How have recent world events changed the exporting business?
The effects are primarily on the general economy and on the strength of the dollar. The strength of the dollar means our prices are more expensive than our competitors’, and it has a dampening effect on exports. The weakening in the economy has a domino effect in that other economies selling product are also weaker. What I think is significant is in spite of some grim international events, exporting and importing continue. A year ago or two years ago, we had the spy plane incident with China. Sept. 11 has caused us to focus on our interconnectedness with other countries. Trade goes on regardless of world events. The economy is tied to sources of supply, engineering and resources in overseas markets to the point where it is critical to the stability of companies and their profitably. Is it more difficult now to start exporting than it was a few years ago? I would say no. There are certainly more resources out there and a greater awareness of the opportunities that exist. Businesses are
