The Economic and Commercial Section can provide customized market intelligence and research to U.S. firms looking to work on overseas markets.  This information answers questions involving the overall marketability of a product or service, market trends and size, customary distribution and promotion practices, market entry requirements, regulations, product standards and registration, key competitors, and identifies potential agents, distributors or partners.

Companies have the flexibility to design their own set of questions or choose from a core menu of standardized questions.  Cost varies by market and depth of research requested.  Companies often utilize this service to evaluate market potential and as a precursor to our matchmaking services.

International Partner Search (IPS)

The IPS is a personalized, overseas search for interested and qualified partners in specific countries on behalf of a U.S. company.  Commercial Specialists abroad conduct the search and prepare a report identifying up to five potential prospects that have expressed interest in your product and a possible relationship with your company.

This service can be of particular benefit to exporters planning to travel abroad in search of new representatives or distributors.

Gold Key Service (GKS)

Let the U.S. Commercial Service arrange business meetings with pre-screened contacts representatives, distributors, professional associations, government contacts, and/or licensing or joint venture partners.

Through the GKS program, Commercial Service staff will search for and arrange appointments with potential foreign partners in key markets. The appointments may be spread over one or more days.

The GKS is flexible and can include other services, such as interpretation.  We can also provide information for logistical support and can also offer clerical support during the visit.

International Company Profile (ICP)

Enter international business relationships with confidence.  The ICP is a background report on individual, foreign firms compiled by our overseas specialists.  It contains information about the firm’s business activities, standing in the local business community, credit worthiness, and overall reliability and suitability as a trade partner.

Based on responses to a standard questionnaire, these reports help U.S. firms evaluate foreign parties before making a business commitment.  Companies can tailor the report to address specific issues or questions.  Ask your local trade specialist for a sample report.

Single Company Promotion (SCP)

This service provides support and official sponsorship in a specific market under the auspices of the U.S. Embassy.  Commercial Service staff assist U.S. companies in organizing a product launch, technical seminar, cocktail reception, or similar event in a well-recognized location.

A typical event might include a 3-hour program with an introduction by a U.S. Government official followed by detailed company presentation and question/answer session followed by a networking session.  The SCP is an excellent opportunity to support your existing in-country representative by co-presenting to a targeted audience.

Featured US Exporters (FUSE)

Feature your products or services on U.S. Commercial Service websites in markets around the world.  Translated into the local language of business, this year-long promotion allows companies to target 5 different markets for a nominal fee.

FUSE provides qualified U.S. exporters with a low risk, inexpensive way to probe foreign markets for potential buyers, distributors or representatives.  For rates, examples and online subscription, visit: www.export.gov/fuse

International Buyer Program (IBP)

The IBP is a joint government-industry effort that brings thousands of international buyers to the United States for business-to-business matchmaking with U.S. firms exhibiting at major industry trade shows.

This helps U.S. companies achieve exposure to international buyers and potential representatives without having to travel abroad.  For more information on the IBP or for a list of upcoming shows, visit: www.export.gov/ibp

International Trade Shows

Trade shows are industry specific and scheduled worldwide (outside of the U.S.).  International Trade shows certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce generally feature a U.S. Pavilion or special section to display U.S.-made products.  Cost of participation in a trade show varies, but can be one of the most cost-effective ways of developing an export market.

Companies often utilize our matchmaking services on the margins of a major international trade shows to take advantage of the presence of key industry contacts.  Contact your local trade specialist to identify shows appropriate to your industry.

Advocacy in Foreign Tenders

Housed in the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Advocacy Center coordinates U.S. Government (USG) resources to level the playing field on behalf of U.S. business interests as they compete against foreign firms for government contracts or other U.S. export opportunities.  USG Advocacy assistance varies but typically involves the engagement of high-level USG officials with overseas governments or government-owned corporations. In addition, the Advocacy Center has liaisons to five Multilateral Development Banks to assist U.S. firms and to advocate on their behalf when they compete for Bank-funded tenders.

Overcoming Trade Obstacles

Is your firm being adversely affected by a perceived trade barrier or unfair business practice abroad?  The U.S. Commercial Service can help your firm overcome barriers, bureaucratic hurdles, or unfair trade practices abroad to ensure that your company has the best possible chance to compete and sell its U.S. products and services.  Companies benefit from coordinated, government-to-government engagement to help resolve unfair business practices.

For information on fees for non-standard services (CMR, SCP), please contact one of our staff.

Gold Key Service (Partner Matchmaking)
SME Company : $700
SME New-to-Export* : $350
Large Company: $2,300

International Company Profile(Due Diligence)
SME Company :  $600
SME New-to-Export* : $350
Large Company:  $900

International Partner Search (Prequalified Business Contacts)
SME Company :    $550
SME New-to-Export* : $350
Large Company:   $1,400

Featured U.S. Exporter (FUSE) (Overseas Web Promotion)
SME Company :    $350
SME New-to-Export* :
Large Company:   $600

*  Small- or Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or self-certified as a small business under SBA regulations. Subsidiaries will be classified based on the size of the parent company.