FAQs provide basic information on a wide range of questions that beginning exporters ask, including how to locate market information, financing, and trade leads. Below are a series of questions most frequently asked of the Alaska Export Assistance Center:

 

How do I begin an export business?

If you have not already established a business: First use the business development center established by the Small Business Administration to assist beginning entrepreneurs with the fundamentals. To contact the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), visit their web page at www.aksbdc.org. This site covers a range of topics including how to get started, developing a business plan, success stories and more.

 

What should I consider when making the decision to begin exporting?

If your firm is a manufacturer, processor or distributor:

There is a range of options for becoming involved in exporting from filling orders for domestic buyers, such as export trading companies, who then export the product, to exporting directly yourself. Regardless of which method you choose, a detailed and thorough strategy should be developed. Steps in developing such a strategy include:

• Evaluating your product's export potential
• Determining if you are really willing to make a commitment to international markets by evaluating whether your company is "export-ready"
• Identifying key foreign markets for your products through market research
• Evaluating distribution and promotional options and establishing an overseas distribution system
• Determining export prices, payment terms, methods and techniques
• Familiarizing yourself with shipping methods and export documentation procedures and requirements

If your firm provides oil field, engineering, architectural, legal, or financial services etc., your marketing strategy should consider:

• An in-country representative
• The pros and cons of a joint venture partner
• The search of due diligence strategies
• Market and client targeting

 

How do I determine if my company is "export-ready"?

Examine your resources and capabilities Formulating a solid export strategy requires a critical examination of the capabilities and resources of one's company, possible foreign markets and strategies for entering those markets, what steps to take and when, what will be the cost in both time and money and more.

Publications A Basic Guide to Exporting is a publication of the U.S. Department of Commerce in cooperation with Unz & Co. Inc. It describes the exporting process step-by-step from identifying markets and developing an export strategy to overseas travel to conduct market research, locate buyers, and secure shipping and financing. It also lists federal agency export promotion services available to U.S. exporters. It is available for $25.00 from Unz & Co. by calling (800) 631-3098. It can also be accessed free of charge on the TIC's website at export.gov/tic. Click on "Export Resources", then follow the link to "A Basic Guide to Exporting".

Another useful resource for new exporters is the Small Business Administration (SBA) publication called Breaking Into the Trade Game. This is a step-by-step guide to the exporting process from developing an export strategy and doing market research to identifying buyers and financing. Unfortunately, the publication is currently out of print. SBA is revising it so in the meantime, you may locate the former version on the Internet at www.sba.gov or through your local library or local SBA office at: (907) 271-4022.

Seminars Also check news publications like the Anchorage Daily News for listings of free business seminars. If you do not hold a subscription, you can log on to their site at: www.adn.com. Click on "Community News" or check the business section for an update on seminars offered. The World Trade Center Alaska www.wtcak.org holds monthly luncheon presentations featuring speakers focused on trade. The Alaska World Affairs Council www.alaskaworldaffairs.org holds weekly presentations from September through May that focus on the different facets of the global marketplace and the Export Council of Alaska holds monthly briefings on key issues governing trade issues in Alaska.

 

How do I obtain market research on a specific country and/or product?

www.export.gov is the portal to the commercial database of the federal government. Registration is at no cost and opens resources by gathering international trade and economic data from over 20 different government agencies into one place. Among the over 200,000 documents, exporters can find:

• Country Commercial Guides (CCG's) - A comprehensive view of a selected country's commercial environment, including market conditions, economic situations, political environment, best export sectors, trade regulations, investment incentives, finance techniques, upcoming trade events, marketing strategies, services for exporters, business travel tips, etc. The CCG also lists important government and trade association contacts in the particular country.
• International Market Insight Reports - Short profiles of specific foreign market conditions or opportunities prepared by the Department of Commerce's Commercial Service, the Department of State and multi-lateral development banks in overseas markets. The reports provide information on a dynamic aspect of a particular market. They may focus on specific projects, industry profiles, finance and marketing trends, regulation and import changes, trade show opportunities or government policy updates.
• Industry Sector Analysis Reports - In-depth profiles of a selected industry subsector. They include an analysis of market opportunities, end users, competitors, market access, distribution channels, market barriers and financing options. The report lists several best sales prospects, trade promotion opportunities and in-country contacts.
• Best Market Reports - Reports derived form the "Best Prospects" sections of the Country Commercial Guides (CCG's) prepared by individual Commercial Service and State Department posts. Sectors are designated as "Best Prospects" based on near-term growth potential and market receptivity to additional U.S. suppliers.
• Trade Opportunity Program (TOP) Leads - TOP provides companies with current sales leads from foreign firms seeking to buy or represent their products or services. TOP leads are printed daily in leading commercial newspapers, such as the Journal of Commerce and are also available online through STAT-USA/Internet at www.stat-usa.gov.

In addition, many countries maintain their own web pages with business information specific to that country. For a list of foreign embassies in the United States on the web, check out www.embassy.org. Try linking to the country in which you are interested in doing business for more information.

 

Where can I obtain information on foreign markets and trade opportunities for agriculture and fish products?

The Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service works with fishing industry representatives and organizations to facilitate access to foreign markets in cooperation with the Commerce Department's International Trade Administration, FAS assists exporters seeking to find and explore new export markets: www.fas.usda.gov

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute's (ASMI) international program works to increase both trade and consumer awareness of the Alaska seafood industry and its products in international markets. The ASMI currently has five active regional programs spanning two continents. Each of these programs is directly managed by highly qualified overseas marketing representatives that provide ASMI with worldwide exposure and control over its programs. ASMI has been a participant in the MAP (Market Access Program) administered by the USDA's FAS. ASMI, the State of Alaska and the federal government work together to increase volume, value and/or market share through promotional efforts. www.alaskaseafood.org

The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) has seafood market specialists in Tokyo and Brussels. These two experts are powerful tools for exporters or exporter aspirants. Trade leads received from them are disseminated to Alaska suppliers. If you wish to be included as a recipient of the sales opportunities, send us a message cbecker@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov .

 

How do I locate trade leads for my exporting business? How do I locate potential distributors in overseas markets?

The Commerce Department offers many programs to assist exporters with trade leads:

• Trade Opportunities Program - provides trade leads that arrive daily from U.S. embassies abroad. These leads are printed in the Journal of Commerce and other private sector newspapers. TOP leads are also available through the STAT-USA Internet site www.stat-usa.gov. For subscription information, contact STAT-USA at 1-800-STAT-USA.
• U.S. companies seeking information and assistance on export duties and taxes, regulatory information, the latest market research, trade leads, trade events and other information can visit CEEBIC. The Business Information Service for the Newly Independent States (BISNIS) offer trade leads for their respective regions at www.bisnis.doc.gov. Both offices are part of the U.S. Department of Commerce's USA Trade Center in Washington, DC.
• Country Directories of International Contacts provides lists by country, foreign directories of importers (showing name, address, telephone number, etc.), government agencies, trade associations and other organizations in countries where the Commercial Service maintains a presence. This list represents the primary sources of contact information that each U.S. Commercial Service post thought would be useful and does not represent an endorsement of any of the services listed. It is available on the National Trade Data Bank (see question 4 for more information on the NTDB).
• International Partner Search is a customized search on behalf of U.S. companies seeking foreign representation. U.S. commercial officers abroad conduct the agent/distributor search based on requirements specified by the requesting firm. The search for agents and distributors takes 60-90 days and costs $600 per market. You can place an order for this service through our office (907) 271-6237.
• Gold Key Service is custom-tailored for U.S. companies planning on visiting a foreign country, combining orientation briefings, market research, introductions to potential partners, interpreter service for meetings and assistance in developing a marketing strategy. A Video Gold Key Service, a custom-tailored program via videoconference is also available. Contact our office for more information regarding this service.
• International Buyer Program - Look for contacts at your industry's trade shows in the United States. U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service officers worldwide recruit qualified foreign buyers to attend the selected trade shows. These shows are extensively publicized through embassy and regional commercial newsletters, catalogs, foreign trade associations, chambers of commerce, travel agents, government agencies, corporations, import agents and equipment distributors in targeted markets.
• Internet Guide to Trade Leads is a comprehensive source of Internet sites that contain trade leads.
• Trade Missions - Usually focusing on one industry or service sector, trade missions provide participants with detailed marketing information, advanced planning and publicity, logistical support and pre-arranged appointments with potential buyers, government officials and others. Participants pay between $2,000 - $5,000, depending on locations and number of countries visited. Missions usually consist of 5 - 12 U.S. business executives.

 

Does the U.S. government have any programs to help advertise my products overseas?

• Commercial News USA - a catalog published 10 times a year to promote U.S. products and services in overseas markets. It is disseminated to business readers worldwide via U.S. embassies and consulates and international electronic bulletin boards and selected portions are also reprinted in certain newsletters. Exporters can advertise U.S. made products or services in Commercial News USA by visiting the Internet at www.thinkglobal.us or contacting our office.
• International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) - U.S. exporters can also advertise through the IBB, which is part of the United States Information Agency. IBB is the umbrella organization which includes Voice of America, Worldnet TV and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Voice of America broadcasts almost 700 hours of programming to an estimated audience of 86 million each week. They can peg a company's ads to different language broadcasts about a particular subject, (e.g. science information and technology, health and medicine) or target the ads to a specific region or country. For additional information, please contact the IBB by calling (202) 260-9052 EST.
• USDA's "Buyer Alerts" is a proven way to inform foreign buyers about your products and company. It is a biweekly newsletter distributed by the Foreign Agriculture Service directly to foreign buyers, which allows your "For Sale" ad to be read in more than 100 countries by over 15,000 importers worldwide. The newsletter is distributed in English and Spanish. It is one of the most powerful ways to advertise you product and make export sales. Each announcement in the newsletter provides a product description, offer terms and information about your company.

In addition, please check out our listing of trade shows and trade missions sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce

 

How can I receive information on foreign regulations, standards or certification requirements for my products?

The Country Commercial Guides (CCG's) examine each country's trade regulations and investment practices and present a comprehensive look at the commercial environment in various countries through economic, political and market analyses. Refer to Question 4 for information on obtaining a CCG.

Contact the Trade Information Center at 1(800) USA -TRADE. TIC trade specialists, along with some of the industry specialists in the Dept. of Commerce maintain information on foreign country regulations, standards and certification systems and/or a contact list of organizations that can help you obtain that information. Please refer to the TIC website at: www.export.gov/tic

The National Center for Standards & Certification Information (NSCSI) of the Dept. of Commerce provides information on U.S. and foreign conformity assessment procedures and standards for non-agricultural products. The NSCSI also provides a translation service for foreign standards, for which there is a charge. NSCSI staff respond to requests for information by identifying relevant standards and/or regulations for your product. The requester is referred to the appropriate standards-developing organization or private sector organization for additional technical information and/or copies of the document. The NSCSI does not provide copies of the standards. For more information, contact NCSCI at (301) 975-4040 or visit their site at ts.nist.gov

Also, visit the International Standards Organization (ISO) www.iso.org and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) www.ansi.org

 

Is there a tariff or quota that applies to my product in a foreign country? What is a Harmonized Tariff System Classification (Schedule B) Number? How do I determine my Schedule B Number?

International Customs Bureaus don't speak to each other in languages--they deal in numbers. In order to determine a specific tariff, you must first classify your product according to its Harmonized System Number.

What is a Harmonized System (HS) Classification (Schedule B) Number?

The Harmonized System Classification is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products. This ten digit identifying number is assigned to each product and used by customs officials around the world to determine the duties, taxes and regulations that apply to the product. The first six digits are harmonized throughout the world. The last four digits vary by country.

How do I determine my HS or Schedule B Number?

To obtain your Schedule B number, visit the U.S. Census Bureau's web site at: www.census.gov. The Schedule B is published on this web site, and you can classify your own product through a keyword search. Please call our office with further questions regarding Schedule B Classification.

How do I determine a specific tariff rate?

Tariff and tax information is available from the Internet, private sources and from the federal government. For official rates, it is always best to contact the country's Customs authority.

More information can be obtained from the document entitled Foreign Tariff, Taxes and Customs Information which contains information on the tariff services available from the federal government and from the private sector, tariff information for countries with a single tariff rate, how to use the Internet websites and how gifts are handled for several countries. This document is available at tradeinfo.doc.gov. Click on "Tariff and Tax Information".

Please note: The U.S. Government cannot provide tariff rates for products shipped from one foreign country to another. For tariff rates for importing into the United States, please contact U.S. Customs. Their local office numbers are:

Trade Compliance Officer: (907) 271-2675
Import Specialist: (907) 271-4862
Commercial Imports or Shipments: (907) 271-4868

 

Where can I find statistics on U.S. exports and imports?

The state of Alaska Department of Commerce is an excellent source of trade data. Contact economist Mark Edwards at (907) 269-8112 .

The Foreign Trade Division, U.S. Census Bureau - www.census.gov. This site contains general U.S. trade information, including the current edition of the FT-900 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services press release, with information on the trade balance, import and export totals, general commodity groupings, and country totals.

Office of Trade and Economic Analysis, International Trade Administration - www.trade.gov. Click on "ITA Trade Statistics". This site contains U.S. aggregate foreign trade data, including historical data on U.S. trade in goods and services since 1960, total exports and imports to individual countries since 1991, the current top 50 surplus and deficit countries in U.S. trade, and commodity trade by SITC code. The site also lists statistics on exports by state and metropolitan area and industry-specific data by SIC code. The Customized State Export Statistics link allows you to view the global and state pattern of exports to selected destinations.

Massachusetts Institute for Social and Economic Research - MISER. This site contains state export data.

Who are the United States' top 50 trading partners?

Office of Trade and Economic Analysis, International Trade Administration - www.trade.gov. Click on "Trade Statistics".

Who is buying particular products from the United States?

First you must know the Harmonized System (HS) or Schedule B number of the product. See question 9 for information on the HS Classification System and where to obtain this number for your product. Once you have your HS number, there are various statistical resources:

USA TRADE - www.usatradeonline.gov. An online database service produced by the Census Bureau, STAT-USA, and Beyond 20/20, Inc. containing monthly export and import data on more than 18,000 commodities. An annual subscription is $300 and a monthly (30 day) account is available for $75.

Selected Commodity Subscription Service, Foreign Trade Division, U.S. Census Bureau - www.census.gov. U.S. import and export data, in units of 1 to 10 digit HS Codes, made available on a monthly basis via mail or by download. Mailed printouts are available for $180 a year and downloaded data is available for $160 a year, for a set of 10 commodities.

STAT-USA Internet-www.stat-usa.gov also offers exports and imports by country and by 1 to 10 digit HS codes. The side is updated daily with other market research reports and trade leads. It is available by subscription for $175 a year.

U.S. International Trade Commission - dataweb.usitc.gov contains U.S. import and export data one product at a time or by customized list. This site is free, but requires registration.

 

How can I find export financing?

• The first source for export financing is your local banks
• First National Bank Alaska: (800) 777-4362
• Key Bank: (800) 539-2968
• Northrim Bank: (800) 478-2265
• Wells Fargo Bank: (800) 869-3557
• Small Business Administration (SBA) offers loan guarantees through their Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) to help small businesses export. SBA's EWCP provides transaction-specific financing for loans of $833,333 or less. Exporters may use this program for pre-export financing of labor and materials, financing receivables generated from these sales, and/or standby letters of credit used as performance bonds or payment guarantees to foreign buyers.
• Export-Import Bank (EXIM) of the United States offers a Working Capital Guarantee Program for working capital over $833,333. The program can be used to purchase raw material and finished products for export, pay for materials, labor and overhead to produce goods and/or provide services for export and cover standby letters of credit serving as bid bonds, performance bonds or advance payment guarantees. The EXIM Bank also has an Export Credit Risk Program to protect against both the political and commercial risks of a foreign buyer defaulting on payment. In addition, EXIM guarantees can be obtained on commercial loans to foreign buyers of U.S. goods or services to cover 100 percent of principal and interest against both political and commercial risks of nonpayment. In some cases, EXIM also offers direct loans to foreign buyers with competitive, fixed-rate financing for their purchases from the United States. For more information on EXIM Bank programs, please visit their website at: www.exim.gov.
• AIDEA and EXIM Bank - In 1996 Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) became a City/State partner with the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) of the United States. The City/State partner program is a cooperative venture between the Ex-Im Bank and state and local finance and development agencies that help small and medium-sized businesses understand and make greater use of the EXIM Bank's financing programs. Through the partnership, AIDEA gives Alaskan businesses local access to the EXIM Bank's financing programs. The nearest regional office of the EXIM Bank is located in Los Angeles, California. However, your local AIDEA office is located at:
  
  813 West Northern Lights Boulevard
  Anchorage, AK 99503
  Phone: (907) 269-3000
  Fax: (907) 269-3044
  www.aidea.org
• The Private Export Funding Company (PEFCO), a private corporation owned by commercial banks, industrial corporations, and financial services companies, supplements existing EXIM and private programs for export financing. PEFCO was established with the support of the U.S. Treasury Department and the EXIM Bank. Its services include direct loans, note purchase facilities, securitization facilities and short-term working capital facilities. For more information, visit the PEFCO home page at: www.pefco.com or contact them by calling (212) 916-0300.

 

Do I need an export license to ship my product to a particular market? How do I get a license?

Most goods do not need a license. Licenses are generally required for high tech or strategic goods for goods shipped to certain countries where national security or foreign policy controls are important. The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) administers export licenses and regulations. The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) require a license for certain activities and items, e.g. commodities, software and technology if one of ten general prohibitions applies and the export or re-export is not eligible for a license exception.

Any exporter can call BIS to determine the need for a license. BIS can be reached at its Western Region offices in California at (949) 660-0144 and its Eastern Region offices in Washington, DC at (202) 482-4811 . The BIS's web site is www.bis.doc.gov.

 

Where can I find information on trade sanctions?

The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Dept. of Treasury - administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries, terrorism sponsoring organizations and international narcotics traffickers based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals. OFAC acts under Presidential wartime and national emergency powers, as well as authority granted by specific legislation, to impose controls on transactions and freeze foreign assets under U.S. jurisdiction. Many of the sanctions are based on United Nations and other international mandates, are multilateral in scope, and involve close cooperation with allied governments. For information, please contact:

Office of Foreign Assets Control
U.S. Dept. of Treasury
Washington, DC 20220
Phone: (202) 622-2490
Toll Free: (800) 540-6322

Much of the information available from OFAC can be accessed on its Internet site: www.treas.gov and its Fax-on-Demand service. The automated Fax-on-Demand service is free and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by dialing (202) 622-0077 from any touch tone phone and following voice prompts. OFAC documents kept up to date on the system include all those available on the web site as well as notices, such as General Notice No. 1, licensing guidelines, and copies of Federal Register notices (often including notices filed, but not yet printed in the Federal Register, such as the North Korean census requirement). The "Index of Available Documents" is date-specific.

 

Do you have lists of American manufacturers and suppliers? Do you have lists of other U.S. importers and exporters? Do you have lists of export trading/export management companies?

Our office does not have comprehensive lists such as these, but can direct you to helpful resources such as:

Industry associations generally have directories of their members. The following publications (available in many local libraries) contain lists of industry trade associations:

• Encyclopedia of Associations - National and Professional Associations of the United States www.library.dialog.com"
• Directory of Associationswww.marketingsource.com

Additional private publications which list U.S. manufacturers and suppliers include:

• Industry associations generally have directories of their members. The following publications (available in many local libraries) contain lists of industry trade associations:

-Encyclopedia of Associations -National and Professional Associations of the United States

• Register of American Manufacturers published by Thomas Register at www.thomasregister.com or by phone at (212) 695-0500. -Harris Manufacturing Directory published by Harris Publishing at (800) 888-5900
• American Export Register published by Thomas International Publishing at (212) 629-1174 -Directory of Leading Export Management Companies published by Bergano Book Company at (203) 254-2054 -Directory of U.S. Importers and Exporters published by the Journal of Commerce (800) 222-0356 ext. 6698 -Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries published by Uniworld Business Publications at (212) 496-2448 or www.uniworldbp.com

The U.S. Exporter's Yellow Pages produced by Global Publishers in cooperation with the International Trade Administration's Office of Export Trading Company Affairs, is an annual directory of United States companies involved in international business. This free publication features over 20,000 U.S. export service providers, trading companies and manufacturers that have registered their export interests through the other Export Assistance Centers located nationwide. The U.S. Exporters' Yellow Pages is available at www.myexports.com

 

Where can I find a list of foreign companies in a specific industry or sector?

The International Partner Search, a program offered by our office, is a customized search on behalf of U.S. companies seeking foreign representation. U.S. commercial officers abroad conduct the agent/distributor search based on requirements specified by the requesting firm. The search for agents and distributors takes 60 - 90 days and costs $600 per market. You can place your order for this service by calling us at (907) 271-6237 or email at: cbecker@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov

Trade Offices and Embassies of foreign governments help their firms export to the United States, so you may want to contact the commercial officer or the trade attaché of the country from which you would like to purchase goods. A list of foreign embassies or trade officers in the United States is available from the Trade Information Center's web site at: tradeinfo.doc.gov Follow the link for "Trade Offices Nationwide" and then the link to "Foreign Trade Offices".

Foreign Trade Associations can also provide valuable information on industries and companies within your country of interest. This information can be found in the Appendix of the Country Commercial Guides (CCG's). See question #4 for information on how to obtain a CCG.

Private corporations which maintain information on overseas companies include:

• Foreign Trade Register, published by Thomas Register. This provides listings of foreign manufacturers worldwide. They can be reached by phone at (800) 699-9822 or internet: www.thomasregister.com
• Kompass International Trade Directories provide references to a country's industry and contain product and service classifications. They provide directories for individual countries, product references and executives names in over 60 countries. They can be reached via internet at: www.kompass.com.

 

How do I find information about a particular overseas company?

Various public and private resources have services designed to help U.S. exporters find information about overseas companies:

International Company Profile, a program offered by our office, portrays the reliability of prospective trading partners. Information provided included type of organization, year established, size, general reputation, territory covered, sales, product lines, principal owners, financial information and trade references with recommendations from on-site U.S. commercial officers as to suitability as a trading partner. The results of your request will take 30 - 45 days and costs $500 per report. You can place your order for this service by calling our office at (907) 271-6237 or via email: cbecker@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov .

Private corporations which maintain information on overseas companies include:

• Dun & Bradstreet Information Service, provides country profiles and risk analysis, lists and publications such as America's Corporate Families and International Affiliates. They also compile Economic risk and Payment Review reports available by country, region or globally. They can be reached at (800) 932-0025 or www.dnb.com.
• Standard & Poor's Rating Service provides country profile reports, risk analysis, credit reports. They also compile Economic Risk and Payment Review reports available by country, region or globally. They can be reached at (212) 208-1146 or at www2.standardandpoors.com
• Graydon America, Inc. provides business services in the fields of credit management and marketing information on overseas companies. They can be reached at (212) 385-3490.

Other private corporations which provide credit reporting services include:

• America's Business Information Association ties together credit reporting from agencies in Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Mexico at (404) 933-4142.
• Coface North America can be contacted at (877) 626-3223 or visit at www.coface-usa.com 

 

Are there any sources of legal assistance for people who are new to exporting?

The Export Legal Assistance Network (ELAN), a program of the Small Business Administration (SBA), is a nationwide group of volunteer attorneys with experience in international trade who provide free initial legal consultations to small businesses on export-related law matters. They assist new-to-exporter firms in the planning process for an export business, explain the basic agent-distributor agreement, etc. A comprehensive list of regional coordinators who can refer you to a participating attorney can be found on the National Export Directory - the TIC's guide to federal, state and local trade offices throughout the United States. It is available at tradeinfo.doc.gov (click on the link to "Trade Offices Nationwide" or by calling (800) USA-TRADE.

 

How can I find out about investment practices in a certain country?

Country Commercial Guides (CCG's) examine each country's trade regulations on investment practices, and present a comprehensive look at the commercial environment in various countries through economic, political and market analyses. See question #4 for information on obtaining CCG's.

Country Reports on Economic Policy and Trade Practices are available on the NTDB for those countries that do not have a CCG. These reports describe in detail the trade and investment climate in each country. The Country Reports, along with CCG's and Country Background Notes are available in the State Department home page at: www.state.gov (under "Business Services").

 

How can I get information on importing products into the United States?

The U.S. government does not offer import promotion programs such as those available to U.S. exporters. However, there are alternative sources of information:

• For Information on the procedures to import products in the United States, the publication Importing into the United States: A Guide for Commercial Importers may be ordered from the Government Printing Office (GPO). The publication stock number is 048-002-00132-1 and may be ordered by contacting the GPO at (202) 512-1800 or online at: www.gpo.gov.
• Foreign governments help their firms export to the United States, so you may want to contact the commercial officer or trade attaché of the country from which you would like to purchase goods. A list of foreign embassies or trade offices in the United States is available from the TIC web site at tradeinfo.doc.gov. Follow the link for "Trade Offices Nationwide" and then the link for "Foreign Trade Offices".
• To obtain U.S. tariff rates for specific imported products, to check on regulations such as import quotas or for general import information, contact your local customs office at:

Ted Steven's International Airport
Import Specialist
Team 705: (907) 271-4862
Team 706: (907) 271-4860
Commercial Imports or Shipments: (907) 271-4868