A study of global trading relationships reveals that companies are optimistic about future trade activity with the USA.

Research carried out by the Washington-based Economist Intelligence Unit on behalf of American Express found that 66% of survey respondents expect their company’s trade with the USA to increase over the next five years, and 43% anticipate an increase of more than 10%. The survey involved 531 executives at companies world-wide.

Guillermo Brenes, vice-president of Global Currency Solutions at American Express, said: “Optimism about the outlook for global trade presents opportunities for US businesses looking to export internationally. The survey shows that a number of the challenges to international trade are within the span of a company’s control, so there are practical ways in which companies can improve upon their own trade experience.”