Welcoming Gary Locke as the 36th U.S. Commerce Secretary

The United States Senate confirmed Gary Locke as the nation’s 36th U.S. Commerce Secretary by unanimous consent. Secretary Locke will be a key member of President Obama’s economic team and will work to foster and promote American economic development at home, and will be an influential ambassador for American business and industry abroad. Locke is the first Chinese American to serve as Commerce Secretary. For full article, visit: http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_007824

Canada: New Registration Obligations for Electrical Products Sold in Ontario

The provincial Government of Ontario has announced new registration requirements for manufacturers (including U.S. manufacturers) of electrical products for sale and distribution in Ontario, Canada. In August 2007, the Government of Ontario introduced the Product Safety Regulation 438/07 to ensure the safety of electrical products and equipment sold and used in Ontario. The regulation specifically requires reporting any serious electrical incident, accident or defect with electrical products. In addition, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), Ontario's administrative authority, recently announced that new registration requirements for manufacturers of electrical products for sale or distribution in the Province of Ontario must register effect April 1, 2009. Manufacturers will have until August 30, 2009 to complete the registration process. For more information, please visit: http://buyusainfo.net/info.cfm?id='14266191'&keyx='786233310'&loadnav

Canada: New Recycling Fees Required for Electronics Sold in Ontario

In an effort to reduce the amount of electronics placed in landfills, the Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES) has developed the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Program. Most electronic products, from computers and monitors to peripherals, sold in Ontario will accrue a recycling fee. Beginning on April 1, 2009 the newly implemented WEEE Program will require the payment of recycling fees on all electrical and electronic equipment sold in Ontario. U.S. companies will be responsible for paying these fees if they have Ontario residency and a commercial connection in Ontario. Residency is based on having a permanent establishment, with inventory for sale in Ontario, and employees or agents that do business on behalf of the company. For more information, please visit: http://www.ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca/

Canada: New Pesticide Regulations in the Province of Ontario

On April 22, 2009, a new pesticides ban took effect in the Province of Ontario. The ban prohibits the sale and use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on lawns, gardens, parks and school yards, and includes many herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. Over 250 products are banned for sale and more than 80 pesticide ingredients have been banned for non-essential or “cosmetic” uses. The ban takes the place of existing municipal pesticide bylaws, establishing one clear set of easy-to-understand rules, and providing certainty for businesses operating in different areas of the Province of Ontario. To view the full report, please visit: http://buyusainfo.net/docs/x_8654085.pdf

Update on the "Metrics" Directive in the EU

On December 16, 2008, the European Parliament (EP) voted in favor of adoption of the common position which amends the existing "metrics only" legislation (80/181/EEC). The amendment indefinitely extends the use of supplementary units of measurement, such as pounds and inches. By granting this extension, the Commission, Council and EP are effectively removing a barrier to trade which would have seriously hampered transatlantic trade as of January 1, 2010, when the units of measurement directive was supposed to enter into force. Expectations are that of the adopted directive amending 80/181/EEC will be published in the Official Journal in April 2009 following formal notification of the Council/Coreper. http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2008:0785:FIN:EN:PDF

Opportunities in Panama – Briefing with Senior Commercial Officer Nicholas Kuchova

Please join Nicholas Kuchova, Senior Commercial Officer in Panama, for an overview of the business opportunities in Panama on May 15th in Lenexa, KS. The United States is Panama's most important trading partner, with about 30% of the import market, and U.S. products enjoy a high degree of acceptance in Panama. Leading sectors for U.S. exports and investment are wholesaling, warehousing, building products, travel & tourism, telecommunications, computers & peripherals, electric power systems, air conditioning and refrigeration, safety and security equipment, and materials handling equipment. In addition, one-on-one appointments are available. Please contact the U.S. Commercial Service-Kansas City office for more details at 816-421-1876 or register online at: http://www.buyusa.gov/kansascity/panama2009.html

Market Brief: Portugal – Online Interview with Senior Commercial Officer Dillon Banerjee

Portugal is an excellent entry point or test-market for U.S. firms looking to establish access into the EU. Listen to an online interview with Dillon Banerjee, CS Senior Officer of Portugal as he investigates the Portuguese marketplace as a place for U.S. businesses to consider exporting their services and products. To listen to the interview, please visit: http://www.export.gov/articles/mb_portugal.asp

Market of the Month: Looking to Expand your International Sales? Think Peru

As of February 1, 2009 when the U.S.–Peru free trade agreement (FTA) went into effect, eighty percent of all U.S. consumer and industrial goods are now eligible for duty-free access into Peru, with the remaining tariffs to be phased out over the next 10 years. To help U.S. firms take advantage of the increased market opportunities, the U.S. Department of Commerce will lead a trade mission to Peru and Chile on June 1–5, 2009. To learn more about the trade mission, please see related article in this newsletter. For more detailed information on trade opportunities in Peru, please visit: http://www.export.gov/articles/marketofmonth/mom_march09.asp.

UPCOMING WEBINARS AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP INCREASE YOUR EXPORT SALES

Webinar Series: Canada

In these Canada webinar series, you will learn about the political and economic environment of the featured region as well as the leading industrial and service sectors for U.S. exports. You will also learn about market opportunities and challenges, major investment projects and local procurement practices to your region. New-to-export and new-to-market companies are encouraged to participate in these informative webinars. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.export.gov/webinars/wseries_canada.asp

• May 7th - BC & the Prairie Provinces
• May 13th - Quebec
• May 20th - Ontario

Webinar Series: Export-Import Bank

The Export-Import Bank is offering a three part webinar series on Export-Import Bank’s financial assistance and how they can help your company succeed during a recession, both domestically and internationally. A question and answer session will be held immediately following each presentation. For more information, please visit: http://www.export.gov/articles/eg_main_018941.asp

• May 12th - Accessing Capital to Fulfill Export Orders
• May 14th - Extend Credit and Get Paid Too
• May 19th - Competitive Financing for Your Buyers

May 14, 2009: Selling Medical Equipment in Mexico

This webinar will cover distribution, marketing, and regulatory issues related to selling medical equipment in Mexico. This webinar will give you the edge you need to sell successfully in the lucrative Mexican market. You'll find out what other companies are doing to be successful in Mexico and get key insights into distribution, marketing, and regulatory issues related to selling medical equipment in Mexico. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/healthcare/medbrazilmexico.html

May 16-19, 2009: Attention – National Restaurant Association (NRA) Hotel-Motel Show Exhibitors!

The U.S. Department of Commerce's U.S. Commercial Service and the National Restaurant Association (NRA) invite U.S. exhibitors at NRA Show 2009 to meet one on one with our U.S. Commercial Service Industry Specialists from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Iraq, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Qatar, and Russia. Commercial Specialists from these markets are available to discuss your export market development for U.S. products and services to these countries, applicable market and product regulatory issues, and to help you learn what opportunities exist in these markets for your products and services. Please take advantage of the following two seminars during the NRA exhibition:

• NAFTA Seminar - Benefits of Trading with our Closest Neighbors - U.S. exhibitors can also take advantage of a doing business with NAFTA seminar focusing on Canada and Mexico, the first and second largest export markets for U.S. goods. The NAFTA briefing will be held on Tuesday, May 19 at 8:30am in N228; with a NAFTA Networking Reception held on Saturday, May 16 at 4:00pm in N228.
• Boost Exports-Get Financing and Be Prepared to Sell Globally! – U.S. exhibitors will learn how to finance their foreign account receivables and how to obtain medium-term financing for overseas buyers of U.S. capital equipment at the NRA Show. This program is organized by the U.S. Commercial Service and the National Restaurant Association, with expert speakers from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and Ex-Im-approved broker, Trade Acceptance Group. Please join us on Monday, May 18 at 8:30am in N228. For more information on how to participate in these no-cost Showtime program and seminars, please visit and register at: http://www.buyusa.gov/eme/nra2009.html

May 20, 2009: Free Webinar - MEDICA: What to Know Before You Go!

Join the U.S. Commercial Service on this very informative webinar, MEDICA: What to Know before You Go!, and learn about essential tips and tricks and cost effective programs at MEDICA 2009 while learning the latest trends and market opportunities for medical devices in Europe. Learn firsthand about Showcase Europe and MEDICA CEO Programs from the U.S. Commercial Service. Listen to an overview of trends and market opportunities in Europe for medical devices; learn about MEDICA from the organizer, Messe Dusseldorf North America; and learn from past MEDICA participants. No cost to participate, but registration is required, please visit: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=9Q7L

May 20, 2009: Small is Beautiful Webinar Series – Export Opportunities in Europe – Spain & Portugal

This webinar presentation will provide a country profile with current facts and figures, identifying key challenges and major growth opportunities, offering business strategy insights, and highlighting Spain and Portugal's competitive advantages for U.S. exporters of all sizes and capabilities. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/europe/team_events.html#_top]

May 26, 2009: Business Opportunities in Asia's Information & Communication Technology Industry

This webinar will highlight the telecommunications market prospects in Asia as well as give an overview of major telecom indicators, market opportunities, best prospects, key suppliers, market issues, and market entries for Hong Kong, Philippines and Singapore. This webinar is for export ready companies in the telecom sector and the information and communication technology (ICT) industry. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=29407

May 27, 2009: The Reinsurance Sector in Brazil – Opportunities for U.S. Reinsurers and Brokers

Learn about the Brazilian reinsurance market and export strategies on how to enter this sector. Growth in the Brazilian insurance industry has outpaced GNP for the last seven years. Reinsurance in Brazil is currently a market of around U.S. $1.3 billion, or about 1% of the world's reinsurance market. Brazil represents an interesting market for reinsurers, as overall risk exposure is less than other markets. This webinar is for new-to-export and new-to-market companies, specifically U.S. reinsurers. Speakers include: the Brazilian Reinsurance Institute (IRB), the Superintendent of Private Insurance (SUSEP), and the Brazilian Federation of Insurers (FENASE). For more information or to register please visit: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=9Q6F

May 28, 2009: Essential Documentation for Exporting to Mexico

Save your company time and money by learning about the essential documentation requirements when exporting to Mexico and how to avoid issues with customs. Customs issues are one of the top market access challenges that many U.S. companies face when exporting their products overseas. For more information or to register for this webinar, please visit: http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=29157

June 2, 2009: Overview of Asian Aerospace Markets II Webinar

This webinar will focus on aerospace industry trends and opportunities in Hong Kong, Singapore, and China. U.S. Commercial Service aerospace industry specialists from these three regions will present comprehensive overviews of their aerospace/aviation markets. Participants will learn about the current and future aerospace industry trends and developments throughout Asia; gain understanding of the business opportunities and market entry strategies in these countries; obtain information on Asian Aerospace 2009 in Hong Kong and the CS programs and services to help U.S. companies at the show; and ask questions specific to your business and receive expert on-the-spot counsel. For more details and to register, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/nevada/aawebinar.html

June 3, 2009: Caribbean Webinar Series - Barbados

Participate in this webinar to learn about the compelling reasons to do business in the Caribbean, including: close proximity and the Caribbean region is a natural commercial partner of the United States, tied closely together by geography, history and culture. It is the 3rd largest market in Latin America for U.S. exports: the Caribbean region as a whole represents a market of about 23.5 million people! For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/caribbean/en/barbados_webinar.html

June 19, 2009: International Trade and Enforcement Policy under the Obama Administration

The webinar will focus on the evolving international trade and trade enforcement policies of the Obama administration in light of the current financial crisis. Expert, Washington DC-based speakers will address issues that affect importers and exporters on a day-to-day basis, including: What are the trade enforcement priorities of the Obama administration? How will trade policy changes affect my company's U.S. and international manufacturing operations and service offerings? Who are the new key players and what policies will they pursue? What is the status of pending trade legislation and how could that legislation affect my company's operations? What can we do to ensure that our company and industry's voice is heard in formulating new rules and policies? For more information or to register, please visit: http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=29041

June 24, 2009: World Bank-- How to Identify, Trade and Pursue Global Tender Offers

Learn how you can take advantage of upcoming environmental World Bank projects -- in less than 90 minutes, without leaving your desk! Have you ever been interested in pursuing global environmental tenders made possible through World Bank funding? Learn how to find and track bid opportunities for overseas environmental projects via the World Bank. For more information or to register please visit: http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=29406

June 25, 2009: Sending Samples to Mexico: Trade Shows and Temporary Imports

Customs issues are one of the top market access challenges that U.S. companies face when exporting their products overseas. It is essential when looking to export samples or send temporary imports to Mexico for trade shows and other events, to be aware of the customs and documentation processes. For more information or to register for this webinar, please visit: http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=29159

June 25, 2009: Selling Medical Equipment in Brazil

Does my medical equipment have potential in Brazil? How do I register my product in Brazil? Can my in-country distributor help with the regulatory approval process? What are other companies doing to be successful in Brazil? This webinar will answer these questions by providing a highly focused, interactive seminar in a 'virtual classroom' setting that covers distribution, marketing, and regulatory issues related to selling medical equipment in Brazil. For more information or to register, please visit: http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=28741

Archived Webinar Series on the Fundamentals of Exporting Now Available on CD

If you missed the Export Fundamentals webinar series earlier this year, you can now purchase a CD (audiovisual) of these six educational sessions. Hosted by the U.S. Commercial Service from January- March 2009, the session topics include: Exporter Obligations/Export Control Update, Classifying Your Products for Export and Import, Export Documentation Fundamentals, Incoterms 2000 –Transportation Obligations, Costs and Risks, Ensuring Payment for International Sales, and Increasing Your Global Sales Using the Internet. For more information, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/stlouis/exportfundamentals.html

Export Promotion Magazine Celebrates 30 Years with Discounted Rates

Promote your products to 400,000 readers in 176 countries with an ad in Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. Take advantage of the magazine’s special 30th anniversary rates and save 30% on any size display ad or $100 on your next listing ad (except Showcase section). Or advertise in the new USA Product Showcase section, which offers 1/12th listing ads for just $399! For more information, contact your U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist, e-mail advertise@N0SPAM.thinkglobal.us , call 1-800-581-8533, x 822 or visit: http://www.thinkglobal.us/399.

UPCOMING TRADE EVENTS AND MISSIONS

June 1-5, 2009: Executive Trade Mission to Chile and Peru

This ground-breaking Executive Trade Mission to Santiago, Chile and Lima, Peru -- the Department's first since the U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreement entered into force last month -- will put U.S. companies in direct contact with pre-screened potential business representatives, clients, and partners in two important FTA partner markets. Under the leadership of Walter Bastian, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere, the mission will promote U.S. products, services, and technologies in a wide range of industry sectors. For more information, please visit: http://www.export.gov/andeamission

June 2-25, 2009: Catalog Show at Hospitalar, World’s 2nd Largest Healthcare Show in Brazil

Hospitalar is the most important healthcare sector show in Latin America and the 2nd largest in the world. The U.S. Commercial Service Brazil is organizing a catalog show at Hospitalar for U.S. companies. For a minimal cost of $400, the U.S. Commercial Service will field inquiries, gather trade leads, and compile a list of companies who express interest in your products. U.S. companies looking to expand their business in Brazil’s large and growing market should not miss the opportunity to use this cost-effective tool to advertise their products and/or services. For more information, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/philadelphia/hospitalar2009.html

June 23-24, 2009: Catalog Show: Green Tech Promotion in Algeria

The U.S. Commercial Service in Algiers is organizing a unique Green Tech Promotion, June 23-24, 2009 at the Djzair Hotel, Algiers. The U.S. Commercial Service‘s aim is to help American manufacturers of Green Tech technologies and services providers to tap into the roughly $2 billion Algerian market. The Green Tech Promotion is an extremely low-cost, yet effective way for you to evaluate interest in your product or service in the Algerian market. For more information please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/algeria/en/81.html

June 27-29, 2009: U.S. Cosmetics and Toiletries Catalog Show in Egypt

The U.S. Commercial Service Cairo, is organizing a catalog show for U.S. cosmetics and toiletries companies to be held at major local exhibition: the “Cairo International Conference Hall”, HEBEX show the largest annual exhibition in Cairo, Egypt for body care from June 27-29, 2009 This exhibition offer you a rare chance to showcase as well as market your products, technologies and services directly to Egyptian distributors and customers. If you are interested in participating in this catalog show, please contact: hanzada.farid@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov

November 4-8, 2009: U.S. Department of Commerce Executive Trade Mission to Libya and Algeria

Fast-growing economies, vast capital reserves, and major infrastructure needs put Libya and Algeria among the world's most promising markets for U.S. suppliers. To help U.S. firms leverage opportunities in these markets, a senior-level Department official will lead a trade mission to Tripoli, Libya and Algiers, Algeria. As both Libya and Algeria transition to more private-sector led growth, they hold rich trade potential in almost every sector, from oil and gas to telecommunications, medical equipment and services, education, and tourism, and much more. If you are interested in more information about this trade mission, please visit: http://www.export.gov/northafricamission/doc_eg_northafricamission.asp