Where is the best state in the USA to start an export/import business?

Any new export business whether of merchandise or services must start with the basics of market research and surveys of the departing and receiving locations for availability of facilities, transport, warehousing etc.

· Market Research for the product or service

· Mass-market consumer, heavy industry, light industry, medical or hospital use, government, business or professional.

· List of countries of origin and destination targeted for sale of merchandise/services.

· The trade channel such as direct sales, representative, distributor or commission representative.

· Surveying Export Manufactures

A small percentage of domestic producers export their manufactures. So, one marketing goal is to convince these corporations that they can increase profits by exporting to specific target countries.

Once the Target Market has been defined other housekeeping items need to be address:

· Startup Costs

· Invoicing

· Operations

· Marketing

· Resources

Incorporation needs to be defined:

· Export trading company

· Export management company

· Manufacturer's representative

· Manufacturer wholesale distributor

· Manufacturer Broker

· Retailer

Recommendations and Resources

· Import search mission abroad

· Trade shows attendance

· Contact foreign embassies' trade development offices.

· Contact the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Association.

· Track down leads on the Internet and in trade publications.

· The American Association of Exporters and Importers

· The Federation of International Trade Associations

· International Chamber of Commerce

· The International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations

· International Organization for Standardization

· International Small Business Consortium

· World Trade Center’s Association

· Bureau of Industry and Security

· Business Information Service for the Newly Independent States (BISNIS)

· Commercial Service. Canada

· Commercial Service. Mexico

· Country Commercial Guides

· The Export Legal Assistance Network

· Foreign Agricultural Service

· International Trade Administration

· Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)

· Showcase Europe

· Ex-Im Bank, Small-Business Programs

· U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division

· U.S. Customs and Border Protection

· U.S. Department of Commerce

· U.S. Commercial Service (The Commercial Service)

· Magazines and Publications

· The Journal of Commerce

· Trade show Week