C. Donald Brasher Jr. is an internationally known expert on trade policy and a leader in assisting governments, associations and industries in analyzing trade data to make strategic decisions.
Don founded and serves as President of Trade Data Monitor LLC, a firm dedicated to assisting in the understanding of official merchandise trade statistics. The company is dedicated to assisting international organizations, associations, companies and governments in using trade statistics to give an enhanced perspective on the evolution of the global market place.
Earlier in his career, Don worked in the arena of global trade data analysis for the U.S. Commerce Department, the Center for International Technological Cooperation and Development at American University, and the International Business and Economic Research Corporation in Washington, D.C. He co-founded his first company, International Development Systems, Inc. in 1986, advising major importers and retailers of textiles and apparel from around the world. He has advised over 16 governments in major trade negotiations. Since 2006, Don has lived in Geneva, Switzerland.
Don is recognized as an authority on the world of trade by the international media, business organizations and universities. He has been quoted in a wide range of publications, including The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, the Journal of Commerce and others, along with being interviewed on National Public Radio. Don served for over 15 years as an adjunct professor at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, lecturing on globalization and entrepreneurship. He has been a feature speaker on the topic of trade at the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, the Global Business Dialogue and the National Association of Business in Washington, and at other venues.
Don studied international economics and international law at the graduate level at American University and the University of Delaware. He is a graduate of Lynchburg College with a bachelor of science in economics and a bachelor of arts in European literature and philosophy. In addition to English he has a working knowledge of French and Italian.