| I’ve compiled some of my favorite
websites for international traders.
These and many others are discussed in more detail in my
trade information products. In any event, a good information review is always valuable so
let’s get started with a few of the important websites for exporters. The Trade
Information Center has recently combined with Export.gov at,
http://www.export.gov/exportbasics/ticredirect.asp, which is a definite keeper in your
bookmarks. Advertised as a one-stop shopping site, there’s a lot of useful
information to be had here.
You’ll find valuable insights at this website such as
Frequently Asked Questions, current events, export programs guide
(http://search.export.gov/), "how-to" information and software, general export
info, export assistance by email, financial information, trade promotion events, foreign
tariff, taxes & customs information, country/regional market info and more. Although
this is aimed at U.S. traders, non-U.S. importers and exporters can take advantage of the
information here also.
One of the best things about this site if you’re a
U.S. exporter is the access it provides to counselors and the links to the numerous
government programs in support of exporting.
New exporters should also check out the Globus & NTDB
page (http://www.stat-usa.gov/tradtest.nsf). This site provides lots of trade leads for
both U.S. and non-U.S. traders but you have to be a STAT-USA subscriber to take advantage
of it. Cost for a subscription as of this writing is $75 a quarter or $200 a year.
If you are a member, you’ll find a wide range of
leads, current and historical information regarding the demand for specific goods and
services in a country, including contact information. Searches can be conducted by date or
title. There are also Market and Industry Sector Analysis Reports.
The site also provides a link to the International Trade
Library with a host of good information. Not sure if you want to pay to join? Check out
the site for free and determine for yourself if the information there is something you can
use.
Research, Research, Research
Everyone who’s read my material knows the value I
place upon researching your target market. There are a number of sites to help you do
this. Some are free and some are not, but all are worth checking out.
You can find foreign trade statistics courtesy of the U.S.
Census Bureau at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/. You have to look around a bit but
there’s lots of good information about the trade in products and services and
it’s all free. It’s not as specific as you’ll get through the STAT-USA
programs but it provides a nice overview.
Although the site can be a little frustrating to navigate,
you’ll find some nice information gems if you take the time to look for them. Make
sure to check out the latest FT900: U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services and
download the files for the products and countries you’re most interested in. This
information alone is worth the visit. Bookmark and visit often when you’re
researching new markets.
One example of a site I like for importers but which can be
useful to exporters as well is Foreign Trade Online at http://www.foreign-trade.com/. It
has everything from trade leads, to import and export directories (I don’t know how
accurate these are, however) to international shipping service links, business software,
currency exchange rates . . . well, you get the idea. This is also a good place to look up
HS and SIC codes as well as Incoterms and more.
Do you need a customs broker (or freight forwarder)? You
can’t do better than to check out the National Customs Broker and Forwarders
Association of America at http://www.ncbfaa.org/.
Importers are facing increasing delays, roadblocks and
costs due to tighter security measurers. Every importer should stay current on changes and
how they are likely to affect you. One site that can help is the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection site at http://www.cbp.gov/. Check out the Customs Small Business Program to
learn about changes that may affect small businesses in particular.
Since you want to stay on the good site of the government
if you're importing into the U.S., check out these next websites. They are useful for news
on regulations and international trade law information: The Federal Maritime Commission at
http://www.fmc.gov, the International Trade Commission at http://www.usitc.gov/ and The
United States Trade Representative at www.ustr.gov. If you live in the U.S., it's no
secret that now is a great time to be an exporter selling to Europe. The dollar's value
has fallen precipitously which means U.S. products are real bargains for the first time in
quite a few years. Here's a directory site you might want to visit if you're considering
trading with this market: http://www.bizeurope.com/.
Copyright 2008 by Dennis Hessler |
