OSU Center for International Trade Development

10/20/2026

🎓 PhilanthroPete is officially open!

Support the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade Development (CITD) through this year's giving campaign! Contributions can be made now through November 29 using the link in our bio/Linktree.

This year, CITD is seeking support for its Global Research Fellows Initiative, an effort to expand hands-on research opportunities for OSU students.

Building on CITD's existing work with graduate assistants and student researchers, Fellows will contribute to projects involving international trade, energy, supply chains, global markets, economic competitiveness, and other emerging issues.

Your support will help prepare the next generation of global business professionals while strengthening Oklahoma's competitiveness in international markets.

🔗 Visit the link in our bio/Linktree to contribute today!

10/18/2026

Meet the Fall 2026 CITD Team!

We’re excited to introduce our Fall 2026 team and look forward to all that’s in store this semester!

Back row (left to right): Ashton Tate, CITD Associate Director for Research Dr. John Schoeneman, Sponsored Programs Analyst Joshua Emero, CITD Director Andrew Ranson, Keaton Kessler, and Wesley Hurlbut.

Front row (left to right): Hank Bennett, Olivia Dean, Ngoc Minh Tran, Gabby Rodriguez, and International Trade Specialist Mark Walker.

Not pictured: CITD Senior Researcher Haruna Minoura.

10/16/2026

On September 30, the Hamm Institute for American Energy and Meridian International Center convened in Washington, D.C., to discuss the U.S.–Japan–South Korea trilateral partnership and opportunities to strengthen critical mineral supply chains.

The roundtable, moderated by CITD Director Andrew Ranson, brought together government representatives and industry leaders from all three countries, with industry perspectives spanning different parts of the critical minerals supply chain.

A key takeaway from the roundtable was that, rather than focusing on building completely independent critical mineral supply chains, the three countries can strengthen resilience and security by drawing on their respective strengths, resources, and capabilities to build complementary supply chains.

10/14/2026

The CITD is excited to announce Trading Up 3.0, the third installment in our Trading Up series, which explores major trade and economic challenges facing Oklahoma businesses, policymakers, and consumers.

Trading Up 3.0 examines the impact of shifting trade policies, workforce challenges, artificial intelligence, and growing energy demands, highlighting the risks, opportunities, and practical strategies that can help Oklahoma build a more adaptable, resilient, and competitive economy.

Follow the link below or in our bio to explore what’s next for Oklahoma in the global economy!
https://global.okstate.edu/partnerships/citd/site-files/docs/2026-CITD-Trading-Up-3.0.pdf

10/01/2026

Associate Director for Research at the CITD and Assistant Professor of International Political Economy, Dr. John Schoeneman, recently published an article in The Conversation titled “Oil and gas industry expected surplus — but war brought shortage instead.”

The article examines how long-term oil and gas forecasts shape investment decisions, and why an expected surplus can leave markets vulnerable when a major supply route is disrupted.

Any work to ease current shortages and price hikes while the Strait of Hormuz remains closed will take years and billions of dollars.

09/30/2026

State officials and energy leaders visited Lawton to discuss Oklahoma’s bid to host a federal Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, a major U.S. Department of Energy project aimed at expanding advanced nuclear energy infrastructure.

Oklahoma is one of a small group of finalist states being considered, and supporters say the project could have a generational economic impact through large-scale investment, job creation, workforce development, and related energy industry growth. Officials emphasized that the state is continuing to evaluate potential sites and build support as the federal selection process moves forward.

State leaders say the project could bring decades of economic impact

09/28/2026

New U.S. sanctions legislation goes beyond tariffs, expanding measures that could affect international trade, energy, financial institutions, shipping, and investment.

Signed on September 18, the new law primarily targets Russia while also extending existing Iran sanctions authorities. It includes potential tariffs of up to 100% on goods from certain countries that are major purchasers of Russian energy or facilitate sanctions evasion.

President Trump signed the much-anticipated Russia (and Iran) sanctions bill into law on Friday, September 18, 2026. The final text of H.R. 5334 is available here. In Brief It has been a long journey since Senator Lindsey Graham introduced an earlier version of the bill in the Senate in April 2025.....

09/26/2026

From federal and state resources to specialized international trade support, Oklahoma small businesses can access organizations that help them start, grow, and expand!

09/24/2026

Join the Oklahoma District Export Council on October 6th 10 AM to 11 AM CT, for an informative webinar on Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) and discover how companies can reduce costs, improve cash flow, and strengthen global competitiveness through FTZ programs!

09/23/2026

Global trade disruptions can have a major impact on small businesses. UN Trade and Development warns that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could put additional pressure on small and medium-sized businesses through higher energy, transportation, insurance, and financing costs.

Small and medium-sized businesses make up a significant share of businesses and employment around the world, meaning disruptions to global trade can quickly become local business challenges.

Here is how global supply-chain disruptions can impact small businesses:

There has never been a better time for American manufacturers to expand by growing their bottom line through exports and ITA is here to help.