Small Businesses Expand Markets Through Trade

 

The Bush administration has negotiated free trade agreements (FTAs) with Peru, Colombia, Panama, and South Korea. If approved by Congress and signed into law, these trade deals would greatly expand opportunities for U.S. businesses by lowering tariffs and other market barriers. Following is a glimpse at three U.S. small businesses that are already enjoying success in these markets and are counting on the pending FTAs to strengthen their market share.

 

RENTECH
Boiler Systems, Inc.
Abilene, Texas
Jack Rentz
President
www.rentechboilers.com

 

RENTECH Boiler Systems, Inc., designs,    manufactures, and sells large industrial boilers used in the refining and petrochemical industries as well as in smaller energy plants and heavy industrial factories that require steam.

 

After six years' competing in the global marketplace, RENTECH ships its products to more than half a dozen countries and has completed two large projects in South Korea. Currently, international trade accounts for up to 20% of RENTECH's gross sales. Jack Rentz, company president, attributes his success in the global market to excellent technical solutions to customers' needs for steam, competitive prices, and reliable delivery schedules.

 

"American industry can compete almost anywhere in the world when provided an even playing field," says Rentz. "U.S. free trade agreements ensure that the playing field is not tilted in favor of foreign competitors."

 

Spokane Seed Company
Spokane, Washington
Andrew Fontaine
Treasurer, Sales Manager
www.spokaneseed.com

 

For nearly a century, family-owned and operated Spokane Seed Company, which has 45 employees, has provided peas, lentils, and other quality seed products to customers in the United States and around the world.

For more than 50 of those years, Spokane Seed has exported dried peas, lentils, and garbanzo beans to South America, including Colombia and Peru, under the brand name Rumba. In 2006, the company exported more than 15 million pounds of products to that part of the world.

 

Andrew Fontaine, treasurer and sales manager, says that trade barriers hurt business, putting the company at a disadvantage with long-standing customers and associates. "We take pride in our export markets. We're generating foreign income that comes into the United States and helps our economy," he says. "But the advantages we get from shipping to Colombia and Peru are threatened by FTAs that other countries have with Colombia and Peru. We need a U.S.-Peru FTA to remain competitive over the long haul."

 

Givens International
Drilling Supplies
Corydon, Kentucky
Susie Givens
President
www.givensinternational.com

 

Givens International Drilling Supplies has more than 100 years of experience in the drilling supplies industry. A one-stop-shop for customers' drilling needs, Givens sells products ranging from drill bits, casings and screens, and tubes and rods to lubricants, fluids, and accessories.

 

The company has done business in more than 60 countries, including Panama, Peru, and Colombia. Susie Givens, president, says that exports account for 35% of her business. She attributes the company's success in the region to quality products, outstanding customer service, and knowledge of international shipping regulations. Givens has won export awards from the Department of Commerce and the Kentucky World Trade Center.

 

Givens says that passage of free trade agreements with Panama, Peru, and Colombia would expand the company's sales opportunities in the region. "Eliminating duties would make us more competitive," she adds. "We have 15 employees, and all their jobs depend on international trade. Reducing trade barriers would protect jobs and help our Kentucky-based operations grow."