International Business

The Chamber's goal in international business is to generate job growth and economic development in the Birmingham region by expanding, importing, and exporting from regional companies. All international programs seek to promote economic growth in the Birmingham region by encouraging and assisting local businesses to expand into international markets. The Chamber works closely with numerous state and local partners to enhance the Birmingham region's international presence.

Where in the World Do You Want to Go?

Wherever it is, the Chamber can help you get there! Whether you are looking to import handicrafts from Morocco, or export ostriches to China, or even follow up on a trade lead in Mexico, the Chamber can assist you and your staff in preparing for an exciting international endeavor. This page highlights some of the services provided by the Chamber's international services team. Let us assist you with information, seminars, and services as you journey into the global marketplace.

Visit the following pages for more information on the resources our Chamber provides for international business development:

For more information on getting involved in
international business programs and events, contact
the Chamber's Senior Manager of Business Diversity
Programs, Niki Anthony, at (205) 241-8112.

Alabama Trade Facts

Alabama exports continue to travel around the globe. According to the foreign trade division of the U.S. Census Bureau, the state produced $10.8 billion worth of exports to over 100 foreign markets in 2005, representing a 19.5% increase over 2004.

The largest markets for Alabama exports are Canada and Germany; Mexico, Japan and China  round out the top five, indicating that Europe and Asia remain strong trade partners for Alabama. Primary exports are vehicles, industrial machinery, organic chemicals, electric machinery, paper and allied products.

International Seminars, Services and Publications

Former Reagan White House Chief of Staff Howard BakerInternational Seminars

Throughout the year, the Chamber presents various seminars for area businesses to assist them with exporting their products. Some of these seminars are country specific while some are industry specific. Other training seminars cover the mechanics of exporting such as financing, locating distributors, methods of payment, export documentation and transportation. To receive notification of seminars related to international trade, contact Ashley Grigg.

International Trade Council & Steering Committee
The mission of the International Trade Council is to provide forum for companies within the Birmingham region that are presently or planning to conduct business internationally. The council serves as a coordinating group and clearinghouse for activities and organizations that promote international trade for in the Birmingham region. The council's Steering Committee meets quarterly to discuss upcoming events, trade issues and opportunities. The council is involved with educational programs, seminars, cultural events, research, response to trade inquiries and hosting foreign visitors. Membership in the Steering Committee is open to any Chamber member. Participation in the seminars and educational opportunities are open to any company, organization or individual. To receive notification of seminars related to international trade, contact Ashley Grigg.

Certificate of Origin Program Every country in the world considers the origin of imported goods when determining what duty will be assessed. Chambers of commerce attest to the origin of goods by embossing their seal on a document called the certificate of origin. The Chamber processes certificates of origin for area manufacturers to export their products. The Chamber's standard procedure is to stamp our seal on a manufacturer's document, upon demand, if the manufacturer brings to the Chamber the original certificate, a copy of the certificate, and an accompanying invoice for the certificate. We document the value of the shipment and assign an internal number to the certificate. We maintain for our records, a copy of the certificate itself plus the invoice. Some of these documents may also need to be notarized. The cost per certificate is $6.00 for members of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and $12.00 for non-members. Contact Ashley Grigg at (205) 241-8125 about our certificates of origin program.

Referrals
The Chamber can also refer companies to sources of export assistance available to them. Throughout the state, many organizations exist to promote international trade. The Chamber serves as a clearinghouse for these organizations.

Legislative Involvement
The Chamber alerts its members of legislative issues that affect international trade so that companies can voice their views to their representatives.

International Publications
The Chamber distributes a listing of Foreign-Based Manufacturer's. This listing details the companies with foreign investment within the state of Alabama. For more information on these or any of The Chamber's other international services please contact Ashley Grigg at 241-8125.

Partners in the State's International Trade Efforts

Alabama Development Office/ International Division
Alabama Development Office
401 Adams Avenue, Suite 690
Montgomery, Alabama 36130-4106
Tel: (334) 242-0442
(USA) 1-800- 0033
Website: www.ado.state.al.us

Alabama Export Council
U.S Department of Commerce
International Trade Administration
The Commercial Service
950 22nd Street North, Suite 707
Birmingham, AL 35203
Tel: 205: (205) 731-1331

Alabama Germany Partnership
500 Beacon Parkway West
Birmingham, AL 35209
Tel: (205) 943- 4772
Website: www.AlabamaGermany.org

Alabama International Trade Center
P.O. Box 870396
Tuscaloosa, AL 35486
Tel: (205) 348-7621
Website: http://www.aitc.ua.edu

Alabama State Docks Department
P.O. Box 1588
Mobile, AL 36633
Tel: (251) 441- 7050
Website: www.asdd.com

Alabama World Trade Association
P.O. Box 6505
Montgomery, AL 36106-0505
Tel: (334) 264-0598

Japan American Society of Alabama
500 Beacon Parkway West
Birmingham, AL 35209
Tel: (205) 943-4781
Email: jasa@mindspring.com

North Alabama International Trade Association
P.O. Box 2457
Huntsville, AL 35804
Tel: (256) 532-3505
Website: www.naita.org

U.S. Customs Service
P.O. Box 320127
Birmingham, AL 35232
Tel: (205) 731-1465