LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
Happy July. We hope your summer is off to a wonderful and cool start. We are excited to bring you this month’s latest developments in U.S. trade policy, highlight recent program milestones, and share new resources to support your global growth.
Last month, we had the pleasure of celebrating the graduation of our Spring 2025 Heartland Export Accelerator cohort. We’d like to extend our warmest congratulations to the participating companies: Bison Hut, ConstructReach, DEFCON Underground MFG, Farms by Amber, and Zipplicity, for their dedication, collaboration, and hard work throughout the program. Over the course of eight weeks, these businesses explored the foundations of international trade and developed export plans tailored to their global growth goals. We are proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see where their journeys take them next!
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Bestway International, recipient of the 2025 Paul Weida Award for International Business at this year’s Small Business Award Luncheon. Founded in 1988, Bestway International is a full-service transportation and brokerage company recognized for its exceptional commitment to facilitating global trade and supporting the exporting and importing needs of businesses throughout the Kansas City region. Congratulations, Bestway!
Thank you for your continued engagement with WTC-KC. We look forward to bringing you more updates next month. For any trade-related inquiries, please contact us.
EVENTS
Updated Global Trade Forecast
International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City
July 8, 2025
Register Here
Kansas City – Legal Export Fundamentals Training
Johnson County Community College
July 9, 2025
Register Here
Cargo Cafe with Noah Stewart
Bestway International
July 16, 2025
Livestream Here
Tranquility in Trade: Yoga Flow
Next Gen of International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City
July 30, 2025
Register Here
Certified Global Professional Training
International Trade Center – MU Trulaske College of Business
August 5-7, 2025
Register Here
NAFTZ Annual Conference & Exposition 2025
National Association of Foreign Trade Zone
September 14, 2025
Register Here
Advanced Manufacturing Business Development Mission to Turkiye and Poland
International Trade Administration
September 21 – 26, 2025
Register Here
International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City 80th Anniversary
International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City
September 25, 2025
Save the Date
2025 Mid-America Trade Summit
WTC-Kansas City & MO Trade Partners
October 8, 2025
Register Here
Trade Mission to Rwanda 2025
World Trade Center – St. Louis
October 25, 2025
Register Here
NASBITE National Small Business Exporter Summit
NASBITE
October 29, 2025
Register Here
Industrial Transformation Mexico 2025
Industrial Transformation
November 11-13, 2025
Register Here
DISPATCHES FROM DC
Trump Signals Openness to Canada Trade Deal at G7 Summit
After several months of trade tensions and reciprocal tariffs between the U.S. and Canada, President Donald Trump struck a more receptive tone during the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, signaling renewed interest in pursuing a bilateral trade agreement.
Speaking to reporters, Trump emphasized that trade with Canada is a top priority for his administration, stating, “Our primary focus will be trade, and trade with Canada. And I’m sure we can work something out.” Following a 70-minute meeting with newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and a subsequent 30-minute one-on-one discussion without staff, the president remarked that the two had developed a “very good relationship” (Politico).
Despite the warmer tone, President Trump reaffirmed his firm stance on the use of tariffs as a tool for driving economic growth in international trade. Acknowledging differing views between himself and Prime Minister Carney, he commented, “I’ve always been a tariff person. It’s simple, it’s easy, it’s precise, and it just goes very quickly.”
This U.S. and Canada dialogue comes on the heels of Trump’s declaration that a U.S. and China trade deal is “done,” with the U.S. securing total tariffs of 55 percent and China receiving 10 percent. He noted the deal is awaiting final approval and added that the relationship between China and the U.S. is currently “excellent” (The Guardian).
As U.S. trade negotiations continue to evolve, businesses should keep a close eye on developments with key partners like Canada and China. These discussions could shape future market access, tariff structures, and global strategy for American exporters.
WHAT WE'RE LISTENING TO
An Export Control Chat with Jeannette Chu
The Trade Guys
Listen Here
Global Trade Talks: Tariffs-IEEPA Litigation Update
Global Trade Talks
Listen Here