Episode description

In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” E.M. Wasylik Associates Managing Director Ken Wasylik discusses his approach for reaching new international markets. 

He highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted those efforts, such as meeting and forming connections with clients. 

“Whether it’s a trade mission, trade venture — basically sending some sales person to that particular market, and that’s how you built it pre-pandemic,” he said. “During the pandemic, that whole travel, that section stopped. You just couldn’t do it.” 

Whether it’s developed through meeting in person or over video call, he emphasizes that “trust is the number one element” for any business relationship. 

Wasylik touches on trends in North American supply chains, how companies are addressing ongoing challenges in this arena and how alternative suppliers are helping address those issues. And he discusses the outlook for inflation and rising interest rates. 

“Everybody’s trying to manage those particular challenges,” he said. “What we’re seeing is that inflation is a universal global issue. Every market around the world is experiencing inflation, whether it’s in fuel prices, food prices, manufacturing goods, transportation.”