International business involves the exchange of products and services across national borders. Companies pursue international expansion to increase profits, take advantage of product life cycles, and achieve economies of scale, or to respond to competitive pressures and saturated domestic markets. When considering international expansion, companies must gauge demand abroad, adapt products to foreign customer needs, and determine their entry strategy into foreign markets such as exporting, licensing, franchising, foreign direct investment, or establishing a foreign subsidiary. Barriers to international business include cultural, legal, political, and economic barriers like tariffs and trade restrictions.