UK businesses, large and small, are finding that competing internationally makes their company more profitable and increases productivity. Engaging in the global economy is critical to their long-term success and the US market offers many business opportunities.

The US has an integrated, and largely self-contained, economy. Every major industry is represented. With the exceptions of a few import quotas and a few strategic industry ownership restrictions, there are no limitations on foreign firms seeking to do business in the US. Exporters and investors worldwide recognise the benefits of the US’s political and economic stability, US manufacturers’ openness to outsourcing components, wider market access through the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and active support at the federal and state level for international investment.

The US is Britain’s largest export market and is the leading destination for British overseas investment. The US is particularly attractive to UK exporters and investors because the UK and the US share a common history and culture; the UK is often seen in a positive light by US business people and consumers; and UK goods have traditionally enjoyed a good reputation for quality in the US.The facts speak for themselves: UK goods exported to the US in 2003 totalled £28.8bn, 1.47% up on 2002. This makes the UK the sixth-largest exporter to the US.

The UK continues to be the leading foreign investor in the US with $283bn in 2002, representing 21% of total foreign direct investment into the country. Although the US operates foreign investment restrictions in some sectors of the economy – airline ownership, telecommunications, and radio services – foreign investors are generally treated on an equal footing with domestic business.

UK Trade & Investment, the government organisation that supports UK business wishing to expand abroad and overseas businesses seeking to invest in the UK, works closely with BritishAmerican Business Inc to strengthen business ties and facilitate commerce between the two countries. We help UK companies by providing a network with partner agencies in regions all over the UK, including Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, to help investors plan, establish and expand their projects. In the US, we have a network of locally-engaged trade officers who are appointed for their knowledge of US industry, US business practices and their network of contacts.

These trade officers are based in 14 commercial sections throughout the US, covering three time zones. UK Trade & Investment has recently produced several helpful publications, including Exporting to the USA: Getting Started – A Practical Guide; Marketing in the USA; Establishing a Business Presence in the US; Selling Through US Agents and Distributors in the US;
and Exhibiting at US Trade Shows: Tips to Help You Succeed. All publications can be found at:
www.trade.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/usa/profile/index/index.shtml

We want to help companies realise their international business potential through knowledge transfer, and on-going partnership support. UK Trade & Investment values its relationship with BABi, and we look forward to continuing to work together to assist the transatlantic business community.