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Your guide to global business
Getting Started with International Trade
Explore the essential steps to buying and selling across borders—from researching global markets and finding reliable partners to shipping products and growing your business.
Explore the stepsFind business partnersTake your business to the global marketplace
International trade creates opportunities to reach new customers, source products, and build lasting business relationships. A thoughtful plan helps you manage costs, reduce risk, and enter new markets with confidence.
ResearchUnderstand demand and target markets
ConnectFind buyers, suppliers, and distributors
PreparePlan costs, compliance, and payments
DeliverShip goods and grow relationships
1. Research international markets
Before entering a foreign market, identify where demand exists and understand the conditions for doing business there.
Understand local requirements
Research import restrictions, product standards, taxes, tariffs, and country-specific business practices.
Practical tip: Start with one or two target countries. Focused research is usually more useful than trying to enter many markets at once.
2. Find reliable buyers and suppliers
Strong business relationships are central to successful international trade. Take time to verify potential partners before committing to an order.
Build business connections
Connect with manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, distributors, and purchasing teams.
Verify before you buy
Check company registration, references, product samples, business addresses, and transaction terms. Agree on specifications, minimum order quantities, and delivery expectations.
3. Understand import and export regulations
Rules vary by country and by product. Confirm requirements with the relevant customs authority or a qualified trade professional before shipping.
Key compliance considerations
- Customs declarations and shipping documents
- Import/export permits and licenses, where required
- Product safety standards and certifications
- Duties, tariffs, and applicable taxes
- Country-of-origin and labeling requirements
- Restricted or prohibited goods
Prepare documentation early
Common documents include commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading or air waybills, certificates of origin, and any product-specific permits.
4. Calculate costs and set your pricing
Look beyond the supplier's quoted price. Estimate the full landed cost to understand your true margin.
| Expense | What to include |
|---|---|
| Product cost | Manufacturer or supplier price, samples, and packaging. |
| Freight | Ocean, air, rail, or ground transportation. |
| Insurance | Coverage appropriate to the shipment and agreed responsibilities. |
| Customs duties and taxes | Applicable import duties, taxes, and clearance charges. |
| Handling and storage | Port fees, terminal handling, warehousing, and brokerage. |
| Currency and finance | Exchange costs, bank fees, and financing expenses. |
Remember: Use the correct tariff classification and destination-country rules when estimating duties and taxes. Incoterms® help define responsibilities, costs, and risk between buyer and seller.
5. Arrange international shipping and logistics
Choose a transport method based on the shipment's size, value, urgency, route, and handling requirements.
Ocean freight
Often suitable for large, heavy, or bulk shipments where transit time is flexible.
Air freight
Often suitable for urgent, lightweight, or higher-value shipments where speed matters.
Ground freight
Useful for domestic legs and cross-border transportation between connected regions.
Warehousing and distribution
Manage inventory, storage, order preparation, and delivery to customers.
6. Understand international payment methods
Choose payment terms that fit the transaction size, partner relationship, and level of risk.
Common payment options
- Bank wire transfers
- Letters of credit
- Documentary collections
- Escrow services
- Established international payment platforms
Reduce payment risk
Verify payment instructions independently, confirm the legal identity of counterparties, document agreed terms, and be cautious of unexpected changes to bank details. For unfamiliar partners, consider payment structures that provide appropriate protection.
7. Build your global business network
Develop relationships and make your company easier for international buyers and suppliers to discover.
Meet industry contacts
Attend trade shows, industry exhibitions, business associations, and networking events.
Build your online presence
Use B2B directories, trade platforms, company profiles, and clear product listings to reach prospective partners.
8. Start trading and expand your business
Begin with a manageable transaction, learn from the process, and grow your international activity step by step.
1
Plan and verify
Confirm product specifications, partner credentials, pricing, and contract terms.
2
Complete a first order
Arrange payment, documents, insurance, shipping, and customs clearance.
3
Review and grow
Evaluate delivery, quality, costs, and customer feedback before scaling up.
Your global trade opportunities start here
Connect with international buyers and suppliers, discover new products, and explore business opportunities through EWorldGoods.
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