Exporting Tools Help U.S. Companies Successfully Enter Foreign Markets; Department of Commerce Provides One-Stop Exporting Center at PLASTEC West Pavilion Event.

Business Editors

PLASTEC West 2003 Pavilion

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2002

As reported by the Department of Commerce, the U.S. exported $83.2 billion worth of goods and services in the month of July alone -- an increase of $1 billion over the previous month.

Although an impressive statistic, the trade deficit for July was $37.2 billion, leading some to believe that the formidable barriers of entry into foreign markets are too high for many U.S. companies. Some of the difficulties companies often encounter when creating an export strategy include determining the best target country, becoming fluent in complicated export regulations, and establishing business contacts in a new country. Fortunately, the Department of Commerce (DOC), in conjunction with the U.S. Census Bureau, has created a one-stop shop for companies wishing to export their goods and are making these services available for free at trade events across the country.

U.S. businesses interested in exporting their goods for the first time, or companies revamping their current export strategy, can research competitive market data, obtain regulatory information, and look into technical export assistance by visiting the DOC's International Business Center (IBC) at the upcoming event, the PLASTEC(R) West Pavilion, held February 19-21, 2003 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Serving as the largest design and manufacturing event on the west coast, PLASTEC West Pavilion will co-locate with Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West, Pacific Design & Manufacturing, WestPack, and Electronic West. The International Business Center will provide visitors with a Passport to International Markets, utilizing the eight major agencies on hand to answer exporting questions. The agencies in attendance within the International Business Center will include:

-- Trade Information Center: Companies seeking aide from the federal government can obtain market and regulatory information on numerous countries, as well as assistance with export documentation.

-- U.S. Small Business Administration: Provides technical assistance, export promotion, and trade finance to small businesses.

-- U.S. Commercial Service: Identifies best export market, qualified buyers, and offers assistance with sale issues.

-- Automated Export System (AES): Paperless filing of the Shipper's Export Declaration (SED).

-- Foreign Trade Division Export Regulations: Experts on the responsibilities of forwarding agents, SED requirements and filing exemptions.

-- Foreign Trade Division Data Products: Extensive market analysis on potential export markets, imports from foreign competition, and product prices.

-- Export-Import Bank: Official export credit agency of the U.S. government; assists in financing the export sales of goods and services.

-- National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America: Represents 700+ companies such as freight forwarders, customs brokers, OTIs and air cargo agents.

Produced and managed by CANON COMMUNICATIONS LLC, the PLASTEC(R) West Pavilion in Anaheim is part of the West Coast's largest design and manufacturing event. Information on all of Canon's events can be found at www.canontradeshows.com or by calling 310/ 445-4200.