neighbor and the nations farther south. Its climate and abundant activities attract more and more skilled workers every year. Easy access to the whole state of California, with 13 percent of the total U.S. population, makes San Diego a great place for business.

 

Bellevue, Washington(Quality of Life/Cities to Watch)

Green and lush like it’s big sister, Seattle, Bellevue is an ideal place to live. Sitting between two lakes, Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, it’s a wonderful place for outdoor activities, still in the warm zone created by the Puget Sound. Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks and all the other amazing businesses of Washington state are just a stone’s throw away. This is a city that is making room for the next wave of Washington innovation.

 

Buffalo, New York(NAFTA/USMCA/Skilled Workforce)

Buffalo sits on the very western edge of New York and at the leading edge of New England’s boom. Right on the Great Lakes and the heart of an East Coast Silicon Valley, Buffalo has more skilled workers per capita than most of the rest of the country. Many of these workers hail from New York state colleges and universities. The state’s incentive commitments are forging powerful partnerships with business.

 

LISTS BY CATEGORY

Rather than clog up the lists below with the repeat winners, we’ve pulled those cities out so we can highlight the great cities that win in their respective categories.

While each category has up to 10 winners, they are presented in no particular order as each offers its own assets, such as location, that make it unique for a business’ needs.

 

Top Export Cities

These are cities that make it easy to bring goods in and send goods out. Many have deep-water ports, or like El Paso have import/export assets that are outstanding.

-Houston, TX
-Los Angeles, CA
-New Orleans, LA

 

Top Financial Hubs

Banks, investment firms and stock brokers flock together to allow them to share information and often, because the city’s data capabilities are high enough to prevent a slowdown of information from around the world. Another significant reason to choose a city is its proximity to a growing industry that needs financial services.

-Richmond, Virginia
-Lincoln, Nebraska

 

Most Advanced Ports

The level of automation and quality of the dockside equipment in a port can hugely influence how quickly products are offloaded or put onto a ship. The ports on this list lead the nation in innovation, reliability and speed.

-Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles
-Port of Savannah, Georgia
-Port of Virginia (Norfolk), VA
-Port Houston
-Port of Oakland Oakland, California
-Port of Charleston (South Carolina)

 

Intermodal Access

The ability to move from ship to train to truck to plane or any combination can mean the difference between shipments in days or weeks. The cities on this list provide the fastest and most intermodal access for shipments into or out of the United States. Some are located inland and allow for transport to the central part of the country. Others are coastal and act as the jump-off points to waters surrounding the country.

-Kansas City, Missouri
-Indianapolis, Indiana
-Columbus, Ohio
-Atlanta, GA
-Portsmouth, Virginia
-Elizabeth, New Jersey
-Little Rock, Arkansas

 

Start or Relocate a Business

This is the list of cities that are the best in the country for starting or relocating a business. Low start-up costs, an excellent business environment and plenty of qualified staff make these cities the ideal places to create a new global trade empire.

-Oklahoma City
-Missoula, Montana
-Billings, Montana
-Raleigh, North Carolina
-Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

NAFTA/USMCA Access

The latest update to NAFTA, the USMCA appears to be a modernization of the now 25-year-old agreement. The cities on this list provide a home base for any business seeking to work with the most important U.S. trading partners, Canada and Mexico. Most are near the borders, providing the ease of access to the U.S., while being ideally placed for shipments into and out of the northern and southern neighbors.

-Albuquerque, New Mexico
-Corpus Christi, Texas
-Fort Lauderdale, Florida
-Laredo, Texas
-Peoria, Illinois

 

Quality of Life

Business is important, but everyone needs to live some place that they love. This list represents the nicest places to live in the country. Where living is good, business is also excellent. Although not a strictly business category, the list compiles cities to consider if you need a great staff. Being someplace that people want to live makes it easier to attract great workers.

-Colorado Springs, Colorado
-Madison, Wisconsin
-Denver
-Huntsville, Alabama
-Portland, Oregon
-Las Cruces, New Mexico

 

Best Business Incentives

Incentives for businesses are thought of as being cash or tax credits, but many cities here offer many more diverse choices. Among them: free land or buildings, free education for staff, and many other attractive incentives.

-Omaha, Nebraska
-Salt Lake City
-Boca Raton, Florida
-Cleveland, IN

 

Skilled Workforce

Every business needs a great staff. In this era of near full employment, finding the right qualified staff can be a challenge. The cities on this list have a disproportionate number of educated laborers. For companies seeking a place to be that will give them the world’s greatest employees, these are places to be.

-Boston
-Washington, D.C.
-Milwaukee

 

Leading Southern Ports

The South is in the midst of a decade or more long boom. The area from Florida to Louisiana has some of the world’s greatest ports, providing a gateway to a powerful economic engine. These ports vary in size and volume, but all of them represent some of the best places in the world to move products into and out of the United States.

-Port Miami
-Port Everglades (Florida)
-Port Tampa (Florida)
-Port New Orleans
-Port Canaveral (Florida)
-Port South Louisiana
-Jacksonville Port Authority (Florida)

 

Small Markets (<100,000 population)

These small cities make a big imprint. Large cities are expensive and crowded, while these are small enough to be inexpensive, easy to move around in, and easy to be “a big fish in a small pond.” Look to these cities to be offered the respect you deserve.

-St. George, Utah
-Wilson, North Dakota
-Denton, Texas
-Bozeman, Montana
-Burlington, Vermont
-Ft. Myers, Florida
-Enid, Oklahoma
-Holland, Michigan

 

Cities to Watch

These are cities that deserve attention for their economic climate and the efforts that the leadership and the great citizens are putting in to make their cities great places in which to live and do business.

-Kenosha, Wisconsin
-Dumas, Texas
-Madison, Wisconsin
-Baltimore, Maryland
-Jersey City, New Jersey
-Fremont, California
-Odessa, Texas
-Birmingham, Alabama
-Reno, Nevada
-Irvine, California
-Marietta, Georgia
-Decatur, Illinois
-Little Rock, Arkansas
-Tulsa, Oklahoma
-Peoria, Arizona