West Central Michigan News

Global trade has been affected by the COVID-19 crisis, as has much of the rest of society.

The pandemic has forced companies to do things differently and to create new relationships along the way. Several manufacturing and transportation companies are sharing what they’ve learned since the health crisis began.

“All of these challenges, experienced simultaneously, will have a longstanding impact on what manufacturers can do; but many are finding unique opportunities even in a bleak landscape,” said John Walsh, Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) President & CEO, according to MMA's website. “The brilliance of Michigan manufacturing is that we’ve never let obstacles overwhelm us or barriers block us from achieving the extraordinary. With the right resources and the right mindset, Michigan’s manufacturers can find success on the global stage.”

Many believe that international trade will recover, businesses will be more resilient and COVID-19 will be nothing but a small interruption. Some even see that as supply chains change, trade agreements and COVID-19 could bring new globalization efforts about.

“International business will recover and continue its ascendant trajectory. If anything, the pandemic has shown us how integrated and interdependent the world has become,” said Yannick Greiner, Director of International Sales for the Rugged Liner brand and an adjunct professor at Oakland University, according to MMA's website. “Cross-border trade will come back stronger, more diversified and empowered by digitalization. As with any major disruption, there will be winners and losers. We need to make sure U.S. manufacturers in general, and Michigan ones in particular, are among the winners.”

Furniture manufacturer Steelcase has manufacturing centers and distribution centers throughout North America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The company has found success in exporting, despite challenges that COVID-19 poses.

“A critical factor of our success has been a result of trade and exporting — our customers require a range of solutions to support their unique needs,” said David Radle, Operations Manager of Logistics for Steelcase, according to MMA's website. “Exporting allows us to leverage our scale and capabilities locally, while at the same time meeting the needs of our customers globally.”

Even companies that are considered essential service providers due to COVID-19 are facing challenges and finding ways to manage those challenges. Just ask Don DeCorte, Vice President of RoMan Manufacturing, Inc.

“The worldwide reopening of business and markets is going to be bumpy and inconsistent,” DeCorte told the MMA. “Even the best economists are having a hard time estimating how and when the U.S. and world economy will bounce back. At RoMan, we know we must be vigilant and agile regarding how the wind is blowing in order to keep up with the constant change we expect to see for a while.”

Manufacturers should prepare for potential delays and keep tabs on all aspects of trade and exporting that could affect their businesses. One way to do that is to stay in touch with Michigan’s export councils, suggests the MMA.