Find out whether doing business in the Middle East and North Africa is for you. What are the opportunities? What does it take to succeed?

The countries that make up the Middle East and North Africa have a combined population of more than 320 million and form an area of tremendous strategic and economic importance to the United States. Although doing business in the Middle East can present some unique challenges, many U.S. companies have found a high source of demand for their goods and services in the region. The U.S. free trade agreements (FTAs) with Israel and Jordan have further opened the way for American companies seeking to trade with Middle Eastern partners. In addition, the United States is promoting free trade agreements with other states in the region including Morocco, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. When doing business in the Middle East, American businesses benefit greatly from basic knowledge of conditions in and customs of Middle Eastern and North African countries.

Can U.S. Companies Trade with The Middle East and North Africa? 

Given the current uncertainty about U.S. relations with some countries in the Middle East and North Africa, businesses may wonder whether there is a market for their goods in the region. In fact, exports from the U.S. have become a part of daily life in the Middle East and North Africa. During 2004, American businesses exported goods and services valued at more than $23.5 billion to the region, with Saudi Arabia and Israel serving consistently as the largest Middle Eastern buyers of American goods.

There are, however, countries in the Middle East and North Africa against which the United States maintains comprehensive trade sanctions. American companies are generally prohibited from trading with Iran and Sudan. There are limited exceptions to these sanctions, primarily involving the export of food, medicine and medical supplies, as well as trade in informational materials. And although restrictions have been lessened in other countries (such as Iraq or Libya), there are important restrictions U.S. exporters need to know.

Some products may require licenses, particularly in situations involving national security, foreign policy, short-supply, nuclear non-proliferation, missile technology, chemical and biological weapons, regional stability, crime control, or terrorist concerns. The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has primary responsibility for the licensing of dual-use goods, i.e., items with both commercial and military/strategic applications, while the State Department’s Office of Defense Trade Controls (DTC) deals with defense articles, services, and related technology. Several other agencies issue licenses for particular goods. For a brief description of each agency’s responsibilities and their contact information, contact BIS at 202-482-4811 or DTC at 703-875-6644 for more details.

Where Can I Find More Information?

The Middle East and North Africa Business Information Center (MENA BIC) is located within the U.S. Commerce Department’s Commercial Service and features practical information that American exporters can use, including market and industry-specific information, exporting steps and tips, current market research, timely export leads, upcoming trade events, and vital regulatory information. The MENA BIC covers information on sixteen markets in the region, and is an excellent resource to help you with all of your export related questions to the area.

For more information on the Middle East and North Africa BIC, please call your local U.S. Commercial Service office at 412-644-2800 or visit export.gov/middleeast. Information about MENA BIC outreach events can be found on the Trade Events section of http://www.export.gov/middleeast