FAQ's

4.  How do I obtain market research for a specific country and/or product?

The National Trade Data Bank (NTDB) is one of the primary sources of export information from the federal government. 
The NTDB is a "must-have" resource, 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 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.  Most CCG's are available for free at: http://www.usatrade.gov.

• International Market Insight Reports - short profiles of specific foreign market conditions or opportunities prepared
  by the Dept. of Commerce's Commercial Service, the Department of State and mulitlateral 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 marekt 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.

NTDB documents can be accessed through STAT-USA/Internet (see above link) which is updated continuously.   Customers
may either subscribe to STAT-USA/Internet for $175/year or purchase the CD-ROM version (also updated monthly) for
$59/month or $575/year.

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.