International Trade

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, big companies make up about 4 % of U.S. Exports.  This means that 96% of exporters are small businesses.  International trade important to starting small businesses because in several cases the products or services you may wish to market are not available or made in your home country.

International trade is enormously beneficial for entrepreneurs and enables producers of goods and services to move beyond the U.S. market.  While international trade accounted for a small percentage of U.S. economic growth in the early 1950s, today it has become an integral part of business.  For many small businesses importing and exporting is becoming an essential cornerstone in achieving success, yet it requires knowledge of business disciplines far beyond the basic dos and don’ts of operating a domestic business.

One organization that enhances the competitive strength of California businesses in the international trade marketplace and supports international trade development in the local community is the Long Beach Center for International Trade Development (Long Beach CITD).

Resource Links for International Trade

•    The Department of Commerce www.commerce.gov
•    The U.S. Government Export Portal www.export.gov  
•    The International Trade Administration (ITA) www.ita.doc.gov
•    Business Information Services for Newly Independent States (BISNIS) www.bisnis.doc.gov