You Should Export
May 11, 2017Tony Pu is an International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Commercial Service Office in Philadelphia
What’s next for your business? Maybe you’ve learned that demand in your industry sector is growing in another country, but aren’t sure how to take your domestic business global. In today’s fast-moving economy, it can be challenging to research and develop a plan for your company’s international growth.
As many successful exporters have already found out, it’s worth investing time and effort to cultivate foreign sales. If your business is already established in the United States, one of the worlds’s most open and competitive markets, that’s a good indicator for international success. Moreover, with more than 95 percent of the world’s consumers beyond U.S. borders, why miss out on the opportunities? In fact, 98 percent of all U.S. exporters are small and medium-sized businesses – just like yours.
So where do you begin? I have worked with many successful U.S. exporters, and they all started out by learning what actually goes into selling products or services across borders. Sure, there are many facets to understand, but we make it easy on export.gov.
As the lead trade promotion agency of the U.S. government, the International Trade Administration’s U.S. Commercial Service provides impartial, accurate and valuable knowledge and insights. Each year, thousands of U.S. companies turn to us to leverage our global network in more than 100 U.S. cities and 75 markets. Our trade professionals have the contacts and in-country expertise you need; whether it’s evaluating market conditions, finding foreign buyers, working through export documentation, or handling the logistical, financial, and legal aspects of exporting.
Start by watching our new Export Basics video series. It covers these topics:
- Get Ready to Export – Learn about evaluating your company’s readiness and creating a plan.
- Plan Your Market Entry Strategy – Find out how to choose the best markets and position your company for success.
- Find Foreign Buyers – Understand the different ways you can find buyers.
- Get Paid and Finance Your Export Transaction – Avoid payment problems by learning about financing options.
- Make the Export Sale – Discover how to manage the paperwork and preparing your product for shipment.
- Intellectual Property Rights and International Business Culture – Enhance your understanding of how to protect your product and put your best foot forward.
The videos are short, so you can watch an entire series within a 5-10 minute block of time. When you are ready to learn more, explore export.gov. You will find export how-to guides and webinars, international market intelligence and trade data, access to trade events, and services our trade staff can provide.
Watch the first video. Let us help you get started today.
Tradeology, the ITA Blog 