The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) recently announced its support for two pieces of legislation aimed at bolstering small business exports by providing these companies with the direction and insight they need to navigate this complex process and increase their business opportunities. House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Agriculture, Energy and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Scott Tipton (R-CO) recently introduced the Export Coordination Act of 2012 (H.R. 5393) and the Transparent Rules Allow Direct Exporting (TRADE) for Small Businesses and Jobs Act (H.R. 5513), respectively. These bills not only would encourage more small businesses to export their products, but they clearly outline the role of various federal agencies in each part of the export process and provide them with a better grasp of foreign regulations.

“Over 60% of our members are small businesses, many of which manufacture highly specialized products that are not produced anywhere else in the world, which makes these two pieces of legislation potentially meaningful to them,” said Bill Allmond, vice president of Government and Public Relations for SOCMA. “The timing is also ideal, as our members seek to expand their presence in the global marketplace. We commend Representatives Graves and Tipton for introducing legislation that will help simplify the process for small companies to export their products.”

In addition, the Export Coordination Act of 2012 would provide a detailed listing of current and future federal and state-led trade missions, trade fairs and related activities, and create stronger congressional oversight of trade programs. And the TRADE for Small Business Jobs Act would provide a one-stop source to monitor changes in foreign regulations and trade barriers.

For additional information, visit www.socma.com.