NADEC ANNOUNCES the 2027 TRADE DNA CUP
The Trade DNA Cup is an undergraduate student team competition between universities from across the USA, Mexico and Canada. This international trade competition challenges students to apply real-world global business skills. The 2027 Trade DNA Cup competition will take place at Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona on February 18 & 19, 2027. Team registration will open on September 1, 2026. Follow this page for further competition details.
What is Trade DNA?
The Trade DNA program is an education outreach program offered by The National Association of District Export Councils (NADEC). This program invites students of all ages from middle school to university to consider a career path in global trade and was conceived by the North Carolina DEC as “Building the Trade DNATM” in 2017.
What careers are available in global trade?
We live in a global economy where much of what we consume and produce passes across international borders. There are many fascinating export careers and international trade jobs related to bringing products in and sending products out from the U.S.A. destined for overseas markets.
Students, if you like to travel the world and enjoy seeing new places, or like to read stories about faraway places, think about combining your interest in seeing and experiencing the world with a fulfilling and exciting career in global trade.
How Does the Trade DNA Program Assist Students?
NADEC consists of a network of District Export Council (DEC) locations throughout the United States. These DECs are made up of private business people who have chosen global career paths and are willing to assist with encouraging students and educators in multiple ways.
NADEC’S TRADE DNA PRODUCTS:
Trade DNA Competition – Student trade competitions at the university or high school level that build strategic thinking and a better understanding of global trade.
- Example: The TRADE DNA CUP which will take place in February of 2027.
- Example: TRADE DNA @ UTA (the University of Texas at Arlington) organized by the North Texas DEC in coordination with UTA and DFW’s Commercial Service Office.
- Example: Puerto Rico Panels organized by NADEC and the North Carolina DEC bringing global trade experts virtually to students at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.
- Example: A series of four webinars were organized for students at Cleveland State University by the North Carolina DEC in coordination with the Northern Ohio DEC.
Trade DNA Consulting – Experienced advice and recommended approaches on how to begin the conversion with public and private institutions such as your local school district.
- Example: Opening up selected public schools in California to student clubs focusing on global trade opportunities for students led by the California Inland Empire DEC.
FIVE FACETS OF TRADE DNA GLOBAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:
Market – Analyzing and selecting global targeted markets for your product.
Product – Evaluating whether or not your product is suitable for export to the selected market.
Partner – Reviewing the best strategies for selecting your in-market partner who will assist you locally with all facets of global business development.
Risk – Analyzing “what can go wrong?” as market development takes place.
Logistics – Planning the details of shipping goods or delivering services to your new market.
