INTERNATIONAL TRADE RESOURCES

INTRODUCTION

Navigate International Trade with Confidence

Welcome to our International Trade Resources page, a comprehensive hub designed to equip businesses with the essential tools and information for successful global ventures. Discover interactive tools, financing resources, and educational materials to streamline your global operations. Our goal is to empower you at every step of your international trade journey. Explore the resources, expand your knowledge, and unlock new possibilities for success on the global stage.

The Export Process Overview

EXPORT READINESS

Where Do I Start?

ASSESSMENT FOR
NEW EXPORTERS

ASSESSMENT FOR EXPANDING EXPORTERS

ASSESSMENT FOR EXPERIENCED EXPORTERS

SCHEDULE B

Understanding Harmonized System (HS) Codes

The Harmonized System (HS) Codes play a key role in the export process, serving as a standardized numerical method for classifying traded goods. Customs authorities globally use HS Codes to identify products for duty assessment, tax evaluation, and statistical purposes. To enhance accuracy in trade statistics and help exporters determine the correct export commodity code (Schedule B number), the International Trade Administration offers a Schedule B Commodity Search Tool. This tool provides a smarter, more intuitive, and accurate approach to product classification. The HS  serves as the foundation for the import and export classification systems used in the United States and by many trading partners.

INCOTERMS

A Set of Internationally Recognized Rules

The Incoterms® are a set of 11 individual rules issued by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) which define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers for the sale of goods in international transactions. Of primary importance is that each Incoterms rule clarifies the tasks, costs, and risks to be borne by buyers and sellers in these transactions. Familiarizing yourself with Incoterms will help improve smoother transactions by clearly defining who is responsible for what and each step of the transaction.

The Incoterms® 2020 rules are updated and grouped into two categories reflecting modes of transport. Of the 11 rules, there are seven for ANY mode(s) of transport and four for SEA or LAND or INLAND WATERWAY transport. 

FOREIGN TARIFF RATES

Use the CUSTOMS Info Database

Products shipped internationally may be subject to duties (tariffs) and taxes (and other fees) that are assessed by foreign customs authorities. To estimate duties and taxes for more than 160 countries, you may use the Customs Info Database—a global tariff look-up tool offered by a third-party provider, Descartes. This tool is available for the users of trade.gov. There is no cost to register and use this database.

The FTA tariff tool allows users to find tariff information on all products covered under U.S. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). 

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

Our Network of Trusted Partners

EXPORT SOLUTION GUIDES

Elevate Your International Trade Game

Are You Export Ready?

My Export Plan

Researching the Global Marketplace

Selecting Initial Markets

Can I Export My Product?

Foreign Import Regulations

Export Counseling

Sales Channels

Finding Foreign Buyers – Customized Services

Finding Foreign Buyers – Trade Shows

Finding Foreign Buyers – Trade Missions

Finding Foreign Buyers – eCommerce

Methods of Payment

Financing Export Transactions

Preparing Your Product for Export

Introduction to Free Trade Agreements

Export Shipping Basics

Pricing Your Product

Export Documentation

Protecting Your Intellectual Property

Business Travel Abroad

Due Diligence on Markets an Partners

Breaking Through Trade Barriers

Bidding on Foreign Government Procurement

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