U.S. automotive exporters seeking new global markets for their products should look to our nearest neighbors to the south for growth markets.
According to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission, Mexico and Canada account for 78 percent of U.S. parts exports. Brazil, Chile and Colombia markets experienced the largest growth for U.S. auto parts between 2010 and 2011. According to Commission data, exports of U.S. auto parts to Brazil increased 19 percent from 2010 to 2011, Chile was up by 24 percent and Colombia grew almost 36 percent. With approximately $658 million in U.S. auto parts imports, Venezuela was the largest South American market.
So, how can U.S. auto parts manufacturers reach buyers in these nearby markets?
The U.S. Commercial Service is a great starting place – check out its website, www.buyusa.gov, for all of its services for exporters. Its webinars, publications and educational seminars are packed with information on local markets. Its commercial officers serve in U.S. embassies, consulates and institutes throughout the world and regularly conduct trade missions.
Another great resource is the AASA Overseas Automotive Council, which has helped North American suppliers build global relationships since 1923. OAC provides international intelligence to its members through its bi-monthly e-newsletter, “OAC Global Report.” The annual AASA OAC “World Motor Vehicle Market Report” includes data on global vehicle production and assembly, vehicle census summary and U.S. motor vehicle parts trade worldwide. More information about both publications is at the OAC Web site, www.oac-intl.org.
Trade shows provide invaluable face-to-face opportunities for global networking. These shows offer a bonanza of networking events hosted by organizations and businesses, as seen in the busy OAC schedule for 2012. In early June, the OAC hosted a successful trade mission and customer appreciation event in Bogota, Colombia. U.S. exporters were able to schedule one-on-one meetings with Colombian buyers interested in their automotive products and build relationships through the Council’s networking events.
The Council will hold its popular International Reception again this year on Wednesday, July 18, during PAACE Automechanika Mexico 2012, which begins July 18 and continues through Friday, July 20, in Centro Banamex, Mexico City. Co-hosted by OAC and the Mexican trade association ARIDRA, this annual reception offers attendees a forum to network with new clients and to entertain existing customers.
OAC also will be present at Automechanika Frankfurt, Tuesday, Sept. 11, through Sunday, Sept. 16, in Frankfurt, Germany. Its exhibit is a convenient meeting place and provides excellent networking opportunities with representatives from international markets. The AASA OAC Reception at Automechanika Frankfurt on Thursday, Sept. 13, is an opportunity to increase corporate international visibility, entertain important customers and connect with European buyers.
OAC supports AASA’s efforts as event co-owner in promoting the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), slated for Tuesday, Oct. 30, through Thursday, Nov. 1, in Las Vegas. AAPEX is the connection to global aftermarket industry leaders, and both AASA and OAC provide services, private meeting spaces and amenities to members at their respective Member Centers during AAPEX. The AAPEX OAC International Reception on Oct. 30 has a well-deserved reputation as the global networking event during AAPEX where attendees can locate new customers as well as entertain existing customers and guests.
Membership in a trade association is a great global networking tool. AASA and OAC provide the networking needed to open new world markets – visit www.oac-intl.org for details.
