Resource Desk

Provided by Office of the United States Trade Representative, this publication includes detailed information on import and export regulations for each country. This link opens an index page, through which special reports for each country can be accessed. Reports are in PDF format, and have an average size of about 100-200kb.

Mostly informatory, this site provides definitions to key terms in the trade sector, the role of the importer and exporter in terms of products and services. Also, case studies are provided. Among other resources, information on trade insurance and trade with Eastern Europe are also available.

International Business is a section of the Smaller Business Knowledge Base website. It provides a variety of information on international business such as a list of ten mistakes made by business owners, tips for doing business abroad, steps on developing an international business plan, different payment methods, information on selling abroad, etc.

The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of International Trade (OIT) developed this Trade Guide as an information tool to assist American business in developing international markets. This Guide will help answer questions and take the mystery out of exporting.

This site is a section of The Sofia Echo, a news agency in Bulgaria, and provides a guide to business in Bulgaria; information is especially relevant to foreign businesspeople. The guide is divided into business climate, economic indicators, sectors, doing business in Bulgaria, and real estate. Some examples of information provided are macroeconomic climate, inflation dynamics, and setting up a company.

Exporting Your Way to Success is a collection of articles for small businesses or entrepreneurs interested in exploring the world of exporting. The site provides links to useful general exporting information as well as information on trade with specific regions.

The Exporting 101 section of this government website guides the user through the basics of understanding and growing your exports. Includes numerous links to related exporting topics and publications.

Provided by the Export Institute USA, this website has answers to exporting questions from 40 countries worldwide. The questions are categorized in themes, and you can also submit your own questions to be answered by the Institute's consultants.

The Export Sourcebook provides information on the resources available to finance U.S. exports and imports, including credit, payment services, and risk management. The resources monitored include those offered by private institutions as well as by government agencies. Some of the sections of the site require a free subscription, while others require a paid subscription.

Market New Zealand includes several guides and checklists for those who are new to exporting. The how-to guides cover everything from exporting essentials to how to choose distributors, from marketing on the Internet to joint ventures. The checklists cover additional topics such as pricing, legal issues, SWOT analysis and trade events.

Provided by the Canadian government, this website is a comprehensive and in-depth guide to exporting internationally, whether for new companies or companies that have already expanded abroad. Aside from the tutorial itself, there is also a hot topic section with information on subjects such as market reports or HS codes and tariffs, and an article of the week. Also available in French.

ExportZone U.S.A. is an informational help center dedicated to assisting importers to the United States, as well as exporters from the USA to foreign markets.

This site provides a wealth of information regarding the Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) program. Sections of the site include a general overview of trade zones (history, benefits, definitions,case studies etc.), information about the application process and relevant regulations, and more. Not compatible with Firefox.

The Journal of Commerce Guide to the Finance of International Trade (in PDF format) is a helpful document for anyone who wishes to understand the financial side of international trade and trade deals. Covered in the guide are explanations on contract of sale, foreign exchange, terms of sale, letters of credit, documents, and more.

This Import Export Business blog is dedicated to providing information and resources on how to start or expand an import export business. The information is targeted to all audiences from new entrepreneurs to business owners who wish to begin exporting or expand their export markets and those who wish to start an importing business.

A useful link for those considering expanding into new markets. Follow the 18 steps described in this page to discover the opportunities of expanding abroad, either with new products, or with acquisitions. The site provides information for both industries and individual companies.

IBT publishes new articles weekly about various aspects of international trade. These articles cover topics ranging from export and import documents, NAFTA and other Free Trade Agreements, export marketing and sales, letters of credit and other payment options, and transportation law. The extensive archives on the site allow you to search for previous articles by topic.

The International Economics Study Center is provided by an academic from George Washington University. The site includes an on-line text-book, so it contains a vast amount of information for those interested in international trade and current international trade news and analysis. Also available is a forum for registered users (free of charge) to post comments, questions or opinions about anything related to international economics.

A brief article that summarizes useful information for the potential or current exporter. This information is geared towards French traders, but it includes relevant information for anyone in the trading business.

L/C Monitor is a bi-monthly legal financial journal covering practical aspects of trade finance such as Letters of Credit, Documentary Collections, and related payment instruments. L/C Monitor's purpose is to share knowledge gained from practical experience with its readers. A free subscription is required to receive the publication.

The New Approach and European Standardization is a joint effort of the European Union (EU) State Members to develop a single market, remove technical barriers to trade, and ensure the free movement of goods between Member States. This site provides access to information on standards and routes into the standardization process.

nPost.com aims to promote entrepreneurship through exclusive interviews with CEOs and Entrepreneurs who speak at great length about their business models, the issues and opportunities facing their organization, and their long term strategic plans.

A great site that helps the user find company information, trade leads, telephone numbers, financial information and a great deal of other data. Links to other resources are provided according to the user's request for information. As long as the user is directed to the external resources, a tutorial provides detailed, step-by-step information on how the site can be used.

The site, developed by Malaysia Exports, provides free information on the frequently asked questions of international trade. Answers to questions on developing an export market, export market strategies, export documentation, export trade barriers and trading blocks, export promotion, export shipping and packaging, and more are provided.

The Trade Briefings section of Simpler Trade Procedures Board, the UK trade facilitation agency, gives straightforward briefings of international trade procedures and how they are used (pdf format files). Example topics include INCOTERMS, cargo insurance, letters of credit, and other payment methods.

Ralph F. Jagodka's study, which was conducted in 1998, identified the skills needed to be effective in international marketing. This site provides a deeper look at the level of importance of each of these skills.

Global Trade Finance is a "Crash Course" on international trade. The main topics covered in the course are international business terms, the 'Guarantees' and potential gambles of buying and selling on the global level, and methods of payment used for international trade. The course is available online or can be downloaded into Microsoft PowerPoint.

Produced by the Trade Evaluation and Analysis Division, the Agri-Food Trade Service provides access to international trade and market information for Canadian agri-food exporters and foreign importers. Available in English and French.

A white paper by Laurel Delany discussing the emergence of small businesses into the global market. A great introduction for the entrepreneur making first steps into the international marketplace.

As the U.S. Government's monitor of foreign compliance with trade agreements, the Trade Compliance Center assists exporters and importers in resolving trade barriers or unfair situations encountered in foreign markets. This resource offers a free database of bilateral trade pacts and trade related agreements. The section Trade Compliance Resources also provides updates on technical regulation changes and recently added information. It also lists websites to trade and governmental agencies.

Provided by the Muslim Trade Network, this trade guide provides information on doing business in Muslim countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The guide covers areas such as trade structure, foreign trade control, financial regulations of foreign trade operations, customs taxation, and foreign trade logistics.

D eveloped by the United States Chamber of Commerce, TradeRoots is a trade education program dedicated to raising grassroots support and public awareness about the importance of international trade to local communities. It provides information about trade's impact to the different U.S. states, as well as services that the Chamber provides to U.S. companies engaging in foreign trade. There are links to guides for small businesses for importing and exporting.

A series of webcasts sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service targeted at developing the exporting skills of U.S. exporters. There are a few webcasts that talk about the skills, challenges, and opportunities of going international. There are also additional webcasts focusing on the target markets of China, South Africa, Chile, Russia Regions, Israel, Hong Kong and Singapore.

ExportMichigan.com, Michigan's Export Source is the homepage of the Michigan District Export Council. As an international business website, the site acts as a guide to those looking to enter into the international marketplace. It includes information on trade such as Importing into the US, Trade Guides, and International Business Planning. The homepage also features a section of links to other international business websites.

Established by the United States Government, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) assists U.S. businesses in investing overseas, fosters economic development in new and emerging markets, and supports the U.S. foreign policy. Various resources are available for businesses seeking opportunities overseas, including financing and loan assistance, political insurance programs, and information about available investment funds. Subscription to this site is available for electronic news, but is not required.