Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid has signed a service-level agreement with American World Services (AWS) to support members, partners and businesses in Wales looking to enter or expand in the US market.
AWS are specialists in US marketing and business services, including market studies, partner searches, trade missions and mergers and acquisitions, helping to open the door for businesses to trade in the USA.
What services are included?
Based in Washington DC, American World Services has over 25 years of experience in developing strategies and identifying US marketing partners for companies looking to access the US market. The company offers a seasoned team with a proven track record assisting UK and European businesses to launch or increase sales in the US.
The team, led by President Steve Lanier, will work with the Chamber to deliver services including market studies or checks for products, partner searches to identify well-targeted distributors, agents, licensing, multiplier or acquisition partners, and completing business services such as warehousing, fulfilment and subsidiary set-up for members.
AWS has proprietary internal databases in multiple industry sectors and will use its systematic methodology to offer a step-by-step approach to allow businesses the opportunity for real success in the market.
Why is the USA an important market?
The US offers a large diversified market with an estimated GDP of $30tn, which grew 2.8% in 2024 and represented about 26% of the total global economy in 2023 in nominal terms.
It was the UK’s largest trading partner for both goods and services in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2024, accounting for 17.2% of total UK trade. This included £182.6bn in exports and £111.5bn in imports. In Wales specifically, £2.9bn of goods were exported to the US and £3.7bn of goods were imported.
Cars top the list for goods exported to the USA, while crude oil is the top goods import into the UK from the US. Other goods which rank highly include medicinal and pharmaceutical products, mechanical power generators and aircraft for exports and imports between the two nations, while business and financial services are among the top services traded.
David Peña, Director of International Trade at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said:
“We are delighted to begin this partnership with American World Services. Steve and his team have been actively helping European SMEs for over 25 years to develop the United States as an export market and navigate success with customised business and marketing strategies.
“As the UK’s largest trading partner for goods and services, this collaboration allows our members to unlock access to this major market and improve trade opportunities.”
Steve Lanier, President of American World Services, said:
“We are pleased and excited to enter a collaboration with Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid. The US market offers an open, large and diverse market for Welsh companies seeking to expand internationally.
“However, this does not mean entering the US is easy – it is also an extremely competitive market that requires planning and step-by-step execution. We are pleased to offer our 25 years of experience to Welsh companies who would like to accelerate their entry process and avoid potential pitfalls.”
