A: The Trade Information Center (TIC) is a comprehensive resource for information on all U.S. government export assistance programs. TIC staff:

• Advise exporters on how to locate and use government programs, especially International Trade Administration programs
• Direct callers to sources of general market information
• Provide basic export counseling.

Through the TIC’s trade specialists, callers can learn how to access reports and statistics from the National Trade Data Bank (NTDB). TIC staff can also direct businesses to state and local trade organizations that provide additional assistance.

TIC contact information:
(800) USA-TRADE (872-8723)  or click here to contact the offices in Charlotte, Greensboro or Raleigh

Visit the International Trade Administration (U.S. Department of Commerce) website to access information directories on countries and regions, industries, trade initiatives, export assistance centers and more!

A: The International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce compiles best prospects lists for United States exports to each country, included in the Country Commercial Guides (CCGs) Each CCG presents a comprehensive overview of that country’s commercial environment through economic, political, and market analyses.

CCGs are available from the National Trade Data Bank (NTDB) for a fee-based (daily, quarterly or annual) subscription to STATUSA/Internet but are available free via the N.C. Department of State’s website.

Over 10,000 Market Research Reports on a wide-range of industry areas are available on the NTDB. New reports are added to the database every month. The NTDB is a good resource for agricultural market information including:

• The Food Market Reports contain detailed analyses of various countries’ agricultural markets.
• AgWorld Attache Reports contain market research on a wide-range of commodities in many different countries.
• World Agriculture Reports provide a world market analysis of various agricultural commodities.

A: Here are some resources for locating potential distributors:

• The U.S. Dept. of Commerce’s International Partner Search can help you find qualified international buyers, partners, or agents without traveling overseas. U.S. Commercial Service specialists will deliver detailed company information on up to five prescreened international companies that have expressed an interest in your company's products and services.  To take advantage of this valuable service, contact the US Dept. of Commerce’s Trade Information Center at (800) USA-TRADE (872-8723) or the offices in Charlotte, Greensboro or Raleigh.
  
  
• You can advertise US-made products or services in Commercial News USA, a catalog-magazine published bi-monthly by Think Global Inc. to promote U.S. products and services in overseas markets.
  
  Commercial News USA is disseminated to 400,000 overseas business readers in 176 countries. The magazine, which is free, is mailed directly to qualified recipients and distributed by U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service personnel at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
  
  Advertisement fees are based on the size of the listing. For information on advertising in Commercial News USA, call (800) 581-8533.

• N.C. Department of Commerce-sponsored trade missions and Matchmakers are industry-specific overseas sales promotion trips, usually including visits to more than one country, during which companies can run booths or provide promotional materials to advertise their products or services.
  
  During these visits, attendees participate in pre-arranged business appointments and meetings. All Department of Commerce-sponsored shows, missions, and Matchmakers are listed in the Export Promotion Calendar, available on the National Trade Data Bank (NTDB).