What foreign markets are right for my RE&EE product?
Plan your market entry the right way: before you first export, use market research to learn your products’ potential in a given market, the best prospects for its success, and the market’s business practices.
If you are just beginning to sell internationally, narrow your focus by concentrating two or three best-prospect markets. Use the step-by-step research guidelines from the Export.gov to get started.
U.S. government resources at your fingertips
Access the U.S. Commercial Service’s Market Research Library which contains more than 100,000 market reports, authored by the International Trade Administration’s industry and country specialists including those working in overseas posts. Hundreds of reports from recent years related to Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RE&EE) can be found through a keyword search of the library. U.S. companies and students or researchers can register with Export.gov to have full access.
For RE&EE products that fall into certain tariff codes, trade data can help identify which are the best countries for targeting export efforts. From these data you can gauge the size of the market for your product and can develop a price strategy to become competitive.
Renewable energy companies that rely on agricultural products as feedstock should look into the Global Agriculture Information Network (GAIN) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This web-based system provides timely information on the agricultural economic situation, products, and issues in foreign countries through 3,000 reports submitted annually by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) officers, who cover 154 countries around the world.
Tune into ITA’s webinars to hear from U.S. Commercial Service and industry trade experts about how your company can increase its international sales. Some webinars focus on the basics of exporting, whereas others are targeted to specific markets and sectors.
Export.gov offers a wide range of current industry and trade information to help exporters of U.S goods and services find the information they need to compete successfully in overseas markets.
Customized market research
Do you need fast, customized market research that answers your international business questions? The Customized Market Research program offered by the U.S. Commercial Service makes use of its vast network of industry associations, government agencies, importers, distributors, end users, and manufacturers to provide you with information critical to your international success.
RE&EE exports in action
The examples below illustrate how U.S. government services can help U.S. RE&EE companies enhance their ability to export.
- The China Business Information Center (BIC) is a comprehensive resource provided by the U.S. Commercial Service for small businesses that are interested in or are already doing business in China. In addition to the website, the BIC includes a call center staffed by trade specialists and a China seminar series that is available nationwide.
- In July 2010, the U.S. Commercial Service hosted a webinar on Energy Opportunities in Colombia. You can watch the webinar, view the presentations, or read the transcript.
- Biofuels trade reports from FAS can be accessed through GAIN. These annual reports include voluntary information on biomass for key countries or regions, such as Canada, Russia, and the European Union. For example, FAS released its EU Annual Biofuels Report in June 2010.
Where do I start?
Visit Export.gov to learn more about the guidance and expertise available for new or new-to-market exporters.
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