World trade is beginning to pick up. But the turnaround seems to be tentative unless we make a concerted effort to export or import more.

In the U.S., the Commerce Department said Friday that the dollar value of exports, which surged in July, rose another 0.2% in August. That put exports at their highest level since December, but still 21% below year-ago levels. Lower oil imports reduced imports by 0.6%, narrowing the trade deficit to $30.7 billion after four months of widening.

Read more at "Trade Upturn Hints at a Recovery."

And check out the World Economic Outlook (October 2009) or IMF Data Mapper here.

Illustration: IMF World Economic Outlook (WSJ)

Who stands the best chance at boosting American exports? Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

'Every team within our building will be involved in this effort to determine what we can do now to make our trade policies more effective in helping small and medium-sized businesses, as we are in assisting ... multinational corporations,' U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk told reporters.

Read more here.

Growth of robust trade between the United States and powerhouse U.A.E. is reflected here (scan to Trade), "The U.S.-U.A.E. Trade and Investment Relationship: 2009" (PDF), and prepared March 2009 by Professor Michael O. Moore, Director, Institute for International Economic Policy, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University.

The U.A.E. is the largest export market for the United States in the Middle East. ~ U.S. Census Bureau

More information can be found at the US-UAE Business Council.

We preach the global trade gospel all the time via this blog but learn what the folks in Atlanta, Georgia have to say about scaling your business globally.

Read more here.

Great quote:

"Global trade has sponsored two decades of dramatic growth and increased prosperity in countries everywhere," says UPS CEO Mr. D. Scott Davis. He goes on further to say, "Now is the time to back away from the progress that has been achieved in the mistaken belief that any one economy can regain strength independently of the rest of the world."

Read the entire article here.

Small U.S. companies can get into global trade via creative financing with the new UPS Capital service. The timing could not be better considering economic turbulence is making it difficult for small businesses to obtain affordable financing through traditional means.

The service enables small companies to use their in-transit UPS shipments as collateral for loans. Yes, you read that right.

During the online complimentary news conference on 9/9/08, UPS Capital executives will provide an in-depth look at how the innovative service works and how it helps small businesses. A small-business owner who has been using the service with great success will be part of the call.

Don’t miss out. Reserve your spot and get into global trade TODAY. Click here so we can show you the export money!