Sahit Muja is Founder & CEO at Albanian Minerals, Cofounder of Green Minerals, Global Mining, Metalplant.
In the decades I’ve spent building and running businesses across the U.S., I often encounter international investors keen to understand the dynamics of the U.S. economy, its future direction, its foundational strengths and the opportunities it presents.
In my firm belief, the U.S. economy is poised for a period of growth. This conviction is rooted in more than 30 years of experience in New York, where I have not only witnessed firsthand the resilience and adaptability of U.S. markets but have also played an active role in nurturing new businesses, making strategic investments and fostering innovation across a diverse array of industries. Through these experiences, I have seen the spark of opportunity even in the most challenging times.
For anyone looking to invest in the U.S. or thinking of embarking on new business ventures or startups, understanding the complexities and opportunities of the American economy is critical.
Key Drivers Of The U.S. Economy
Goldman Sachs Research predicted U.S. gross domestic product will grow by 2.5% over the next year. The U.S. is deeply intertwined with every corner of the globe, and the world often looks to the U.S. for innovation and global economic order. But the U.S. economy is not merely large; it is diverse. Silicon Valley in California is a leader in technological advancements, while New York City, the epicenter of global finance, is home to the world’s two largest stock markets, which help provide businesses with the resources they need to innovate and grow.
I’ve found the nation is also home to a culture of ambition and entrepreneurialism. To me, the spirit of American entrepreneurship is woven into the very fabric of the nation, from the bustling startups that fuel technological breakthroughs to the legacy companies that continue to shape industries.
America’s workforce is also highly skilled; it was ranked as No. 5 in skilled labor forces by the U.S. News and World Report. With its network of universities and research institutions, such as Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford, the U.S. produces many bright minds who push the boundaries of science, technology and business.
The U.S. also has a vast reservoir of natural wealth and is a major producer of various essential minerals and metals. Key resources include gold, with Nevada and Alaska being the country’s largest producers; copper, the majority of which is mined in Arizona; silver, which predominately comes from Alaska and Nevada; iron ore, which mostly comes from Michigan and Minnesota; lead from Missouri, Alaska and Idaho; zinc, which comes from Alaska, Tennessee, Idaho and others; and molybdenum from Colorado, Arizona, Montana and Utah.
Industrial minerals include lime, with the top producers being Alabama, Missouri, Ohio and Texas; gypsum from California, Iowa, Kansas and more; salt, much of which is produced in Kansas, Louisiana and Michigan; and phosphate rock, which is produced in Florida and Idaho, among others. Rare earth metals are primarily mined in California at the Mountain Pass Mine.
For energy minerals, the U.S. produces the majority of its coal in Wyoming and West Virginia, and Texas is the country’s top oil and natural gas producer. The U.S. has emerged as a global leader in crude oil production. Oil’s influence extends far beyond energy; it plays a major role in industries like transportation and manufacturing.
Water, flowing through rivers and aquifers, helps nourish life and agriculture in the U.S. The country’s agricultural lands yield an abundance of crops, and the U.S. is one of the largest agricultural traders in the world. The agriculture sector provides food not just for Americans but also for people across the globe. The country’s biodiversity, including forests, plains and coasts, helps foster life, tourism and resilience as well.
The U.S. dollar, as the world’s reserve currency, anchors global financial stability, while the nation’s trade agreements and partnerships create a web of interconnected economies. Together, all of these factors help form the backbone of the nation.
Lessons For Investors And Entrepreneurs
Through my business journey in the U.S., I’ve encountered many factors that shape success. Investing or pursuing new ventures here can be exhilarating, yet it requires navigating a landscape full of nuances. The U.S. is vast and diverse, with each region presenting its own unique business culture. I’ve found the East Coast to be finance-driven and the West Coast focused on innovation; the South is experiencing rapid growth, and the Midwest is known to have a more of a traditional focus. Understanding these regional dynamics is essential. In my experience, the U.S. thrives on relationships; building a strong network is key to gaining insights, opportunities and support in your ventures.
The legal and regulatory environment can be overwhelming, with varying rules at the federal, state and local levels. It’s vital to work with seasoned professionals who can guide you through business formation, taxation and intellectual property laws. The funding landscape is also vast, from venture capital to angel investors and crowdfunding platforms; each option has its own appeal depending on your business stage and growth potential.
Technology and market research are indispensable in staying competitive. Leveraging digital tools for customer insights, automating processes and data analytics are all crucial steps in optimizing your business strategy.
But perhaps most important is adopting a long-term perspective. The U.S. market rewards growth and scalability, but success takes time, patience and strategic pivots.
Diversifying your investments and staying ahead of economic cycles can help mitigate risks, particularly in volatile sectors like tech or finance. And when it comes to taxes, understanding the complex system, especially if you’re a foreign investor, is vital to avoid missteps.
In essence, the U.S. market offers potential—but only if you are adaptable, informed and ready to invest in the relationships, knowledge and strategies that will guide your journey.
The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation.
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Read the full article here
