The extended period of stagnation following the Financial Crisis in 2008 appears to be ending. Global output is expected to accelerate from 3.1% in 2016 to 3.5% in 2017 and 3.6% in 20181, led by developing economies.
Along with the global economy rebound, growth in global trade volume is also expected to rise to nearly 4% in 2018.
In the U.S., while trade volume fell in recent years (in large part due to the rise in value of the dollar relative to the major world currencies), there are recent signs that trade is on the increase. For the first seven months of 2017, U.S. exports were up 6.0% y/y, while imports grew by 6.7%.2
Of course, U.S. company involvement in international markets is not limited to trade. Many U.S. companies directly invest in overseas firms, while international companies also invest in U.S. firms. Between 2007 and 2015, the U.S. direct investment position abroad rose 68% to more than $5 trillion.
The U.S. is the world’s largest importer and the second-largest exporter, and there are more than 400,000 U.S. companies engaged in international trade.3
While operating in international markets can offer huge opportunities for U.S. companies to grow revenues and reduce dependency on the domestic market, companies also face a wide range of operational challenges. Many of these challenges are due to a lack of experience in operating in other countries and include dealing with different languages, legal and regulatory systems, as well as business practices and cultures. There are also differences in financial systems and customs. Fortunately, many companies can look to their financial providers to provide solutions and support that can help them address their challenges and capture opportunities in international markets.
Middle market firms operating in international markets face increasing complexity and want resources to help them solve international business challenges and attain greater efficiencies. To meet this need, PNC provides a broad array of financial solutions (including treasury management), strong account management support and timely content such as research and country portfolios that enable our clients to develop greater understanding of doing business in various international markets.
PNC provides a range of international solutions to our clients, including trade finance, letters of credit, multi-currency accounts, and a range of international payment services (dollar payments as well as cross-currency payments in 50+ currencies).
We also provide additional treasury management and payment services in key international markets, including:
PNC’s consultative approach for international commercial payments involves collaborating with our clients as they grow their international presence. A dedicated team provides services and support. The team is typically led by a Treasury Management Officer (TMO), who acts as a single point of contact for our clients. An integral element of our approach is to conduct a detailed analysis of our clients’ payment activity and make recommendations based on this analysis. In addition, clients use PINACLE to keep up-to-date on international payments activity. We also provide best practices when operating in different markets and advise on how payments systems and practices operate in these markets.
PNC seeks to increase our clients understanding of—and comfort with operating in—international markets by providing a range of information. This includes:
World Economic Outlook, April 2017, International Monetary Fund
“U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: July 2017,” U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, September 6, 2017
U.S. Trading Companies in 2014, International Trade Administration, April 2016
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