As the world's largest package delivery company, UPS has long been committed to encouraging the growth and job creation that comes with expanded international trade. World Trade Week, an annual tradition since 1927, spotlights trade’s important economic role, along with the efforts of both the U.S. government and companies like UPS to promote business expansion into new markets.

“Ninety-five percent of the world’s consumers are outside of the U.S., and 85 percent of the world’s economic growth over the next five years is expected to occur outside as well,” said UPS Global Public Affairs President Laura Lane. “Increasing exports is vital to the American economy’s continued recovery, and we have to do everything in our power to promote that – to make it easier for companies of all sizes and sectors to go global.”

Despite the proven benefits of exports, many companies, especially small and medium-sized businesses, view international growth as a challenge. Only 24 percent of the nation’s SMEs are engaged in global commerce, according to a recent UPS survey.

“Businesses new to exporting face many hurdles right off the bat – a challenging macroeconomic environment, burdensome customs procedures, regulatory hurdles, and cultural and language challenges,” Lane said. “UPS is working with our customers one-on-one to overcome these challenges.

The UPS Global Trade website (www.international.ups.com) provides tips and services for companies looking to do business outside of the United States. UPS also helps educate SME customers through a strategic partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service. Finally, UPS Capital provides our customers that are looking to expand with the exporting financing to help them reach their goals.

“As we celebrate World Trade Week and all the benefits that come with global commerce, we also have to look at how we can continue to help American businesses reach more customers,” Lane said. “Ongoing trade negotiations around the world, like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, will simplify the rules of the game and make it easier for companies to do more business.”

As just one example among many, UPS helped eBioscience increase sales and broaden its international reach with a series of shipping and logistics solutions. The San Diego company had big ideas for its business in Europe, but regulatory, customs and shipping obstacles hindered that expansion.

Working as a liaison between the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and eBioscience, UPS deployed a more cost-effective cold supply chain, quickened clearance times, and cut down on international compliance and paperwork issues. While eBioscience initially was just looking to simplify its supply chain and get closer to its clients, UPS was able to offer much more, including nearly 100 percent reliability in both the United States and Europe. Most importantly, UPS also helped eBioscience “grow its business” – annual revenues have grown from less than $40 million in 2008 to more than $70 million in 2012.

“Success stories like these happen every day,” Lane said. “Trade and exports create good American jobs, and are the foundation of our country’s future growth strategy.”