The United States Bureau of Statistics recently announced what many trade professionals have known for some time now: trade between the US and the Middle East is on the decline. Exports from the USA to the United Arab Emirates dropped by 17% in the first half of 2007 alone.

Since early 2006, I have been receiving requests for Canadian products and services from several Middle Eastern importers. While American products were the most sought after commodities in the Gulf region throughout the 90s and early 2000s, many importers are seeking to replace their current American suppliers. This shift in demand is mainly due to a combination of increased American trade regulations, stipulations placed on banking and payment transfers between the USA and the Middle East, and ideological reasons stemming from American policies in the region.

This trend is good news for Canada. Canadian exporters of goods and services have a window of opportunity to swoop in with offers to provide commodities of equivalent quality and reputation, but with less red-tape and political stigmas. Sadly, only a handful of companies are aware and willing to enter the Middle East market, with many lacking any introductory or growth strategies for this booming region. While Canadian exporters are dragging their feet, we see Australia, Germany, France, Japan, and even India jumping in to fill the trade gap.

I remain mesmerized by Canada’s apprehension towards international involvement beyond the realm of peace-keeping and aid.