Prepare for Unexpected Shocks in the Global Marketplace

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"Resist protectionism" and defend globalization.  That's what Premier Li Qiang recently told a gathering of global executives in Beijing.  He went on to say that China is prepared for “possible unexpected shocks."

CEOs including Apple’s Tim Cook, FedEx’s Raj Subramaniam and Pfizer’s Albert Bourla gathered in the Chinese capital over the weekend for a two-day forum that comes as US President Donald Trump has ratcheted up trade pressure on China in a bid to rebalance what he sees as an unfair relationship.

Premier Li Qiang said, “We have prepared for possible unexpected shocks, which, of course, mainly come from external sources. Where necessary, the Chinese government will introduce new policies to ensure the smooth operation of the Chinese economy.”

Trade uncertainties loom.

Recalculate Your Financials to See Where the New Global Realities Lie

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Technically speaking, should the U.S. dollar be strong or weak relative to other currencies? It depends whose point of view you take. The fact that whatever position someone takes has pros and cons reveals the complexity of their positions.

Fast forward, not know which way the dollar will move, it will probably be prudent for U.S. companies to find U.S. sources for their supply chains, if feasible, or at least lessen dependence on foreign goods and services. 

Companies that use imported parts but also export will likely need to recalculate their financials to see where the new realities lie. Also, those relying on a strong U.S. dollar should re-examine their temporary advantage at the moment and consider whether it will still work with a weaker dollar.

Forward This To Someone Who Means the World To You (Video Song)

Bring It On: The Recipient of the Gail Adinamis wegg® Award for Exemplary Global Leadership® 2025 is Diana Yousef

©2025 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global.  All rights reserved.

Read all about it here: https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org/2025/03/24/diana-yousef-founder-and-ceo-changewater-labs-receives-the-2025-gail-adinamis-wegg-award-for-exemplary-global-leadership/

Today in Global Small Business: Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago 2025

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago, Illinois, Sunday, March, 23, 2025.
• Small businesses are running out of moves in Trump's trade wars.
• Quote of the week:  “The scariest thing about what President Trump is doing with his tariffs-for-all strategy, I believe, is that he has no clue what he is doing — or how the world economy operates, for that matter. He’s just making it all up as he goes along — and we are all along for the ride.” – Thomas L. Friedman, 2/18/25, NY Times Opinion
• How Trump's tariffs are impacting U.S. small businesses.
• This Canadian business survived 142 years, but maybe not Trump’s trade war.
• Scrambling to adapt, tariffs on imports impact global small businesses.

Coming of Spring

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"With the coming of spring, I am calm again."  Gustav Mahler

Happy Belated International Happiness Day

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I [Laurel Delaney] had no idea there was such a thing as International Happiness Day.  Well we can use all the happiness we can get in our world right now.

Yesterday — March 20 — was in fact International Day of Happiness. Declared by the United Nations in 2013, this special day recognizes the importance of happiness as "a fundamental goal" in people's lives around the world.

It's never too late to be happy so celebrate your happiness today and every day thereafter.  I'm happy because we've reached more than 125,000 readers to this blog!  Hooray!  Happy!

The Gail Adinamis wegg® Award for Exemplary Global Leadership® Ceremony 3/24/25

©Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

Please JOIN Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global on Monday, March 24th at 10 AM CT as they honor the next recipient of the prestigious Gail Adinamis wegg® Award for Exemplary Global Leadership® 2025.

To learn more and to register (complimentary), visit: https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org/about/the-gail-adinamis-wegg-award/

See you there!

Tariffs, Counter-Tariffs, and the Small Business Impact

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According to John Rizzo for the Rochester Business Journal, the end goal of implementing tariffs is to incentivize companies to relocate their manufacturing operations back to the United States, which would lead to job creation. Additionally, tariff revenue can offset tax cuts and be used as leverage to address issues such as illegal migration or drug trafficking.

While relocating operations to the U.S. could benefit small business owners and the overall U.S. economy, it takes time and a significant financial investment to make this transition.  [Laurel here ... most small business owners cannot afford this investment.]

As details continue to change rapidly, all you can do is monitor the situation, do the best you can do under the circumstances, and take action in a way that serves you and your customers best.

Build a Global Growth Strategy

©iStock/Liuzishan

Global growth holds immense promise for small businesses seeking a competitive advantage in today’s increasingly interconnected economy.  While understanding the intricacies of global expansion is an important first step, navigating this journey alone can be daunting. However, by working with industry leaders, companies (like GlobeTrade, wegg® and other resources) – regardless of scale – can expedite your global journey and access new markets swiftly and compliantly.

Here's a beginner's guide to global business expansion.

Today in Global Small Business: Top of the Morning To You on St. Patrick's Day 2025!

©2025 Laurel J, Delaney.  All rights reserved.

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Happy St. Patrick's Day 2025! 🍀💚
• Could the global shift cause car insurance prices to rise?
• Quote of the week:  “You make your own luck🍀.” – Ernest Hemingway
• Students on Embassy Day learn about global opportunities.
• Global trade set for growth despite U.S. policy shifts, reveals DHL Trade Atlas 2025.
• Readying your company’s supply chain in a time of tariff wars.

Ready for St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

Chicago is known for its vibrant St. Patrick's Day celebrations, including the iconic green river dyeing, which began in 1962, and the popular parade.  Happy St. Patrick's Day to all!  

Photos:  Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.