Q. Why should I export?

A. Exporting can be a key avenue to increasing your firm’s profitability. By attending our “Basics of Exporting” seminar, you will learn the critical steps in the export process, methods of payment, how to prepare export documentation, and more.

Q. How do I find customers?

A. Extensive industry, country and topical market research is available to help you pinpoint the best export markets and develop effective market entry strategies. These are available to you through our office. In addition, you can contact the Department of Commerce (if it 's a non-Ag product), or contact the Foreign Agricultural Service or the California Department of Food & Agriculture for lists of distributors/wholesalers or agents in the designated country. For ag-related products you can contact the Agricultural Attache in that country through the Embassy. The CITD can prepare custom marketing reports detailing opportunities in specific countries for a small fee. These reports can save you valuable time.

Q. How do I get paid?

A. The three means of payment, ranging from least risky to riskiest, are as follows: Payment in Advance(Wire Transfer), Letter of Credit or Payment Against documentation, and On Account. The CITD’s "International Finance" seminar will provide you with detailed information about the payment process and the associated risks for each payment option.

Q. Is there any financing available for exporting?

A. A small business loan can be acquired through the SBA. Another resource is Export-Import Bank of the United States (visit www.exim.gov) which offers loans specific for exporting. If you have an agricultural product, the Foreign Agricultural Service has marketing funded programs that match each dollar spent on any marketing done overseas. The program is called MAP- Marketing Access Program. Our office can provide you with current contact names for each of these programs.

Q. What countries should I export to?

A. Many companies begin with exporting to our neighbors Canada and Mexico, but you will need to evaluate multiple factors in making this decision. The Journal of Commerce (www.joc.com) provides timely information about all aspects of international trade, and is a tremendous resource. There are also country and industry reports available to you from the Foreign Agricultural Service and Department of Commerce.

Q. What is the best way to ship my product?

A. Using the services of a freight forwarder is easiest route when you first start exporting. Our "Basics of Exporting" seminar will provide you with information about the different options for shipping that are available to you.

Q. What is a harmonized code?

A. A harmonized code is found on the bills of lading and serves to correctly identify your product for exporting. The government, through the U.S. Census Bureau, assigns the code. To find a code, you can visit the Census Bureau 's Website or contact the Washington D.C. office. Another source is the OfficialExport Guide CD-ROM.

Q. What about tariffs or taxes overseas?

A. Generally speaking, the importer pay tariffs and or taxes. If the tariffs are high, some exporters will discount prices. You will learn more on this topic at our “Basics of Exporting” seminar.

Q. Where can I go if I have more questions?

A. Since 1989, we have served as the Central Valley’s primary contact point for local businesses seeking international trade opportunities, marketing information, resources, counseling, technical assistance and training. We hope you will call us first whenever a question about international trade arises.

Q. Is there a local business organization focused on international trade?

A. Yes, the San Joaquin Valley International Trade Association (SJVITA*) meets once a month. Other events to attend include the Tulare Farm Show in February and the CITD’s Annual International Business Conference held in Fresno in May.