Steps to Exporting

Whether you’re a start-up or a mature business, this guide breaks down virtually every issue a new exporter might face. Get started now and you will gain the confidence to become an international sensation.

Article on Strategic Reasons of Exporting

Are you ready to make international sales? Export Basics helps you assess your export readiness, understand what you need to know and consider before pursuing an international sales strategy, and, when you are ready, develop and implement your export strategy.

The subsequent sections of Export Basics  — starting with Develop Your Export Plan — will help you develop and implement your export plan. Each section corresponds to the key components of an effective export plan — posing questions you should answer to complete your plan and providing resources to help you answer those questions.

Start with the below steps!

• Take the Export Readiness Assessment to find out if you’re ready to pursue international sales. (Food and Agricultural Exporters)
• Read the ITA Blog on How the Commercial Service Helps Exporters
• The U.S. Commercial Service is pleased to offer you “4 Ways to Learn About Exporting”.
• Need an introduction to exporting? Browse our step-by-step “Basic Guide to Exporting”.
• Watch educational videos on how to Take Your Business Global. These videos discuss topics such as getting started, how to connect with your foreign buyer, and they highlight some case studies to show you just how easy it is to get started in exporting.
• Think export success is out of your reach? Read success stories about how companies like yours are succeeding in the international marketplace.
• Learn to sell globally from your e-commerce site with our Preparing Your Business for Global E-Commerce: A Guide for Online Retailers to Manage Operations, Inventory, and Payment Issues manual.

If you are ready to begin developing your export plan, please proceed onto the next section, Develop Your Export Plan.

FAQs

How About Duties and Tariff?

Do I need an export license to export my goods, technology or services? What other Export Compliance steps do I need to take?

What documentation do I need to prepare for exporting?

What is Free Trade Agreement (such as NAFTA, CAFTA, Panama FTA, KORUS, etc.)? Is it possible if my foreign customers pay less or no duties when they import?

What Federal Government agencies regulate the exports and imports?