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Trade Research
Which markets show the most promise for your products, and how is business conducted there? The information you need is at your fingertips.
Research Potential Markets
There are more than 190 countries in the world. Which ones offer the best chance of success for your product? Get personalized market research assistance from our trade experts or do some research on your own.
Free Custom Assistance
The Pennsylvania Center for Trade Development is here to help you. Our Regional Export Network and Pennsylvania Trade Representatives offer in-depth custom market research and consulting tailored to your product and target markets, including current and projected market conditions, issues and events that may affect your target market, qualified buyers/partners in your target market, and entry strategy considerations and recommendations. Contact them today at (717) 787-7190 or trade@newpa.com.
Research On Your Own
Locate the best markets for your product with the interactive Virtual Trade Advisor. Select your product and view the top importers and exporters of that product, analyze product export trends, investigate your competition, and identify potential buyers.
You may also find these resources helpful:
Study the Markets
You've identified your target markets. Now you need to learn how business is conducted in each market, who the buyers are, and what trade regulations and barriers, if any, exist.
Learn About Trade Requirements
All countries have requirements – documentation, regulations and tariffs – that must be followed. Certain products require a license to ship, and some markets have trade barriers like import restrictions and quotas that may hinder or block your ability to export goods. We recommend that you contact the Regional Export Network for assistance in identifying the trade regulations that may affect your business.
The following resources may also help:
- Regulations & Licensing
- Export Control Basics
- Economic & Trade Sanctions
- Tariff & Import Fee Information
- National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers
You should also research the product standards and regulations in your target market to ensure that your product meets local safety, health, and environmental requirements. For example, electrical products may require modifications to meet local voltage requirements. For help on how to modify your product to meet regulatory and other standards in the European Union, contact Duquesne University's Center for International Regulatory Assistance. For help in other markets, contact Pennsylvania's Regional Export Network .
The following resource may also prove helpful:
Locate Potential Buyers
How will you get your product into the country? Will you sell to the end user, or will you work with an overseas agent or distributor? Who you choose will depend on the services you need, the product you sell, and the market you've chosen. Pennsylvania's Regional Export Network and Pennsylvania Trade Representatives can help you locate qualified buyers and partners in your target market.
The following resources may also help:
Get to Know Your Market
How is business conducted in your target market? What's the local currency? What is the proper dress, greeting, or behavior for a meeting or business dinner? The following resources can help you:
- Central Intelligence Agency's World Factbook
- U.S. Department of State Country Data
- Doing Business In… Guides
- Foreign Entry Requirements
- Federal Reserve Foreign Exchange Rates
Need Additional Help?
Pennsylvania's Regional Export Network can provide you with free custom market research, qualified buyers, and entry strategy suggestions. Find your local trade representative or contact Pennsylvania's Center for Trade Development at (717) 787-7190 or trade@newpa.com.
