Maine businesses urged to join global market
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Global Markets for Maine’s Food and Wood Products was the title of a presentation by Janine Bisaillon-Cary, president of the Maine International Trade Center and state director of international trade. The event, held in March at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Campus Center, was attended by local business and municipal leaders and provided advice for Maine businesses looking to market their wares internationally.
Staff photos/Kathy McCarty
GUEST SPEAKER Janine Bisaillon-Cary, president of the Maine International Trade Center and state director of international trade, offered advice on how Maine businesses can increase their presence in the global market, during a breakfast held in March at UMPI. 
Dan McKay, of Eaton Peabody, welcomed those in attendance, with opening remarks offered by Commissioner David Lavway, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
“I’ve seen people lose money in exports by not using people who know the market,” said Lavway. “Maine produces many things that are more than we (Maine citizens) can consume; there’s a need to export.”
He emphasized there’s a need in Maine for a trained workforce and noted how entities like the University of Maine System are working on more ways to use biofuels, which will in turn help other industries learn how to use more affordable, renewable energy sources — helping keep their production costs down and making them more competitive globally.
“Being border-oriented here, international trade comes naturally but not all (Mainers) think in terms of (a global market),” said Bisaillon-Cary. “It’s not all about McCain’s. It’s small business doing a majority of the work.”
“I can’t tell you how important it’s been with the current economic situation — people coming and asking how to get into the global market. Exports have taken a lead in the economy,” she said.
In her Power-Point presentation, Bisaillon-Cary noted international business supports 181,000 jobs in Maine; 2,000 Maine companies were supported by international sales in 2012; 95 percent of Maine exports are classified as small- and medium-sized enterprises; and companies that export grow faster, pay higher wages and are more profitable.
While Maine continues to export the most goods to Canada, she said the goal is to expand marketing opportunities worldwide.
“We want the pie (graph showing countries Maine currently exports to) with a lot more equal shares. We need to grow (marketing opportunities) in other parts of the world,” said Bisaillon-Cary.
Among the markets showing increased growth is Turkey.
Commissioner David Lavway, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, spoke at a global marketing event held in March in Presque Isle. 
“Turkey’s traditionally been a pulp market. We’re seeing more need for machines, steel, etc.,” she said.
Topping Maine’s export list by industry were: vehicles, except railway or tramway, and parts, etc. — up 18.89 percent for 2011-12, from $75,553,101 to $89,828,791; industrial machinery, including computers — up 15.55 percent for the same period, from $126,159,844 to $145,780,699; wood and articles of wood, wood charcoal — increasing 13.60 percent, from $206,006,046 to $234,032,544; fish, crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates — up 12.76 percent, from 302,940,410 to $341,584,775; and aircraft, spacecraft and parts thereof — increasing .31 percent over 2011-12, from $267,449,669 to $268,268,845.
Top exports included food, seafood and agriculture: fish and crustaceans, $342 million; fruit and prepared vegetables, $75.2 million; dairy products and eggs, $8.6 million; and vegetables, roots and tubers, $4.99 million. Top growth markets for these products include: China, up 240 percent; Costa Rica, up 212 percent; Korea, up 120 percent; Hong Kong, up 70 percent; and Mexico, up 30 percent.
Top wood exports, by commodity, include: kraft paper and paperboard, Uncoat Nesoi, rolls, etc. — up 190.59 percent from 2011-12, from $3,520,,513 to $10,230,281; fuel wood in logs, etc., and wood in chips, etc. — up 21.18 percent; from $18,544,748 to $22,472,400; wood in the rough, stripped or not of sapwood, etc. — up 18.59 percent, from $131,629,124 to $156,102,025; and paper, uncoat, for writing etc., rolls, and handmade paper — up $19,830,584 to $23,475,613. Top growth markets for wood include: Turkey, up 138 percent; Japan, up 30 percent; Italy, up 10 percent; Brazil, up 9 percent; and Canada, up 6 percent.
Bisaillon-Cary said “if we strip away and look at other commodities, we have good potential and growth.”
“We need to build our top export markets,” she said, noting if Maine is able to get better rail service, it would definitely improve the state’s international marketability. She acknowledged that one of the biggest barriers to all has been the cost of transportation, with the second most recorded barrier being market research and trade leads.
“Indicators are the domestic market will turn around this year. We urge (businesses) to keep a foot in the door of overseas markets and trade sales,” said Bisaillon-Cary.
Bisaillon-Cary said she and her staff have been busy working trade shows and meeting with market leaders to find ways to best bring Maine goods to those who want to purchase them.
“A lot of cross marketing can happen at these shows. A lot of furniture manufacturing has gone to Vietnam, with a need for pine, etc. We have grant opportunities — with some expiring in 2013 — so this is the year to do it,” she said — to be used universally, not just for agriculture and wood,” said Bisaillon-Cary.
Export assistance is available through such programs as the SBA/Maine Export Promotion Reimbursement Grant; Food Export USA — Branded Program; and the Softwood Export Council.
She said the Maine International Trade Day will be held on Friday, May 31, at the Marriott at Sable Oaks in South Portland.
“If you have an interest (in taking part), tell us ahead of time. It’s a good opportunity to hear from all of you,” said Bisaillon-Cary.
For more information, call Bisaillon-Cary at 541-7400 or visit www.mitc.com.
