International Trade Assistance

International Marketing

Questions and Answers about Exporting

Why Export?

As Missouri's wood products economy has grown, so have the businesses that provide products and services to consumers. Many of these businesses have expanded worldwide.

• The United States accounts for only 4% of the world's population. Exclusive domestic sales eliminates 96% of the world's potential customers.
• A company can diversify their customer base through exporting. Therefore, their success is not depending on the conditions of one economy.
• Exporting can help move products that are not in demand in the U.S. market or sell at a lower price.

How to Start

If your products are competitive domestically, there is a good chance that you can compete abroad. Take the following steps if you are interested in developing or expanding your export sales.

ASSESS your current operation and product line. What is your company already doing well? What is your cost of production and necessary profit margins?

CONSIDER what additional products or operations your company could begin with minimal cost and and changes to your present operating system.

LOOK for markets where your products are in demand.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture and the USDA provide the following export services and programs:

• Assistance for Missouri delegates to international trade shows and missions, including preshow promotions, logistics, contacting key buyers and distributors, and arranging in-country appointments with potential customers;
• One-on-one, customized export consulting (how to get your product there, how to get paid);
• Generating and qualifying international trade leads;
• Assistance and guidance in international distributor development;
• Research of market opportunities and basic market intelligence to help you evaluate and understand key market potential;
• Identification of potential importers;
• Arrangement of international buyers' missions to Missouri;
• Publishing and distribution of a hard copy and on-line Export Directory for Missouri's agricultural exporters;
• Trade reference materials;
• Access of information through an established network of worldwide contacts; and
• Access to international funding for the promotion of agricultural products.
• Identifying applicable trade regulations and standards.

MFPA provides members with the following assistance:

• Referral service for international trade requests;
• Export expansion through regulatory channels, lobbying state legislators and Congress, and support of beneficial trade treaties;
• Company databank

Exporting Links

• Hardwood Export Council
• SWPM (Solid Wook Packaging Material) Rules

For more information on these services or further information, please contact:

Missouri has representatives in international trade offices: Asia, Europe, and Mexico.