In fact, it’s not just one single place; the U.S. government has a wealth of knowledge packed in its various trade and export-related websites. Here are several websites that can help you get a better understanding of various topics of interest to exporters.
The ITA website is a trove of information for everything from export assistance centers to free trade agreements. It provides tools and resources from across the U.S. government to improve the global business environment and help U.S. companies and exporters plan their international sales strategies. It can help you find ways to promote your exports or get help with export documentation.
The ITA is divided into three units. According to the ITA website:
Some of the export-related topics you can find information about include:
The U.S. Commercial Service (a part of ITA) can help you identify markets, promote your products for trade and answer questions about compliance, documentation and training. You can find your local Export Assistance Center or search international locations using their search tool. If you are an active exporter or serious about becoming an exporter and you haven't yet talked to someone from your local Export Assistance Center, you are ignoring one of the most cost-effective tools in your export tool belt.
The SBA provides counseling, training and financing to support small business export opportunities. An entire section of the website is dedicated to export issues facing small businesses.
The BIS is charged with protecting the security of the United States through national security, economic security, cyber security and homeland security, as well as ensuring the economy and protecting U.S. industry. The BIS website is loaded with helpful information regarding export regulations and compliance.
The DDTC “is charged with controlling the export and temporary import of defense articles and defense services covered by the United States Munitions List.” The DDTC website provides information on export compliance and licensing as they relate to Department of State regulations.
The Federal Register website is the only official online source of published rules and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents. Exporters should consult the federal register daily to make sure they are in compliance with export regulations.
The foreign trade section of the U.S. Census Bureau website is the main site exporters should reference for U.S. trade statistics as well as up-to-date information regarding the Automated Export System (AES) and Schedule B codes as they pertain to your export documentation.
The U.S. ITC website lists the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. by chapter.
The ITA website and Office of the Trade Representative website both define and list the 20 Free Trade Agreements the U.S. participates in and their related topics. ITA also has a tarrif tool exporters can use to calculate duties and tariffs.
The EXIM Bank is an independent, self-sustaining agency that supports U.S. jobs by financing the export of American goods and services. The EXIM website can help you learn more about financing options and then get financing, help you protect your business against risk, and assist with foreign buyer financing. The EXIM bank has special tools available for small businesses interested in taking advantage of the promise of global markets.
The Trade.gov website has a section on finance that may be helpful to exporters.
The USPTO website is an excellent way to find out more about the various types of intellectual property, including:
USPTO’s leadership also answers questions and addresses intellectual property-related topics in the Director’s Forum blog.
Finally, although it’s not a government website, the Minnesota District Export Council’s Export Assistance website is a valuable tool. There, exporters can find helpful links to tools and articles for filling out export documentation and export forms, complying with export regulations, seeking counseling, finding export resources and trade partners, and networking with other businesses.
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