Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting - Introduction

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is pleased to introduce the new Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting, an essential reference tool for all Canadian companies currently active or interested in exploring business opportunities in international markets.

Whether you're doing business in established markets, such as the E.U. and U.S., or considering reaching out to markets like China, India, South Korea, Colombia or Brazil, global markets offer you access to new customers, revenue and ideas. They also provide you with the flexibility to spread your business risk and extend the lifecycle of your products and services. These advantages are not possible when you sell only to a smaller consumer market in Canada.

Trading abroad can boost your company's profile, credibility and bottom line. Companies that export their products or services sell more, and are more profitable than those that don't. Whatever your company size or sector, the rewards from selling your products and services overseas can have exponential returns.

The following Guide is intended to help prepare you to take your business to the world. Our global team of trade commissioners are located in more than 160 cities worldwide to guide your journey and support your export success.

Doing business outside Canada can be a complex undertaking. The Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting (the Guide) is intended to help get your business export-ready and well positioned for commercial success abroad. Learn the essential principles of exporting whether you are a novice, intermediate or advanced exporter. The Guide compiles practical insight and proven tips used successfully by thousands of Canadian firms of all sizes and in all sectors. The Guide will help you to:

• assess your company's export readiness
• build an export plan
• research and select your target market
• realize the benefits of free trade agreements
• create an export marketing plan
• identify delivery methods for your target market
• develop a sound financial plan
• understand the key legal aspects of international trade
• apply corporate social responsibility practices

The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps Canadian companies navigate the complexities of international markets. If you want your business to grow internationally, tap into our expertise.

Located in over 160 cities worldwide, we provide key business insight and access to an unbeatable network of international contacts. We gather market intelligence, uncover commercial opportunities and help reduce the costs and risks of doing business abroad.

Each year, we help thousands of Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises tackle concrete problems and uncover export opportunities. We make exporting easier for companies.

We accelerate a company's export success. On average, companies using TCS services export 20.5% more than those that don't, and access 20.9% more markets.

A world of opportunity is waiting. With offices across Canada, we can help companies prepare for international markets, right here at home. We can assist with export advice and guidance to help you achieve your international business goals.

Acknowledgments

Some "Tips" were adapted from the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) publication, Expand Your Horizons. "Export myths" were adapted from Exporting Basics by Maurice Kogon, Director, Centre for International Trade Development, El Camino College, Torrance, California.

Disclaimer

This information is to be considered solely as a guide and should not be quoted as, or considered to be, a legal authority. It may become obsolete in whole or in part at any time without notice.

ISBN: FR5-27/2008E-PDF
Catalogue no.: 978-0-662-48363-2

Please note

The information provided in the Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting is general in nature. To ensure your particular needs are met, start right here in Canada by consulting trade commissioners of the Regional Network of the TCS. As part of Global Affairs Canada, the TCS has more than 160 offices across Canada and around the world where dedicated officers support Canadian companies with international business development advice and connections to qualified local contacts that will best serve new and expanding exporters' needs.