FAQs

What is the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS)?

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 mission of the U.S. Commercial Service in the Philippines is to create jobs in the United States by advancing commercial opportunities in the Philippines and strategically assisting firms to export U.S. products and services. Commercial Service Philippines has developed many services designed specifically to assist companies such as yours do business in Colombia.

Who does the USCS serve?

The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) 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 Philippines 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 Philippine companies source U.S. suppliers and import U.S. goods and services.

How do I obtain information on the Philippine market?

The U.S. Commercial Service in the Philippines 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 Colombia can conduct customized market research for your firm.

Which industry sectors offer the best opportunities?

The Philippine Country Commercial Guide lists the leading sectors for U.S. exports and investment in the Philippines. Access Chapter 1: Doing Business in the Philippines 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 Philippine economy. Contact us for information on the market of opportunities for your particular product or service.

How do I find Philippine buyers/distributors/representatives?

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

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

The U.S. Commercial Service in the Philippines 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.

Please complete this New Client Data Form. The information you provide on this short form will help us to better understand your company and its needs. It will also allow us to include your company in our client database, which will enable us to contact you should any business opportunities arise in the future. Our databases are based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), so please include the corresponding NAICS code for the product/service you are interested in exporting to the Philippines or that which best describes your business. To search NAICS, please visit the official U.S. Government NAICS web site: http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/

How can I obtain a list of trade shows in the Philippines?

Participating in local trade shows is an excellent way to contact potential buyers and to gain market exposure. Every year U.S. Commercial Service Philippines supports a number of trade shows and events carefully selected by its team of country experts. Contact us if you want to learn more about our trade shows.

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

If you need legal advice, please contact us. We can provide you with a list of the major law firms located in the Philippines. 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. If you need additional information or assistance, please click here to contact USDA Philippines.

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

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

If you have additional questions, please contact us at (+632) 301-2000 or businessphilippines@trade.gov.