The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion unit of the International Trade Administration. The U.S. Commercial Service is a global network of 1,800 trade professionals located in more than 250 cities worldwide, dedicated to assisting U.S. exporters and supporting U.S. business interests abroad. In the United States, the U.S. Commercial Service operates an extensive network of Export Assistance Centers that offer companies easy access and efficient response to exporting and international trade inquiries. Overseas, the Commercial Service is present in nearly 80 countries, representing more than 95 percent of the world market for U.S. exports.

The U.S. Commercial Service in Portugal (CS Portugal) is co-located with the U.S. Embassy in Portugal. Our mission is to create jobs in the United States by advancing commercial opportunities in Portugal and strategically assisting firms export U.S. products and services. CS Portugal has developed many services designed specifically to assist companies such as yours do business in Portugal.

Who does the USCS serve?

The U.S. Commercial Service primarily serves exporters of U.S. goods and services, particularly small and medium-sized businesses. We have a global network of professional consultants in nearly 300 domestic and overseas offices. Our in-depth counseling includes specific information to help you market your products and services in the global market.

The U.S. Commercial Service Portugal staff provides a combination of cost-effective basic and customized services to help you obtain market information, participate in trade events, and identify potential partners. Our commercial specialists have extensive local market expertise and can provide you with comprehensive market analysis and matchmaking assistance in all industries.

We also help Portuguese companies source U.S. suppliers and import U.S. goods and services.

How do I obtain information on the Portuguese market?

The U.S. Commercial Service in Portugal (CSA) identifies the industry sectors that offer the most potential for U.S. products and services, and prepares market research reports on an on-going basis. If you would like to receive market intelligence about export opportunities for your particular product or service, CS Portugal can conduct customized market research for your firm.

Which industry sectors offer the best opportunities?

The Portugal Country Commercial Guide (CCG), lists the leading sectors for U.S. exports and investment in Portugal. Access Doing Business in Portugal for a brief synopsis of the information contained in this comprehensive report.

Aside from the best prospect sectors, U.S. firms should also be aware of opportunities in other sectors of the Portuguese economy. Contact us for information on the market of opportunities for your particular product or service.

How do I find Portuguese buyers/distributors/representatives?

The U.S. Commercial Service in Portugal provides many services to help U.S. companies identify potential Portuguese partners. Our business matchmaking services are designed to help you locate, screen, and meet with potential buyers, representatives, distributors, and joint venture partners.

Does Portugal import my product? How much? Who are the major potential buyers?

The U.S. Commercial Service in Portugal uses a variety of resources, including in-country databases and local expertise, to provide you with import statistics and a list of the top ten potential importers for your product.

How do I establish a company in Portugal?

Foreign and domestic investors have free and equal rights to establish and own businesses in Portugal, or to acquire and dispose of interest in businesses without discrimination. An individual must be appointed as the company's legal representative, but assignment of capital to a branch office is not necessary.

You will find further information about establishing a company in Portugal in Chapter 3 of the Portugal Country Commercial Guide (CCG), which deals with Selling U.S. Products and Services. Access Doing Business in Portugal for a brief synopsis of the information contained in this comprehensive report.

Do any import restrictions apply to my product?

You will find a summary of the most important Portuguese import regulations and import restrictions in Chapter 5 of the Portugal Country Commercial Guide (CCG), Trade Regulations and Standards. Access Doing Business in Portugal for a brief synopsis of the information contained in this comprehensive report.

If you would like to identify import duties and taxes applicable to your specific product, please contact us.

If you need counseling from an expert in customs issues, contact us to request a list of Portuguese customs brokers. Please be advised that the listing of a firm does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Commerce or any other agency of the U.S. Government.

Which safety regulations and standards apply to my product?

You will find information about safety regulations and standards in Chapter 5 of the Portugal Country Commercial Guide (CCG), Trade Regulations and Standards. Access Doing Business in Portugal for a brief synopsis of the information contained in this comprehensive report.

If you would like to identify the standards applicable to your specific product, please contact us.

Where can I obtain financial/commercial references for a Portuguese company?

The U.S. Commercial Service in Portugal can investigate the capabilities, legitimacy and financial strength of your potential Portuguese business partners. Our report will contain available sales, profit figures, potential liabilities, and other financial information. Learn more...

Where can I find a list of business hotels in Portugal?

For information on hotels in Portugal, please contact us. We will be happy to provide you with the information you need for a successful business trip.

How can I obtain a list of trade shows in Portugal?

Participating in local trade shows is an excellent way to contact Portuguese potential buyers and to gain market exposure. Every year U.S. Commercial Service Portugal supports a number of trade shows and events carefully selected by its team of country experts. Click here to view the current list of local events.

Where can I find a list of business publications to promote my products?

Advertising in local trade publications is an excellent way to gain market exposure for your product or service in Portugal. You will find a brief list of the leading Portuguese newspapers and business magazines Chapter 3 of the Portugal Country Commercial Guide (CCG), Selling U.S. Products and Services. Access Doing Business in Portugal for a brief synopsis of the information contained in this comprehensive report.

Please contact us for a list of business publications in your specific industry sector. We can supply detailed information, such as the publisher contact data, circulation, frequency, advertising rates, and more.

Can USCS help me resolve a complaint against a Portuguese company?

If your firm is having difficulties with a Portuguese company, please feel free to contact us and provide detailed information about the situation, contact data, and documented proof of unsuccessful attempts at resolving the problem. We will analyze your case and provide assistance accordingly. Please be advised that the Embassy, by its own initiative, does not intervene in questions arising from private transactions. It does however, attempt to clarify misunderstandings.

I need legal advice. Where can I find a list of law firms in Portugal?

If you need legal advice, please contact us. We can provide you with a list of the major law firms located in Portugal. Please take into account that the listing of a firm does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Commerce or any other agency of the U.S. Government.

How do I find information about exporting my agricultural products?

You will find information about "Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards-FAIRS" in the Foreign Agricultural Service home page www.fas.usda.gov. If you need additional information or assistance, you will find a live link to the web site of the Foreign Agricultural Service at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid which represents U.S. agricultural interests in Spain and Portugal, here.

How do I find Portuguese suppliers?

The U.S. Commercial Service does not help U.S. companies find foreign suppliers. Click here for a list of Portuguese exporters provided by AICEP Portugal Global – Portugal’s Trade & Promotion Agency.

Where can I find a list of U.S. companies based in Portugal?

The American Chamber of Commerce in Portugal can provide you with the names of U.S. companies established in Portugal.

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