EXPORT.GOV - U.S. Government Export Portal
Export.Gov
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International trade is the exchange of goods and services between
countries. Tremendous international trade opportunities exist in
today’s global marketplace. Even small business owners, who in
years past found it nearly impossible to penetrate foreign markets without
an in-demand niche product, can now participate in the international trade
arena.
The enhanced ability to trade internationally has been brought about by four
confluent factors:
- Easing of world tensions (a result of Cold War curtailment following
the collapse of the Soviet Union) and subsequent relaxation of border
restrictions between countries, as evidenced by the European Union
(EU) and NAFTA;
- Improved living standards within many Third World countries sparked by
industrialization and a resultant demand for consumer items;
- Rapid technological advances in the fields of computerization and
communication (triggered by military and space initiatives);
- Development of a unified, coherent methodology for conducting business
electronically — the Internet and secure data transmission
standards.
The advent of ecommerce, the ability to effect mercantile
transactions electronically through use of the Internet, has been a
boon to small business owners both domestically and internationally.
It is now possible for someone with no prior business experience to
establish a home business and market products and services internationally
through Affiliate
Programs within a matter of days following business startup. Never
before has such an achievement been possible. Of course, being able
to market successfully on an international scale is still quite
difficult. Language barriers, cultural differences, currency exchange
rates and the morass of international trade laws that must be negotiated
dissuade many competent businessmen and businesswomen from taking the
plunge into international trade. This is unfortunate, since the rewards
to be gained in the international trade arena are quite lucrative.
Authored by Kenneth L. Anderson.
Original article published 26 January 2004, updated 20 July
2005.
If you have a product you would like to market in a foreign country, or if you
perceive opportunity in a business such as import/export, the Ten
Spider Business Center helps you by offering a collection of quality
international trade resources that can supply the guidance you require.
The International Trade
SiteMap will help you gain access to these resources. Check the
Business Center
SiteMap for a complete list of our business topics.
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