Industry Information
U.S. Industry and Trade Outlook '98. Successor to the U.S. Industrial Outlook, published from 1957 to 1994, this expanded-coverage 600-page edition includes economic forecasts for 350 manufacturing and service sectors, including telecommunications, financial services, aerospace, and utilities. Issued by the International Trade Commission in conjunction with the McGraw-Hill Companies. Available at bookstores ($69.95) or through the National Technical Information Service, 5835 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161; telephone 1-800-553-8847.
Export Information System Data Reports (XIS). Produced by the Small Business Administration (SBA), each data report covers approximately 2,700 product categories. XIS helps small businesses determine which export markets to pursue. Upon request, SBA provides a small business with a list of the 25 largest importing markets for its product, the ten best markets for U.S. exporters of that product, the trends in those markets, and the major sources of foreign and UN data. This service is available free to small businesses. Telephone the Small Business Answer Desk at 1-800-U-ASK-SBA, or access the SBA home page at: www.sbaonline.sba.gov.
U.S. Department of Agriculture: U.S. Trade Assistance and Promotion Office (TAPO). The Trade Assistance and Promotion office of the Foreign Agriculture Service serves as the first point of contact for persons who need information on foreign markets for agricultural products. The TAPO staff can provide basic export counseling and direct you to appropriate Department of Agriculture offices to answer specific questions on exporting. In addition, the staff can provide country and commodity specific Foreign Market Information Reports, which focus on best market prospects and contain contact information on distributors and importers. Extensive information on the Foreign Agricultural Service is also available through the Foreign Agricultural Service home page on Internet. Contact: Trade Assistance and Promotion Office, (202) 720-7420, fax (202) 690-4374; Internet: www.fas.usda.gov.
Country and Area Information
Trade Information Center (TIC). TIC trade specialists can answer questions on (1) import tariffs/taxes and customs procedures; (2) standards, intellectual property rights, government procurement, and other commercial laws, regulations, and practices; (3) distribution channels, business travel, and other market information; and (4) opportunities and best prospects for U.S. companies in individual markets. In addition, callers can access the TIC's 24-hour automated fax retrieval system to access regional- and country-specific market information. Both services are available by calling 1-800-USA-TRADE; e-mail: tic@ita.doc.gov; Internet homepage: www.ita.doc.gov/td/tic.
Country Commercial Guides (CCG). CCGs are prepared annually by U.S. embassies covering 115 countries. Each CCG is a planning tool that analyzes an individual country's business and economic climate emphasizing marketing and trade statistics, development, and other issues. CCGs are available through the NTDB or through the NTIS. The National Technical Information Service may be contacted at 1-800-553-NTIS or 703-487-40530 for TDD (hearing impaired).
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs Automated Fax System. The Consular Affairs automated fax system is available to anyone with a fax machine equipped with a telephone jack. This system offers all of the bureau's Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, Public Announcements, Tips for Travelers brochures, and Visa Bulletins. The telephone number is: (202) 647-3000. Callers must use the receiver on their fax machines to dial into the automated fax service.
Congressional Presentations of the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID). Published by AID's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, this document provides country-by-country data on nations to which AID will provide funds in the coming year, as well as detailed information on past funding activities in each country. They also list projects the agency desires to fund in the upcoming year. Since these projects require U.S. goods and services, these presentations give U.S. exporters an early look at potential projects and therefore are an opportunity to plan ahead. (See Preparing Your Product for Export for more details on AID's programs). They are available through the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) by the set or as separate volumes. Contact National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161; telephone 1-800-553-NTIS. The information is also available through USAID's home page.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Surveys. These economic development surveys cover each of the 29-member OECD countries individually. Each survey presents a detailed analysis of recent developments in market demand, production, employment, and prices and wages. Short-term forecasts and analyses of medium-term problems relevant to economic policies are provided. The surveys are shipped from France. Contact the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Publications and Information Center, 2001 L Street, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036; telephone 202-785-6323. The OECD home page address is www.oecd.org.
OECD Publications. The chartered mission of OECD is to promote its member countries' policies designed to support high economic growth, employment, and standard of living, and to contribute to sound economic expansion in development and in trade. OECD publications focus on a broad range of social and economic issues, concerns, and developments, including reports on international market information country by country, such as import data useful in assessing import competition. For information on and prices for these publications, contact Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, Publications and Information Center, 2001 L Street, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036; telephone 202-785-6323.
Back to Sources of Market Research
More about Exporting:
Introduction
Developing an Export Plan
Developing a Market Plan
Methods of Market Research
A Step-by-Step Approach to Market Research
Sources of Market Research
Export Advice
Methods/Channels
Making Contacts
Technology Licensing /Joint Ventures
Preparing Your Product for Export
Service Exports
International Legal Considerations
Shipping Your Product
Pricing, Quotations, and Terms
Methods of Payment
Financing Export Transactions
Selling Overseas
After-sales Service
