Users of Zepol’s tools range from Fortune 500 giants to the smallest “ma and pa” shops, spanning from transportation companies to consumer products. One industry in particular that has found our tools invaluable is the chemical industry. In order to stay ahead in today’s market, chemical companies need to identify and evaluate the most cost-effective suppliers overseas. In addition, by monitoring competitive movements, companies are able to proactively prepare for changes in their markets. Don’t take our word for it; see what one of our clients had to say:

2011 will be remembered as a year of many ups and downs in the world of trade. From Japan’s natural disasters in March to heightened trade tensions with China (not to mention Iran), the U.S. has had to react to many changes. Overall, the year ended on a high note as both imports and exports for the U.S. posted increases from recent years. In terms of dollar value, imports increased 15.4% and exports increased 15.9%.

The graph below illustrates the increases as well as a trend of the trade balance for the last five years. The trade balance widened for the second consecutive year in 2011, reaching a level of over -$700 billion. As exports have become a main focus for the U.S., we may see this trend reverse in the coming years, depending upon demand for U.S. products.

Zepol works with many media outlets to provide trade data to publications in all industries. Below we have highlighted some recent articles that have utilized Zepol's data.

F/T's Work With Zepol Will Pay Off for Readers
Zepol’s partnership with Furniture Today will provide thousands of
readers with import statistics on furniture. The monthly column titled
“On the Water” will focus on furniture products entering the U.S.

According to Zepol's U.S. Customs trade data tool, TradeIQ™, the total inbound TEU count for January 2012 increased 13.4% from December and increased 5.8% from January of last year. This was a pleasant spike compared to the drop that occurred from November to December. 

The table below shows trends in port regions of the world where shipments originated: