Unleashing Global Spending on Pets
Riding the global waves of internet retailing, animal celebrity on social media, and “pet parenting,” spending on pet products and services is growing all over the world.
Go on a “Rad Ride” to Find Out Where Your Snowboard is Made
Europe, North America, Japan and Russia are the biggest traditional markets for snowboarding. As the Olympic Winter Games kick off, the industry is hoping new events and even more spectacular tricks will provide “big air” to the sport’s popularity, particularly in Asia.
“Disco Kitten” and Bunny Lip Gloss: The K-Beauty Obsession
In the wake of Psy and other K-Pop stars comes the next South Korean culture wave in the form of a 12-step regimen known as K-Beauty. Thanks to trade, more Americans every day are slathering exotic ingredients such as snail mucus, starfish extract, and donkey milk on their faces.
It’s Engagement Season, a Shining Moment for Trade
Forty percent of American marriage proposals happen between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. Nothing is more synonymous with an engagement than a sparkling diamond ring. Happy couples have international trade to thank for their symbol of commitment: the United States imports 99 percent of its gemstones from other countries.
Halloween, the Global Holiday
While the commercialization of Halloween might be a made-in-America phenomenon, its popularity wouldn’t be possible without the abundance of affordable consumer goods made available through trade.
DIY Slime Stretches Global Sales of Glue
The trend to make your own slime is driving a surge in demand for gallons of school glue. It’s not just an American obsession, slime is having its day around the world. It’s a fun reminder that we can find trade stories in everything.
Adding Value to the Cambodian Economy Every 374.41 Seconds
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is usually measured in the millions, billions, and trillions. In this Cambodian shoe factory, the value to workers and their community can be measured every 374.41 seconds.
“De Minimis” Thresholds Are Not Trivial
Because most everything can be found online and purchased in small quantities, most consumers don’t see much difference between buying toothpaste from CVS online or purchasing an Alex Galchenyuk hockey trading card from Canada on eBay. But when the product is shipped across an international border, the “de minimis” rule is in play.
The Digital Future of Food Retail is Finally Here for Global Shoppers
Through a combination of automation, analytics, mobile payment and other digital technologies, the world’s leading food retailers are in a race for your “digitally-enabled” grocery business.
Jobs in Fashion You Didn’t Know Were Connected to Trade
When you think haute couture, you think of the fashion capitals of the world – Milan, Paris, New York, London, and Tokyo. Whether we’re talking about runway gowns or graphic tees, the fashion industry is global. But did you know that an average 70 percent of your clothes are “Made in America”?