Programs to Help Small U.S. Exporters

When you are thinking about taking your small business to a global level and want to start exporting your products to international markets, or when you are already exporting and want to expand to other markets overseas, you can benefit from the advice of experts in order to orient your strategy and operations.

Some of the aspects of exporting in which you may benefit from advice include: (1) the study and evaluation of potential markets abroad; (2) evaluation of your product and its competitive advantages compared to other products already on the market; (3) identification of potential buyers of your product; (4) estimate of the costs involved in exporting to your target market; (5) determination of the appropriate price to charge in the overseas market; (6) the most appropriate packaging for your product; (7) the labeling required for your product in international markets; (8) technical modifications required in order for your product to be able to enter the markets; (9) the approvals, inspections, or certifications that may be necessary to meet the requirements in your target country; (10) restrictions on imports of your product that could apply in your target country; (11) the tariffs that apply on your product; (12) regulations that affect the export of your product from the U.S. and the regulations that affect its import in the destination country; and (13) the financing of your exports.

The U.S. federal government has various programs designed to provide this type of advice to small exporters. The states also have economic development offices, and there are various exporters' associations that can help.

U.S. Federal Government Programs