Final answer:
Rubbermaid would need to expand and sell products to customers in foreign countries to diversify its market presence, reduce risks, meet international demand, and increase revenue. The global marketplace connects economies, making international expansion advantageous for successful companies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The need for Rubbermaid—a thriving U.S. company—to expand and sell products internationally can be understood by looking at the advantages of operating in a global marketplace. One of the compelling reasons is diversification; selling products in multiple countries reduces the company's dependency on a single market, mitigating risks associated with economic downturns or changes in market preferences. Additionally, with U.S. consumers enjoying products from around the world—such as cars from Japan or Germany, and clothing designed in Italy and manufactured in China—it is evident that companies also look to meet the demand for various international goods. In a world where a foreign firm can earn U.S. dollars and support its home country's economy or where U.S. tourists seek out foreign experiences, expanding internationally allows a successful brand like Rubbermaid to tap into new customer bases, optimize its production capabilities, and compete with other global players more effectively, thus increasing its overall revenue and market share.