International trade creates growth opportunities for businesses across the country and supports more than 41 million American jobs, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Utah companies are an active part of that activity, competing and growing in international markets. In 2025, Utah exported $22.4 billion of goods that supported more than 70,000 jobs, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.
Though international trade expands business opportunities, the U.S. Small Business Administration estimates that only one out of every 100 of America’s small businesses exports. In today’s business climate, it’s understandable that many businesses would hesitate to enter international markets. With tariffs and shifting trade policies, expanding into a new market can feel daunting.
Under the leadership of CEO Rob Graham, DaleBoot has expanded into international markets. Today, the company makes custom boots at facilities in Salt Lake City and Kitzbühel, Austria, and partners with 26 retail locations in the U.S. and 11 in Europe to offer custom fittings.
DaleBoot’s presence across multiple markets helps cushion the business against ski-industry fluctuations. When U.S. ski resorts face low snowpack and skier volume, Europe may see a stronger snowfall and higher visitation, and vice versa.
DaleBoot’s experience reflects a broader reality: even in a more uncertain environment, international markets can offer both growth and stability. For many businesses, that’s prompting a closer look at how global markets fit into long-term strategy:
Diversification and risk mitigation. Small businesses that rely solely on the U.S. market may be more vulnerable to economic shocks. Expanding into additional markets can help spread risk and build resilience over time.
Currency advantages. When the U.S. dollar weakens relative to other currencies, U.S. goods can become more price competitive abroad, increasing their appeal and affordability abroad.
Favorable trade agreements still exist. While some countries have imposed retaliatory tariffs in response to recent policy changes, the U.S. continues to maintain trade agreements, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, that help lower barriers to entry. These agreements provide more consistent regulations, protect intellectual property rights and can help reduce the overall cost of international trade.
Businesses don’t need to navigate this alone. Utah small businesses have strong potential for success abroad. While expanding internationally can feel complex, resources are available to help companies move forward:
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Offers training, counseling and financing to help small businesses start, grow and compete globally, including export support through the Office of Manufacturing and Trade and free, one-freee counseling through Small Business Development Centers across the state.
- Export-Import Bank of the United States: Provides financing solutions that help businesses manage risk and compete globally, including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees and loan financing to support international sales.
- U.S. Commercial Service: Provides one-on-one support from trade specialists who help businesses grow international sales. Through a global network of professionals based throughout the U.S. and in embassies and consulates worldwide, companies can connect to market insights, partners and export opportunities.
- World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah): Helps Utah businesses navigate global markets through advisory support and tools that keep companies current on changing trade conditions, including a real-time tariff dashboard and webinars. WTC Utah also administers the Foreign-Trade Zone program, helping importers reduce costs and improve operations.
These resources help businesses take the next step.
The Peterson Institute estimates that three-quarters of the world’s purchasing power and more than 95% of the world’s consumers live outside America’s borders. Focusing solely on the U.S. market overlooks more than seven billion potential customers. Understanding where those opportunities exist and how to approach them is increasingly essential for long-term growth.
