Doing Business Internationally

The Milwaukee Region is ideally situated for global trade because of its easy access to international air and water routes. The region is within a 90-minute drive of two international airports – Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, both of which offer extensive freight services. The Port of Milwaukee offers shipping access to the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway and inland waterway systems that extend to the Gulf of Mexico.

Global trade resources available to regional businesses include:

• The Wisconsin Department of Commerce's International Division helps both novice and experienced exporters assess the international demand for products, develop international marketing programs and introduce businesses to potential customers, distributors and partners. In addition to its Overseas Office Network, which has offices in Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Europe, the division organizes international trade shows and missions to help businesses learn about markets firsthand, assess competition and develop contacts.

• The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce’s China Business Council provides discussion groups, trade missions, educational opportunities and specialized resources for companies seeking to establish or expand business opportunities in China.

• The Milwaukee World Trade Association offers a network of 300 corporate and 1,200 individual members and holds monthly meetings on cultural training, logistics, legal and taxation issues and international finance challenges, as well as information on distributors, agents and joint ventures.

• The World Trade Center Wisconsin is part of the New York-based World Trade Centers Association, which has 300 offices around the world. It offers members access to web resources, market research, strategic seminars, policy advocacy, global matchmaking and trade missions.

WISCONSIN EXPORTS - TOP 10 EXPORTS

WISCONSIN EXPORTS - TOP 10 DESTINATIONS