We have weathered global pandemics, economic turbulence, industry strikes, geopolitical issues, natural disasters, and other significant challenges, yet we remain a steadfast partner in international trade. Below, we’ve provided a brief overview of our journey, highlighting how we’ve grown and transformed while staying committed to supporting businesses, governments, and organizations around the world.
Our Story
The International Trade Council is an ever-evolving organization, continuously adapting to meet the needs of our global constituents.
Global Expansion and New Initiatives
2024 was a transformative year for the ITC, with several key launches. The Supply Chain Report, a daily news channel, was introduced alongside the ITC’s subsidiary, the International Centre for Trade Transparency and Monitoring (ICTTM), providing businesses with critical insights into global supply chains. Additionally, the ADAMkyc service was launched, offering sanctions name-checking to help businesses screen individuals and entities against global sanctions lists, ensuring compliance with international regulations.
In collaboration with various government agencies and chambers of commerce, the ITC prepared for the launch of ADAMftd, an advanced platform for foreign trade data modeling and analytics, giving businesses and governments access to deep insights into global trade flows. The ITC also expanded its International Trade Academy, offering free online learning tools to individuals and businesses worldwide, making high-quality education more accessible.
Throughout the year, the ITC continued to grow its global business councils and held numerous educational webinars, furthering its mission to support international businesses in navigating the complexities of global trade.
Digital Services Rebuilt and Global Impact
In 2023, the ITC focused on enhancing its digital services and expanding its global reach. The launch of industry-specific business councils catered to businesses in various sectors, promoting collaboration and innovation. The prestigious Go Global Awards were held in Rhode Island, USA, in partnership with the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, and featured the United States Secretary of Commerce as the keynote speaker, showcasing the ITC’s influence in the global trade arena.
The ITC also co-published several books in collaboration with Business Sweden and the Government of Ukraine, expanding its knowledge-sharing initiatives. The year saw continued efforts to educate businesses through a series of webinars, helping them stay ahead of global trade challenges and trends.
Reincorporation and Digital Transformation
In 2022, the ITC adapted to the evolving global economy by reincorporating in Singapore and launching the International Centre for Trade Transparency and Monitoring (ICTTM), based in the United Kingdom. ICTTM provides real-time data and insights into global trade, supporting businesses and governments in making informed decisions. The ITC’s digital transformation was accelerated to help businesses adapt to post-Covid realities.
The year also saw the ITC host the Go Global Awards in Tallinn, Estonia, with the President of Estonia as the guest speaker. In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the ITC organized the Global Economic Impact Forum on Ukraine, addressing the economic implications of the crisis and fostering dialogue on recovery strategies.
Covid-19 and Supporting Businesses
The Covid-19 pandemic created immense challenges for businesses worldwide, many of which were forced to close or scale back operations. During this time, the ITC provided critical support by offering free services to members facing financial difficulties. The organization transitioned to a fully remote operation, moving its headquarters from the USA, with staff working from home to ensure the continuity of its services.
Despite the difficulties, the ITC continued to support businesses through webinars, online advisory services, and digital trade facilitation programs, helping them navigate the uncertain global landscape.
Go Global Awards and New Certification Program
In 2019, the ITC hosted the Go Global Awards in Chicago, Illinois, celebrating businesses that excelled in international trade. This year also marked the launch of the Quality in Business Certification Program, a global initiative aimed at providing businesses with standardized certification to verify their compliance with quality standards, ethical practices, and regulatory frameworks.
The ITC also held its final in-person trade missions and events before the onset of Covid-19, helping businesses explore new markets and expand their global reach. Despite the emerging challenges, the ITC strengthened its partnerships with organizations around the world to ensure continued support for global trade.
Expanding Global Networks and Services
From 2014 to 2018, the ITC expanded its global network by organizing trade missions, local networking events, and a wide range of webinars. The launch of the US Business Incubation Program provided startups and small businesses with the guidance and support needed to enter international markets, fostering entrepreneurial growth.
Through its ever-growing network, the ITC facilitated connections between thousands of businesses globally, encouraging cross-border collaboration and promoting international economic growth.
Regional Offices and Global Outreach
Between 1990 and 2014, the ITC established itself as a global leader in international trade by opening regional offices in Belgium, the USA, Ghana, and Canada. These offices helped the ITC connect businesses with international opportunities and foster partnerships with governments and industries around the world.
The ITC organized numerous trade missions and networking events during this period, supporting businesses in entering new markets and building strategic partnerships. The organization played a key role in facilitating global trade and economic development through its outreach efforts.
Founding
The International Trade Council was founded in 1956 as an unincorporated entity focused on promoting exports from emerging economies and integrating them into more developed markets. The organization’s early efforts centered on reducing technical barriers to trade and fostering a better understanding of international trade regulations.
The Future
As we look to the future, the International Trade Council is embracing the age of digitalization and artificial intelligence to better support our members in an ever-changing global economy. Recognizing the massive economic shifts on the horizon, we are committed to equipping businesses with the tools and insights they need to navigate these challenges. To this end, we have invested heavily in our subsidiary, the International Centre for Trade Transparency and Monitoring, and its cutting-edge product, ADAMftd, which provides companies with a single source of truth related to international trade data and analytics.
This game-changing technology is designed to build a stronger community by enabling businesses to collaborate in new and innovative ways, ensuring that smaller organizations can compete on a level playing field. By leveraging the power of data and AI, we aim to foster transparency, streamline operations, and drive informed decision-making, helping businesses of all sizes to work together and thrive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.