UPS Snapshots for Small Businesses

Abstract:

International trade has been one of the few bright spots in the economy throughout the recession; exports of goods and services rose by a seasonally adjusted $3.7 billion in September (source: U.S. Department of Commerce).

With today’s technology and supply chain solutions, customers across borders can be reached just as easily as customers next door. However, most SMBs don’t pursue international trade due to unfamiliarity with global markets (source: UPS Business Monitor).

The following guides provide an overview of global markets that present significant opportunity to U.S. businesses, whether they are just beginning to explore international trade or already expanding to new markets.

Mexico

Sometimes, the best opportunities are closest at hand.

Read the Mexico market guide.

Brazil

Renowned for high fashion, rainforests, beaches, and spectacular Carnaval celebrations, Brazil offers a cornucopia of culture – and plenty of opportunity for American small businesses.

Read the Brazil market guide.

Canada

Canada market guide Currently the world's 11th largest economy, Canada is the largest trading partner of the United States. Every day, $1.6 billion of trade crosses the U.S.-Canada border. Canada has a top-class infrastructure, a strong consumer base, a highly educated workforce and a strong banking system. Plus, because it's literally right next door, Canada is an ideal market for businesses that are brand new to exporting.

Read the Canada market guide.

China

There can be no doubt that China—which means "middle kingdom" in Chinese—is at the center of the world stage. China's two-decade-long market reforms have fostered a wealth of entrepreneurship, resulting in the largest reduction of poverty and one of the fastest increases in income levels the world has ever seen.

Read the China market guide.

India

India market guide India's tourism slogan, "Incredible India," is an understatement. The world's second-fastest growing economy, India is home to nearly 1.2 billion diverse people who speak more than 20 languages. The South Asian sub-continent is also home to some of the world's biggest metropolises, which are international hubs of culture, cuisine, finance, technology and filmmaking.

Read the India market guide.

Poland

Nestled in the center of Europe, Poland was the first former Soviet bloc country to shed communist rule, and today, the nation of 38 million people is growing steadily. Since becoming a member of the European Union in 2004, Poland has built a stable market economy and attracted significant foreign direct investment. Its GDP growth rate has consistently outpaced that of Western European countries.

Read the Poland market guide.

Vietnam

Vietnam offers many opportunities for U.S. small-to-mid-sized businesses. The U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement and Vietnam's admittance to the World Trade Organization have opened new doors of commerce and sent U.S. exports to Vietnam soaring. Immediately after the country joined the WTO in 2007, U.S. exports to Vietnam grew by an impressive 73 percent to reach $1.9 billion.