a. In today's interconnected global economy, the question of whether or not to export seems academic. It nevertheless demands asking due to the substantial risk and resources called for in expanding sales internationally.
Pursuing export markets is recommended in a number of situations:
demonstrated international demand for your products
higher international prices for your manufactured goods
moderate or slow domestic market growth with strong, unsaturated or growing markets abroad
competitive pressures in your domestic market reducing prices and margins
competitors leveraging their profitability in foreign markets to increase their market share in your domestic market
relatively low labor or capital costs as compared with foreign manufacturers
strategic needs: capital, technology, capacity, partners, government assistance, etc.
intangible needs conforming with multi-cultural or internationally oriented corporate culture
If you choose to export, you will need begin by performing market research to evaluate the suitability of foreign countries for your export products. Then, if promising export markets are identified in this process, you can begin preliminary business discovery to determine if reliable and interested distributors, customers and suppliers exist in your target countries. Eventually you might initiate discussions with strategic partners whose contacts and market clout can support your export program. All of this information will provide you with the appropriate tools to enter the market or make a calculated postponement of your international expansion.
However, befo ...