International business.

• Position: Small Business Resources

North Carolina Exports and Jobs

88%

(9,544) OF N.C.EXPORTERS ARE SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMES)

92%

MANUFACTURING COMPANIES

158,222 export-related jobs

BENEFITS OF EXPORTING

Exporting can help your business:

* Increase sales and profits

* Gain global market share

* Enhance domestic competitiveness

* Reduce dependence on existing markets

* Exploit technology and know-how

* Extend the sales potential of existing products

* Stabilize seasonal market fluctuations

* Sell excess production capacity

* Gain information about foreign competition

TRADE-OFFS OF EXPORTING

Your business may be required to:

* Use short-term profits to achieve long-term gains

* Modify your product or packaging

* Develop new promotional material

* Incur added administrative costs

* Dedicate personnel for export sales / traveling

* Wait longer for payments

* Apply for export financing or credit insurance

* Obtain special export licenses

GETTING STARTED WITH EXPORTING

[1] Evaluate your product's export potential

[2] Determine your company's export readiness

[3] Research and identify potential foreign markets and customers

[4] Find and evaluate potential export sales representatives

[5] Research supply chain options, including freight forwarders

[6] Determine international pricing and payment arrangements

[7] Consider trade finance options

Export Assistance Resources

* N.C. Department of Commerce, International Trade Division: nccommerce.com/trade

* U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC): export.gov/northcarolina/

* SBTDC International Business Development Program: sbtdc.org/programs/export

* U.S. Small Business Administration: sba.gov

* U.S...