Pulaski Times

Global trade is integral to economic health and expansion, ensuring commodities and products do not sit idle or perish due to a lack of demand domestically.

The importance of this is underscored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's forecast for fiscal year (FY) 2025, which anticipates another record deficit in agricultural trade, increasing from negative $30.5 billion in FY 2024 to a new record of negative $42.5 billion.

Failing to maintain competitive advantage in the global marketplace poses risks for farmers, ranchers, foresters, manufacturers, and other industries reliant on market access. Federally, there has been insufficient focus on this mission in recent years.

In Arkansas, however, efforts are ongoing to expand the state's presence in international trade. Recognizing the competitive nature of global trade underscores the importance of prioritizing access to international customers through innovative strategies and constant vigilance.

Arkansas benefits from numerous talented and experienced partners dedicated to this cause, including the team at World Trade Center Arkansas. For nearly twenty years, their intensive efforts have helped state companies identify opportunities and leverage strengths to foster economic growth for Arkansas by extending businesses' reach globally.

World Trade Center Arkansas excels at facilitating bilateral trade opportunities with Canada and Mexico—Arkansas's top trading partners—accounting for around a third of total exports yearly and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.

Trade between Arkansas and other nations significantly strengthens the state’s economy. With seventy-five percent of global purchasing power beyond America’s borders, various sectors—from aircraft parts to agricultural commodities—benefit when businesses can market and sell internationally.

Expanding access to the global marketplace boosts enterprise and workers' wages while enhancing overall quality of life in Arkansas. Supporting initiatives that open more opportunities for agriculture operations, manufacturers, small businesses, and medium-sized enterprises aligns with this vision.

"We applaud the World Trade Center Arkansas," an advocate noted. "I will continue pressing federal officials to follow our lead and fiercely advocate for our producers and businesses on the world stage."