Global Research Institute of International Trade, LLC - GRIIT

06/10/2026

One question that I received during a business meeting was, "When should I bring you in to help my clients?" In this video, I share my answer.

If it is a single sale, GRIIT may not need to be involved. But when international business becomes part of the company's growth strategy, that's when our expertise can create significant value.

Timing can make all the difference.

The companies that gain the most value from working with GRIIT typically engage us before entering a new market. By assessing opportunities, risks, and financial viability upfront, they can make more informed decisions and position themselves for long-term success.

However, it is never too late. GRIIT has also helped companies that had already entered a new market but realized that they still needed the proper guidance to refine their strategy to grow in the international marketplace.

Whether you're planning your next move or already navigating expansion, the right conversation at the right time can save your company significant time, money, and resources.

A special thank you to the business leaders and executives who have asked this question over the years and trusted GRIIT to support companies of all sizes in developing their export and international growth strategies.

https://youtu.be/HlsZ-UIgBD4

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06/04/2026

Last month, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the National Association of District Export Councils conference on behalf of the District Export Council of Southern California.

This was an excellent opportunity to connect with key leaders and stakeholders in the area of international trade who came from all around the country.

Furthermore, this conference provided top quality, high-level insights regarding international trade from those actively involved in the discussions and decision-making.

I engage in strategic networking and position myself to be in the rooms with key players and stakeholders so that you do not have to. Rather, you can invest your resources into your business while benefitting from the firsthand insights and networks that I bring to you starting with the GRIIT free monthly newsletter (https://griit.org).

The conference took place in Nashville, TN from May 12-13th.

Photo: DECSC members with Bradley McKinney, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the U.S. Commercial Service (center).

06/03/2026

Did you miss yesterday's Trade on Tues@2? Do not worry, here it is with a story about how Dr. Jackson worked with a company concerned about how US tariff policy would impact its growth in 2025. A year later, the strategy that the company chose is different from what one would expect. That difference can be attributed to the comprehensive information, strategic recommendations, and resources that Dr. Jackson shared.

No scare tactics.

No urgent pleas.

No biased advice.

No creating a nonexistent problem.

No actions for the sake of an action.

Just real, comprehensive data for this company to make the best possible decision moving forward--to stay put.

As a result, the business owner saved the time and energy that would have been spent restructuring, as well as money. The company is still in a position to sell its products domestically and around the world.

Follow our YouTube channel for immediate alerts to our tips and insights.

https://youtu.be/bmNRuUw2EBM?si=2AF1rpXsAjsHlW7B

EARLIER USMCA POLICY & OPERATIONAL DISCUSSIONS: https://www.youtube...

05/19/2026

The USMCA joint review on July 1, 2026, could reshape North American manufacturing once again. One of the biggest issues is Rules of Origin (ROOs).

Under the USMCA, the automotive sector already faces:

• 75% regional value content (RVC), which is higher than the 62.5% RVC under its predecessor, NAFTA
• 40–45% labor value content (LVC) requirements with workers earning at least $16 USD per hour
• Higher North American steel and aluminum sourcing thresholds

However, these rules were never just about trade compliance. They were designed to encourage reshoring, strengthen regional supply chains, and support higher-wage manufacturing across North America.

Currently, policymakers and industry groups are debating whether stricter sourcing and labor requirements could expand beyond autos into other strategic industries.

For companies that import, manufacture, source, or operate across North America, the 2026 review could affect:

✔ Cost structures
✔ Supplier strategies
✔ Regional sourcing decisions
✔ Long-term competitiveness

Watch our latest video for insights on what could change and the practical steps businesses can take now to prepare for the 2026 USMCA joint review.

https://youtu.be/ZkFmMvd3B7g

Businesses that prepare early will have the greatest flexibility as the regulatory landscape evolves.

If your company needs guidance assessing potential USMCA exposure, sourcing risks, or regional supply-chain strategy, contact our team to discuss how to prepare for potential changes ahead.

05/11/2026

Last week, GRIIT was a part of another enlightening World Trade Week event organized by the District Export Council of Southern California. This year’s forum was titled, “From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Practical Strategies for Exporting in 2026.”

Here is a rundown of key takeaways that will help your company position itself to compete in today’s global marketplace:

🔵Port of Los Angeles – a key economic driver for the state of California worth $93.9 billion and for the United States, $399.6 billion; has a 10-year $1.7 billion capital improvement program with various infrastructure improvement projects

🔵Keynote with Luis Eraña, CEO of Alba Wheels Up International – responsible use of AI offers significant benefits in customs brokerage and compliance but “human expertise [is] still essential”

🔵ITC Diligence – Foreign Trade Zones allow for cost-savings on duties for manufacturers in these zones or “trade islands”

🔵US-Mexico-Canada Panel – Companies should consider the following ahead of the formal joint review scheduled for July 1st
➡️More stringent rules to promote intercontinental trade
➡️Know your supply chain down to the local goods and be able to prove what
you declared for a couple of years
➡️Align with the key priority of the administration regarding minimizing the possibility of transshipment when packaging your shipments

🔵Women in Trade Orange County Panel – While AI assists in various facets of international trade, emotional intelligence, relationships, and the human connection remain important to closing deals.

Thanks to Bill Edwards, CEO, Edwards Global Services, Inc. and Chair DECSC; Richard Swanson, US Foreign Commercial Service; and Dave Coffaro CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber, for their leadership and insight into the global opportunities that exist in Orange County.

Also, a big thanks to Global Chamber LA for supporting this year's forum.

Since the height of uncertainty last year, we have continued to work with clients to develop a strategy that will allow them to take advantage of the existing opportunities in the global marketplace.

💡Do not stay behind by focusing on uncertainty. Connect with us to leverage current opportunities that exist for your product/service at [email protected].

05/07/2026

Businesses that continue to build their import/export strategy on cost-efficiency models are already behind. Businesses need to align their strategies to key policy priorities at the sectoral and industry levels. In other words, geopolitics determine competitive advantage.

Talks leading up to the joint review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) reveal the shifting competitiveness landscape at the regional level.

Read more of our analysis in part one of our blog series on the USMCA at https://griit.org/the-2026-usmca-review-north-american-business-strategy/.

05/05/2026

The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is scheduled for a joint review on July 1st, six years since it took effect. The first blog post of our USMCA series highlights what companies need to know about the shifting competitive landscape in North American trade.

👉 Read more: https://griit.org/the-2026-usmca-review-north-american-business-strategy/

💡Join us for an in-depth, critical conversation on Thursday, May 7th at 4 p.m. - https://web.cvent.com/event/9f64ec9a-5abc-40ba-84d3-72845eec2084/summary

04/30/2026

Join our founder and CEO Sarita Jackson, PhD, CGBP at this year's 12th Annual Orange County World Trade Week Forum on Thursday, May 7th.

Dr. Jackson will moderate a timely, insightful panel on the USMCA review scheduled for July 1, 2026. Panelists include Consul General Maxaira Baltazar, Consulate of Mexico Santa Ana; Chris Duncan, Squire Patton Boggs; and Vincent Iacopella, Alba Wheels.

Connect with other industry leaders, global experts, and business professionals for an evening focused on international trade, innovation, and opportunity.

📅 May 7, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 The Cove – UCI Beall Applied Innovation, Irvine, CA
🅿️ Free Parking Available
📋 Agenda - https://web.cvent.com/event/9f64ec9a-5abc-40ba-84d3-72845eec2084/summary

🎟️ Register now: https://web.cvent.com/event/9f64ec9a-5abc-40ba-84d3-72845eec2084/register

03/17/2026

If you are an exporter using free consumer models to assist as you expand globally, your sensitive prompts might be permanently embedded into the model to train future AI. In fact, some popular platforms don't even offer a clear way to opt out of this data collection!

👀 Check out today's Trade on Tues@2 episode on how you can incorporate digital technology into your export process in a safer and more secure manner - https://youtu.be/KzBjEWvpW40.

🤔 Which AI tools does your company use? https://form.typeform.com/to/uqP8ZAXW

03/17/2026

The average cost of a data breach in the U.S. has reached a record high of $10.22 million, and small businesses are facing the exact same AI-powered threats as major enterprises. How can you safely grow your export business without becoming a statistic? 🤔

Dr. Sarita Jackson answered this critical question during her insightful session at Natural Products Expo West 2026! She guided exporters on how to securely use AI for global market research and finding the right international buyers.

If you want to apply these strategies to your own business, we have great news: Eligible companies can receive complimentary assistance directly with Dr. Jackson! She is currently working with small businesses as part of an apprenticeship program approved by the US Department of Labor.

📈 Drop a comment below or send us a message to find out if your business is eligible for this incredible opportunity!