Message from our Chairman

After more than 40 years in banking, I am enjoying a sabbatical from the industry. Thanks to a mutually satisfying departure package from First Horizon Bank, I am able to spend quality time at home with my family, while thinking about the next step in my career.  As one of the world’s top 50 economies, Miami is clearly an ideal destination to live, work, and play. I look forward to leveraging my extensive personal and business contacts along with 30,000+ LinkedIn connections to promote and serve our community during these unprecedented times.

Message from our President & CEO

COVID-19 continues to disrupt all aspects of commerce to change how businesses operate.  Last month, the World Trade Center Miami (WTCM) canceled the Americas Food & Beverage Show scheduled for November 2-3, 2020 at the Miami Beach Convention Center and announced the creation of the Americas B2B Marketplace and a free Americas Food & Beverage Virtual Conference.

Read more.

“QUOTE OF THE MONTH”

“Now more than ever e-commerce marketplaces are taking a bigger role in helping companies increase their sales.”

Ivan Barrios, President & CEO, World Trade Center 

• Trump postpones trade talks with China. Here’s why postponing the U.S.-China trade deal review may not be a bad thing. ICYMI – according to Peterson Institute for International Economics, China is far from meeting its Phase 1 commitments. U.S. Commerce Department further restricts Huawei access to U.S. technology and adds another 38 affiliates to the entity list.
• WTO goods trade index hits record low, detects some recovery signs.  WTO tempers hopes for a V-shaped rebound, sees L-shape possible. Pandemic may push trade costs higher, says WTO. More from the WTO here.
• Panama Canal Shipping Rebounds in Hopeful Sign for Global Trade.  Ports show mixed results on imports ahead of back-to-school season.
• UAE, Israel take concrete steps to solidify peace efforts.  Israel Asks UAE Crown Prince to Visit as Peace Moves Intensify. Saudi Arabia Cautiously Welcomes UAE, Israel Normalization.
• China’s loss may be India’s gain in shifting supply chains
• Brexit: UK hopeful of EU trade deal next month.
• Pandemic power play: It’s China vs. the US in Latin America.  Pandemic creates ‘worst crisis in a century’ for Latin America and Caribbean trade.  ECLAC projects 23% drop in exports in Latin America and the Caribbean due to pandemic.
• Air Cargo Market: Brace for big rate hikes
• The end of normal? 31^st Annual “State of Logistics Report” 2020.

COVID STATE OF PLAY: ECONOMIC AND TRADE DATA TEMPERATURE CHECK AT THE HALFWAY MARK

Mid-term trade data is now available and Alice Ancona, Senior Vice President, and COO at World Trade Center Miami give us an expert analysis of the recent trends and forecasts.

Read more.

Bill Johnson, President of World Strategic Forum

The World Strategic Forum is proud to announce its first-ever fully online edition, taking place this September 1 & 2. This special edition of the WSF will provide a unique opportunity to share two days of rewarding insights and meetings with some of the most highly-qualified business leaders of our time, in a completely new virtual environment.

Executives and decision-makers from around the world will share their insights on how their businesses and industries are adapting to the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic. Participants in the WSF online summit will hear from Jeffrey Knittel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Airbus Americas; Arnold W. Donald, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Carnival Corporation & plc; Barbara Humpton, President and Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Corporation; Claire Waysand, Chief Executive Officer, ENGIE; and many others. The preliminary program can be found here.

World Trade Center Miami subscribers are invited to participate in this online summit. Please REGISTER HERE for free using the code WTC20.

A View from the Marketplace: Opportunities for Florida Companies in Colombia

 Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 11 AM EST

Join us to gain market insights from experts from the U.S. Embassy in the featured countries and prepare to navigate the new trade landscape.  Each webinar will provide a snapshot of the current situation, market, and sector overview, information on the road ahead.

Presentation Topics Include:

• U.S. – Florida – Colombia Trade Relationship
• Top Sectors of Opportunity for Florida Exporters
• Opportunities for Florida Food and Beverage Exporters

We are excited to announce the

VIRTUAL Americas Food & Beverage (AFB) Show

and

Launch of the Americas B2B Marketplace.

The virtual AFB conference will be enhanced and feature a robust program that has been expanded from two days to three weeks.

Visit www.americasfoodandbeverage.com to find out more.