Global Distortions

How do you battle cheap and low quality imports and other 'global distortions' in your country?  See what Brazil is doing to combat these dumping woes by way of a lesson from tire producer Pirelli.

Read:  Brazil's Consumers Go To Ground

Pirelli Corporate

Brazil Wants Balance With the United States

The United States wants to (re)strengthen its ties with Brazil and Brazil is all for it.  Recently, China overtook the United States as Brazil's biggest trading partner in 2009.  China became Chile's leading export market in 2007.

The United States imported $27 billion from Brazil in 2008, compared to China's $16 billion, according to the Inter-American Development Bank. 

Read more here about how the United States will most likely restructure its partnership with Latin America -- soon.

Coke Sales Bubbling Globally

Why are Coke's sales on the rise internationally?  As a small business owner or entrepreneur, you probably wonder what we can learn from the big guy -- Coke.  Two things for now:

1.  Coke's growth was fastest in emerging markets like India and Brazil.  You have to challenge yourself:  Should you be looking at this market?  My answer:  Yes!  Definitely consider the BRIC (why it's important here) area for expanding your business internationally.

2.  Coke is sticking to its long-term pricing strategy, and plans to implement price increases that won't affect or startle consumers who are still fairly value conscious.  Is this something you should be doing too with your business offerings?  My answer:  Yes!  If you can gently raise prices and still have customers buy -- go for it.  Over the long haul, you'll finish up the year in a far healthier (= profitable) state.

There's more.  Read the entire article here.

Photo credit here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog