Washtenaw SBDC The Export Decision

Finding Solutions for Growing Businesses

Here are excerpts from the handbook The Export Decision, provided by the Michigan Small Business Development Center, Detroit, Michigan.

DO I HAVE AN EXPORTABLE PRODUCT?
The best way to determine whether or not a product will be favorably received in a foreign market is to discover if that product is being exported by another business. Census data of import and export statistics, country market profiles, and other sources of government data will allow a researcher to gain a strong working knowledge of where a product has been well-received throughout the world.

Agencies that maintain statistics on the import and export of products and services.

U.S. CENSUS BUREAU Center for International Research
Customer Service, Foreign Trade Division
Washington, D.C. 20233
(301) 763-4100 or (301) 763-4811
(301) 763-7610 (FAX)
Census compiles and maintains up-to-date global demographic and social information for all countries in its International Data Base (DB) which is accessible to U.S. companies seeking to identify potential markets overseas.
The Trade Information Center US Department of Commerce
HCHB 7424
14th and Constitution
Washington, D.C. 20230
(800) USA-TRADE or (800) 872-8723; Hearning Impaired (800) 833-8723
(202) 482-4473 (FAX)
The Trade Information Center offers a variety of support activities including information on export counseling, seminars and conferences, overseas buyers and representatives, export financing, and technical assistance including import and export statistics.
The Foreign Agricultural Service U.S. Department of Agriculture-Information Divsion
Reports Office
14th and Independence Avenue, SW
Room 6072-S
Washington, D.C. 20250-1000
(202) 720-0924
(202) 720-3229 (FAX)
Country reports are country-specific, two-four pages descriptions of various commodities. Country reports are available on over 40 overseas markets which highlight market trends and offers information on U.S. market position, and the competition.

Will My Product Sell?

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