International Trade

New Mexico’s exports to Mexico and other countries continue to increase. To strengthen international trade relations with Mexico, the European Union and Asia, the Economic Development Department established the International Trade Division (ITD) in 2004.

The Division helps Albuquerque companies sell goods and services, particularly scientific and technical services, in foreign markets and attract foreign investment into Albuquerque.

Trade Services

To increase international business opportunities, ITD provides these services:

• Import-Export Consultations: ITD learns about a company’s plans and helps it prepare to become an exporter or importer.
• Promotion: ITD produces trade leads and provides contact information within the country or industry segment of interest to a company. Also the division develops and maintain foreign business contacts.
• Trade Missions: ITD sets up trade missions and agendas for individual companies, leads trade missions for groups of companies, hosts trade missions to New Mexico, and arranges visits and introductions to appropriate counterparts or companies of interest to visitors.
• Trade Shows: ITD participates in trade shows and conferences abroad, where it provides information, product samples and catalogs from Albuquerque companies or shares a booth with company representatives.
• Market Research: ITD produces reports on industry sectors, such as manufacturing, food processing and technical services, in various countries.

Foreign Direct Investment

To attract foreign direct investment, ITD promotes Albuquerque and its unique assets as a science and technology center to companies abroad that may want an American presence. The ITD also markets Albuquerque as a cost-effective alternative to offshore facilities.

International Projects

The International Trade Division supports initiatives that will boost foreign trade and tourism. One such project is securing direct flights to Mexico.

Albuquerque is also proud of its close relationship with the City of Chihuahua, Mexico. Albuquerque and Chihuahua have formed a bilateral commission lead by Mayor Chavez and Mayor Juan Blanco to address 6 specific areas:

• Trade and Sciences
• Science/Technology and Economic Development
• Tourism
• Cultural Relations and Sports
• Education
• Special Projects ( Direct Flights from ABQ to Chihuahua City)

Visit Chihuahua's site about the Bilateral Commission between our cities.

Events and Training

The International Trade Division organizes and sponsors conferences, expos and other events that contribute to the international business climate in Albuquerque. ITD also holds periodic seminars and workshops to prepare local companies to do business in other countries.

The City of Albuquerque is the lead sponsor of the Annual Iberoamerican Research and Development Summit (AIRDS) , which promotes Albuquerque as the “Technology Gateway in the United States.”

Each year since 2001, AIRDS has brought together companies, investors, national laboratories and universities from many nations to explore partnership opportunities and prospects for international business development.

Transportation

Foreign Trade Zone

The City of Albuquerque has a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) on 60 acres near the air cargo center at Albuquerque International Sunport.

A Foreign Trade Zone is a duty-free port regulated by U.S. Customs. Companies can bring in raw materials or finished goods, which they can store, assemble, repackage, grade, manufacture or re-export without paying duty.

The access road, Spirit Drive, has been redesigned for smoother traffic flow, and the City is preparing a site development plan for the FTZ parcel. Next the City plans to buy or build a warehouse for use by companies interested in the benefits of an FTZ.

FAQs

Where can I find information about doing business abroad?
Besides the City of Albuquerque’s International Trade Division (505-768-3256 or 768-3286), you can contact a federal depository library at 1-800-872-8723 or www.access.gpo.gov/su_doc/dpos/adpos003.html .

How can I learn about exporting?
The manager (505-768-3256) or senior trade specialist (505-768-3286) at the City of Albuquerque’s International Trade Division can help you identify international markets for your products and services.

What are the financial risks of doing business abroad?
There are three risks:

• Commercial Risks: Your foreign customers may refuse to pay, either because they do not have the money or because of a contract dispute. Insurance programs offered by the U.S. Export-Import Bank can protect you against such risks.
• Political and Economic Risks: Foreign governments have at times restricted or prohibited commercial payments due to economic downturns or political instability. Insurance against this risk is available from the U.S. Export-Import Bank as well as private insurers.
• Currency Risks: The exchange rate between the local currency and the U.S. dollar can change. To protect themselves, U.S. exporters should keep their contracts and payment terms in U.S. dollars.

How can I network with other exporters?
Attend events listed or sponsored by the City of Albuquerque International Trade Division. See the Calendar of Events.

How can I find a buyer, agent or distributor for my product or service?
Contact the trade manager (505-768-3256) or senior trade specialist (505-768-3286) at the City of Albuquerque International Trade Division or the New Mexico Export Assistance Center in Santa Fe (505-827-0350).

To develop a pre-qualified list of potential business partners in another country, contact the U.S. Department of Commerce Agent Distributor Service (602-640-2513) and international chambers of commerce in American chambers of commerce abroad. You can also consult import and industrial directories, see Trade Leads in the National Trade Data Bank, or obtain direct mail lists available for sale and online databases. Finally, talk to business colleagues from your target country or people who have had business dealings there.

Resources

State of New Mexico, Office of International Trade supports New Mexico companies by providing client-focused programs that encourage, develop, and facilitate international business--leading to job creation, expanded client sales, and international recognition for New Mexico.

Santa Fe U.S. Export Assistance Center The U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce is a federal government agency dedicated to helping small-to-medium sized companies to develop international markets.

International Business Accelerator provides information to businesses and individuals who want to sell a product or service into the global market. The IBA offers import-export classes, an online resource guide of international trade materials, and an electronic database of international trade leads and joint venture opportunities. The IBA also leads outgoing and reverse trade missions of foreign buyers and sellers.

New Mexico Border Authority is the state agency overseeing the development and promotion of New Mexico’s international ports of entry.

Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce offers tools to help members expand their businesses to Spain, Mexico and other Latin American countries. The Chamber also plans and organizes business trade missions.

Contact Us

Alberto Solís is manager of the International Trade Division. Reach him at 505-768-3256 or asolis@cabq.gov.