Export/Import; Customs; Considerations in Forming Entities

1. Government Programs to Support
Expanding Export Sales
How the US Department of Commerce Can Help
Eve Lerman
Senior International Trade Specialist
U.S. Department of Commerce
Ann Arbor SPARK, March 19, 2012

2. Today’s Presentation:
• President’s National Export Initiative
• US Commercial Service Programs & Service
• STEP Funding to Build Export Sales
• Upcoming Trade Events & Opportunities

3. President’s National
Export Initiative
… tonight, we set a new goal: We will double
our exports over the next five years, an
increase that will support two million jobs
in America.
President Barack Obama
2010 State of the Union Address

4. US Embassies & Consulates
The US Commercial Service
US and foreign staff work in US Embassies & Consulates in 75+
countries making connections with local business & government
Can help…
Advise on market potential
Conduct market research
Find sales channels & business partners
Identify & assist with legal/regulatory hurdles
Settle disputes
Advise on cultural issues & business protocol

5. US Export Assistance Centers
The US Commercial Service
We help you strategize, learn about opportunities, solve
problems, and interface with our overseas offices.
Three Michigan offices:
 Detroit
 Grand Rapids
 Pontiac

6. Trade Information Center “TIC”
in Washington DC
Information available by phone/fax from the TIC …
• Tariffs/taxes and customs procedures
• Advice on export licenses and controls
• Country-specific export counseling
• Information on U.S. government export programs
Call 1-800-USA-TRADE to contact the “TIC”

7. Market Research
More than 100,000 country and industry specific
reports,
web sites, events, and trade directory listings …
 Available online – no charge at www.export.gov
 More than 100,000 listings
 Registration required
 Country Commercial Guides prepared yearly by each
US Embassy
 Customized research available

8. Gold Key Service
 Customized matchmaking meetings to find
partners & customers
 Pre-screened appointments arranged
before you travel
 Market and industry briefings with your
overseas trade specialist
 Post-meeting debriefing and assistance
developing follow-up strategies
 Help with travel, accommodations,
interpreter service, and clerical support

9. Trade Missions
• Gold Key Service
• Market Briefings
• Networking
Receptions
• Site Visits
• Pre & Post Mission
Counseling

10. International
Partner Search
Like a Gold Key Service – but a written report instead of overseas
meetings. Report on up to five (5) pre-qualified potential business
partners. You provide marketing materials - we use our network of
international contacts to find potential partners.
 Save valuable time and money by working only with pre-qualified
international partners interested in selling your products and services.
 Obtain high-quality market information on the marketability and sales
potential for your products and services.
 Get this information in 15 days.

11. International
Company Profile
Background Check - helps US companies ensure they are
dealing with reliable partners or customers.
 Detailed investigation of overseas company by overseas staff -
financial profile, reputation in the market, etc.
 Staff normally meets with foreign company as part of research
 Comprehensive written report summarizes findings

12. Trade Shows &
Exhibitions
1. Catalogue Shows - we promote your catalogs to hundreds of
business visitors at selected trade shows and embassies
2. U.S. Pavilions – we arrange U.S. Pavilions at certain shows overseas
3. Matchmaking services - introducing US companies & foreign buyers
4. Buyer Delegations – we recruit overseas buyers to attend U.S. shows
"I am a long time proponent of catalog shows. I “We find the catalog exhibition shows are an
believe that they provide a maximum benefit for a economical way of getting our message out,
minimal investment, especially for a small which we feel is the secret to developing
business that can't afford to travel internationally." new business"
Du-Co Ceramics Company, Saxonburg, PA
Mills Machine, Shawnee, OK

13. Fees for Our Services?
Approximate prices below …
 Counseling – no charge
 Market Research Library – no charge
 ICP - $600 or $900
 IPS - $550 or $1,400
 GKS - $700 or $2,300 (one-day of meetings)
 Trade Missions – variable
* Prices are for small/medium vs. large co’s (500 + employees)
** For exact prices contact local office
*** Discounts available – new client , new to exporting, < 500 employees

14. STEP PROGRAM
State Trade Export Promotion
 Eligible companies may qualify for up to $25,000 grant funds
 For trade missions, overseas shows, sales trips, Gold Key, etc
 500 or fewer employees, 50-50 matching funds
 Companies in Ann Arbor – Jeanne Broad, MEDC
 Apply online at website below
www.michiganadvantage.org/export

15. Upcoming Programs & Events in Michigan:
• International Logistics Event - World Trade Week, East Michigan
District Export Council, Wayne County Port Authority, Detroit, May 23, 2012
• Achieving Export Growth Event - World Trade Week, Grand Valley State
University, Grand Rapids, May 8, 2012
• Brazil Trade Mission, Automation Alley, May 20-26, 2012
• Korea Trade Mission – Multi-Sectoral, Van Andel Global Trade Center, June
2012
• Korea Automotive Trade Mission, East Michigan District Export Council
and Center for Automotive Research, week of November 12, 2012

16. THANK YOU!
Eve Lerman, Senior International Trade
Specialist
Pontiac U.S. Export Assistance Center
Pontiac, Michigan
Tel: 248-975-9605
Eve.Lerman@trade.gov
www.export.gov