For those of you who have taken up the export challenge in recent times, you will no doubt have heard the world talking about the BRIC markets (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and how these powerhouse economies hold the key to a profitable future.
The economist Jim O’Neill, responsible for introducing the term ‘BRIC’ back in 2001, has been at it again and has a new term for us all to learn – the MINT countries.
Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey (MINT) are the new kids on the block and considered by many, including O’Neill, as the emerging economic giants. It’s true to say that over the past decade British companies have fallen behind their European and global counterparts when it comes to trade and investment. Many nations are enjoying far more fruitful relationships with the BRIC countries and to keep the UK economy growing we must exploit more export opportunities.
So why focus on these four new markets?
The MINT countries have a few key themes in common; young populations, useful geographic placement, and (Turkey excepted) by being commodity producers. These characteristics echo those that made their BRIC predecessors so successful and for this reason it’s important that British businesses are quick off the mark to ensure that they’re strategically positioned to get an equal piece of the pie this time around.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the MINT markets and what makes them so special.
Mexico
Mexico has the distinct advantage of being neighbours with both the US and Latin America and this can only be a benefit as patterns of world trade change. With an average age of 27, it boasts a rapidly growing young population from which we are already seeing a large rise in domestic consumption, with a clear appetite for British products and services.
Many large Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are choosing Mexico as a base, which has created significant supply chain opportunities for smaller companies. This, complemented by a well-educated workforce, has meant that Mexico is now moving up the value chain – away from the traditional maquiladoras (assembly plants) and textile industries into engineering, IT, research and development, and the creative industries.
Driven forward by its young president, Enrique Peña Nieto, and his equally young colleagues this is a market that means business and where expectations are high.
Indonesia
With a population of over 251 million, Indonesia has a growing, and affluent, middle class, which is estimated to be at least 35 million strong. This young population is earning more money each year and figures show that these individuals aren’t afraid to spend their new found wealth. Young adults are no longer commuting on bicycles; instead they are buying cars.
The largest economic sector in Indonesia is manufacturing and processing, which contributes around 24% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Some major industries in this sector are food and beverages, machinery and transportation, chemical and textiles. Other significant sectors include agriculture and hospitality.
Although there are always risks, the opportunities in Indonesia are good if businesses go about it the right way. There is a massive requirement for infrastructure development in Indonesia and opportunities could easily rival those of the BRICs.
Nigeria
If recent reports are true, Nigeria could soon become the biggest economy in Africa, overtaking South Africa for the honour. The Nigerian government has worked hard in recent years to transform the economy through structural reforms that have been aided by high oil prices.
With a population of over 160 million people, Nigeria is an increasingly important market for British companies and the UK is already one of the largest investors, in sectors from oil and gas to financial services, to agriculture.
For years Nigeria, along with Kenya, has been touted as the best country to profit from rapidly developing African economies. There are considerable challenges here, from corruption to theft, but Nigeria is a high-population market of growing wealth and opportunity.
Turkey
If Turkey can sort out its political problems the country could one day become one of the fastest growing European economies.
Nearly half of its 80 million population is under the age of 25, and Turkey is positioned sweetly between Europe and Asia with the potential to act as a gateway to the Middle East.
Its recent economic growth record and its talented, young workforce offer a compelling background for UK and European trade and investment.
Like any new market, if you want to be successful and fully realise your potential in Turkey, it’s crucial to understand the culture of the market and how business operates locally.
Getting it right in the MINT markets
The new hype around the MINT markets has admittedly got me quite excited about the potential for lucrative new trade agreements, but I strongly recommend that anyone considering trading with or in these countries should always look at each on their merits, because they are varied and require a separate approach.
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