BUSINESS INFORMATION
Exporting
Exporting can offer significant opportunities to grow your business and boost profitability. It allows you to reduce reliance on your local market, spreading risk and gaining access to new ideas and competition strategies.
Expanding into foreign markets also helps you refine skills that can enhance your performance in the domestic market.
- Before exporting
- Austrade
- Western Australian Government
- Export Finance and Insurance Corporation
- Deciding if you are ready to export
- Taking your product or service to international markets
- Building strong business networks
- Understanding the local language and culture
- Developing a marketing strategy
- Providing after-sales service and support
- More information
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Before exporting
Before exporting, it’s essential to assess the feasibility, consider potential risks, and research your target markets.
Austrade
The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) offers valuable support to small businesses aiming to expand through exporting. Their guide covers key areas such as:
- Developing an export strategy
- Export pricing
- Market research, including visits to the market
- Risk management
- Financing options
- Freight and logistics
- Managing sales, agents, and distributors
- Payment collectionLegal considerations
Austrade also provides insights on export markets, free trade agreements, and administers the Export Market Development Grants scheme and TradeStart program.
Western Australian Government
The Western Australian Government operates trade and investment offices worldwide, including in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific region.
Free and confidential services are available to export-ready businesses, such as:
- Market insights, including economic trends, trade statistics, demand analysis, and import complianc
- Contact and introductions to overseas programs, associations, government entities, regulators, and supply chain support
- Marketing advice tailored to business cultures in different countries and regions
These offices, along with the International Trade and Investment Division in Perth, help support Western Australia’s export industries.
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation
The Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) provides financial support to Australian-based companies involved in exporting, participating in the global supply chain, or looking to expand internationally. You can use their online tool to help guide you through the export journey.
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has developed a set of terms known as Incoterms, designed to simplify trade negotiations. These are essential when quoting delivery prices for goods being shipped by pallet or container load.
Deciding if you are ready to export
After conducting market research and obtaining professional advice, you may be ready to begin exporting. Austrade offers a simple international readiness indicator that provides an overview of your export potential. It also offers suggestions for improving areas that need further development before entering international markets.
Taking your product or service to international markets
When launching and promoting your product or service in a new market, consider the following:
Building strong business networks
Establishing the right contacts and gaining knowledge of your industry is vital. You can enhance your networks by attending Austrade events and connecting through the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA.
Understanding the local language and culture
Being mindful of local customs and culture is essential. Austrade offers market profiles to help with this.
Developing a marketing strategy
Your market entry strategy will vary depending on your product. Consider participating in trade shows, presenting to buyer groups, engaging local distributors, and advertising online and in
Providing after-sales service and support
Strong after-sales service is key to sustaining your export business. Plan how to meet client needs across time zones and address any local challenges.
More information
- The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides additional resources on trade and investment.
- The Export Council of Australia offers a 7-stage export roadmap for beginners.
- Understand the customs requirements for exporting goods from Australia by visiting the Department of Agriculture’s Exporting from Australia page.
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