Business America. This monthly publication of the Department of Commerce contains country-by-country marketing reports, incisive economic analyses, worldwide trade leads, advance notice of planned exhibitions of U.S. products worldwide, and success stories of export marketing. (GPO:703-011-00000-4). Contact Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; telephone 202-512-1800.
Commerce Business Daily (CBD). CBD is published daily, Monday through Friday (except holidays), by the Department of Commerce. It lists government procurement invitations over $25,000, contract awards, subcontracting leads, sales of surplus property, and foreign business opportunities, as well as certain foreign government procurements. It is available by subscription and on-line (electronically). Contact the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; telephone 202-512-1800. For on-line subscriptions contact STAT-USA at 1-800-STAT-USA (1-800-782-8872). This information center was established as a comprehensive source for U.S. companies seeking information on federal programs and activities that support U.S. exports, including information on overseas markets and industry trends. The center maintains a computerized calendar of U.S. government-sponsored domestic and overseas trade events. Telephone 1-800-USA-TRADE; email: tic@ita.doc.gov; Internet home page: www.ita.doc.gov/td/tic.
Trade Information Center. This information center was established as a comprehensive source for U.S. companies seeking information on federal programs and activities that support U.S. exports, including information on overseas markets and industry trends. This center maintains a computerized calendar of U.S. Government-sponsored domestic and overseas trade events. Telephone 1-800-USA-TRADE; email: tic@ita.doc.gov; Internet home page: http://www.ita.doc.gov.
Economic Bulletin Board (EBB). EBB is a great resource for business, economic, and trade information on a daily basis in a traditional dial-up platform. You can connect to this vast collection of information and download trade leads, market research reports, and the Commerce Business Daily via your computer. Subscription costs are low and vary, depending on which information you choose to access. For more information, call 1-800-STAT-USA (800-782-8872).
The National Trade Data Bank (NTDB). The NTDB is one of the primary sources of export information from the federal government. The NTDB is a must-have resource, gathering trade information from over 20 different government agencies into one place. The NTDB is a low-cost business service run by the Department of Commerce, which provides market research reports, Country Commercial Guides, contacts overseas, trade statistics, policy and trade practices, legal ramifications of exporting, an export promotion calendar, and publications. The NTDB is updated daily on the Internet (www.stat-usa.gov) and updated monthly on CD-ROM. The CD-ROM version is avail-able to use for at over 1,000 federal depository libraries throughout the country. To find the library closest to you, purchase access for your desktop, or learn more, call 1-800-STAT-USA.
STATUSA/Internet. A comprehensive collection of business, economic and trade information available on the Web. Through this address you can access the NTDB, daily trade leads and economic news, the Commerce Business Daily and the latest economic press releases and statistical series from the federal government. For more information on this low cost service, call 1-800-STAT-USA (800-782-8872). http://www.stat-usa.gov/
STAT-USA/Fax. This fax on demand service providing instant hard copy of business and economic information from the federal government. All releases are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The most popular fax documents include the daily trade leads and numerous U.S. government economic press releases. For more information, call 1-800-STAT-USA (800-782-8872).
TRADESTATS. A comprehensive source for U.S. export and import data, both current and historical. Maintained by the Commerce Department's Office of Trade and Economic Analysis, this web site contains total and disaggregated U.S. trade statistics by country and commodity classifications, state and metropolitan area export data, and trade and industry statistics. Much of this data is downloadable. The Web site address is www.ita.doc.gov/td/industry/otea.
Selected SBA market research-related general resources. The Small Business Administration publishes many helpful guides to assist small and medium-sized companies, including: Marketing for Small Business: An Overview, Researching Your Market, Breaking into the Trade Game, or the videos Marketing: Winning Customers with a Workable Plan, The Basics of Exporting. Contact the Small Business Answer Desk, 1-800-U-ASK-SBA (1-800-827-5722).
International Information
UN Statistical Yearbook. Published by the United Nations (UN), this yearbook is one of the most complete statistical reference books available. It provides international trade information on products, including information on importing countries useful in assessing import competition. The yearbook contains data for 220 countries and territories on economic and social subjects, including population, agriculture, manufacturing, commodity, export-import trade, and many other areas. The most current addition is from 1993; it is available in hard copy and CD-ROM. Contact United Nations Publications, Room DC2-0853, New York, NY 10017; telephone 212-963-8302.
World Bank Atlas. The World Bank Atlas provides demographics, gross domestic product, and average growth rates for every country. The latest edition, 1997, covers data through 1996. Contact World Bank Publications, P.O. Box 7247-8169, Philadelphia, PA 19170-8169; telephone 202-473-1155, fax 703-661-1501.
World Factbook. Produced annually by the CIA, this publication provides country-by-country data on demographics, economy, communications, and defense. The data is available through a subscription to the NTDB (to subscribe call 1-800-STAT-USA). To order a hard copy, contact the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; telephone 202-512-1800.
International Financial Statistics (IFS). Published by the International Monetary Fund, IFS presents statistics on exchange rates, money and banking, production, government finance, interest rates, and other subjects. It is available in hard copy as a monthly subscription or on CD-ROM. Contact the International Monetary Fund, Publication Services, 700 19th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20431; telephone 202-623-7430.
World Population Profile. This valuable resource is produced by the Bureau of the Census of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Census collects and analyzes worldwide demographic data that can help exporters identify potential markets for their products. Information on each country - total population, fertility, mortality, urban population, growth rate, and life expectancy - is updated every two years. The document also contains detailed demographic profiles of individual countries, including analysis of labor force structure, and infant mortality. For the latest edition, contact the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; telephone 202-512-1800.
Industry Information
U.S. Industry and Trade Outlook '98. Successor to the U.S. Industrial Outlook, published from 1957 to 1994, this expanded-coverage 600-page edition includes economic forecasts for 350 manufacturing and service sectors, including telecommunications, financial services, aerospace, and utilities. Issued by the International Trade Commission in conjunction with the McGraw-Hill Companies. Available at bookstores ($69.95) or through the National Technical Information Service, 5835 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161; telephone 1-800-553-8847.
Export Information System Data Reports (XIS). Produced by the Small Business Administration (SBA), each data report covers approximately 2,700 product categories. XIS helps small businesses determine which export markets to pursue. Upon request, SBA provides a small business with a list of the 25 largest importing markets for its product, the ten best markets for U.S. exporters of that product, the trends in those markets, and the major sources of foreign and UN data. This service is available free to small businesses. Telephone the Small Business Answer Desk at 1-800-U-ASK-SBA, or access the SBA home page at: www.sbaonline.sba.gov.
U.S. Department of Agriculture: U.S. Trade Assistance and Promotion Office (TAPO). The Trade Assistance and Promotion office of the Foreign Agriculture Service serves as the first point of contact for persons who need information on foreign markets for agricultural products. The TAPO staff can provide basic export counseling and direct you to appropriate Department of Agriculture offices to answer specific questions on exporting. In addition, the staff can provide country and commodity specific Foreign Market Information Reports, which focus on best market prospects and contain contact information on distributors and importers. Extensive information on the Foreign Agricultural Service is also available through the Foreign Agricultural Service home page on Internet. Contact: Trade Assistance and Promotion Office, (202) 720-7420, fax (202) 690-4374; Internet: www.fas.usda.gov.
Country and Area Information
Trade Information Center (TIC). TIC trade specialists can answer questions on (1) import tariffs/taxes and customs procedures; (2) standards, intellectual property rights, government procurement, and other commercial laws, regulations, and practices; (3) distribution channels, business travel, and other market information; and (4) opportunities and best prospects for U.S. companies in individual markets. In addition, callers can access the TIC's 24-hour automated fax retrieval system to access regional- and country-specific market information. Both services are available by calling 1-800-USA-TRADE; e-mail: tic@ita.doc.gov; Internet homepage: www.ita.doc.gov/td/tic.
Country Commercial Guides (CCG). CCGs are prepared annually by U.S. embassies covering 115 countries. Each CCG is a planning tool that analyzes an individual country's business and economic climate emphasizing marketing and trade statistics, development, and other issues. CCGs are available through the NTDB or through the NTIS. The National Technical Information Service may be contacted at 1-800-553-NTIS or 703-487-40530 for TDD (hearing impaired).
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs Automated Fax System. The Consular Affairs automated fax system is available to anyone with a fax machine equipped with a telephone jack. This system offers all of the bureau's Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, Public Announcements, Tips for Travelers brochures, and Visa Bulletins. The telephone number is: (202) 647-3000. Callers must use the receiver on their fax machines to dial into the automated fax service.
Congressional Presentations of the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID). Published by AID's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, this document provides country-by-country data on nations to which AID will provide funds in the coming year, as well as detailed information on past funding activities in each country. They also list projects the agency desires to fund in the upcoming year. Since these projects require U.S. goods and services, these presentations give U.S. exporters an early look at potential projects and therefore are an opportunity to plan ahead. They are available through the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) by the set or as separate volumes. Contact National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161; telephone 1-800-553-NTIS. The information is also available through www.usaid.gov
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Surveys. These economic development surveys cover each of the 29-member OECD countries individually. Each survey presents a detailed analysis of recent developments in market demand, production, employment, and prices and wages. Short-term forecasts and analyses of medium-term problems relevant to economic policies are provided. The surveys are shipped from France. Contact the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Publications and Information Center, 2001 L Street, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036; telephone 202-785-6323. The OECD home page address is www.oecd.org.
OECD Publications. The chartered mission of OECD is to promote its member countries' policies designed to support high economic growth, employment, and standard of living, and to contribute to sound economic expansion in development and in trade. OECD publications focus on a broad range of social and economic issues, concerns, and developments, including reports on international market information country by country, such as import data useful in assessing import competition. For information on and prices for these publications, contact Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, Publications and Information Center, 2001 L Street, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036; telephone 202-785-6323.
U.S. Government Product and Industry Resources
Industry Sector Analyses (ISAs). Prepared by the commercial sections of the U.S. embassies, ISAs provide a basis for quickly evaluating a particular commercial or industrial market in a particular country. ISAs present market demand, market size, competitive analysis, end-user analysis, and market access criteria, as well as industry contacts and marketing opportunities. Available through the NTDB or the NTIS, which may be contacted at 1-800-553-NTIS or 703-487-4053 for TDD (hearing impaired).
International Market Insights (IMIs). IMIs are prepared on an ad hoc basis by the economic and commercial sections of U.S. embassies and consulates for the Commercial Service. They help to identify unique market situations and marketing opportunities for U.S. business. Available through the NTDB or the NTIS, which may be contacted at 1-800-553-NTIS or 703-487-4053 for TDD (hearing impaired).
Customized Market Analyses (CMAs). CMAs are produced by the Commercial Service on request. CMAs provide a U.S. firm with detailed market information on a selected single product in a selected market. They answer basic questions about the marketability of the product, key competitors, comparative prices, customary distribution and promotion practices, trade barriers, and other factors. Contact your local Export Assistance Center.
Textile and Apparel Database. Prepared by the Department of Commerce's Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), this database provides information on overseas markets and rules and regulations affecting U.S. exports. The database includes specific "country profiles" which include information on marketing and distribution, market entry requirements, shipment and entry procedures, and trade policy. More general information, such as how to export, potential buyers and suppliers, current trade issues, and background on textile and apparel trade policy agreements, is also available. The Web site is located at www.otexa.ita.doc.gov.
Private Sector Product and Industry Resources. The U.S. and foreign private sectors publish numerous guides and directories that can provide invaluable help to the exporter. For specific references, consult your local Commerce Export Assistance Center or the Trade Information Center (1-800-872-8723).