Resources
The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce Division is here to help you gain access to the right assets and resources to make your international business dreams a reality. Let this page be your one-stop for all your international business needs.
Research
Financial Assistance
Contacts and Representatives
Import/Export Info
Georgia Connections One Pagers
Other Resources/FAQs
Research
The first important step in international business is identifying potential markets for your products. With the help of the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) research resources, you can answer critical questions and receive the information you need to get ahead.
Georgia in the World Economy
Macro Overview of Georgia’s Exports with China
Online Resources
Below are general resources for the international trade community that will assist you in your research efforts.
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Atlanta U.S. Commercial Services (USEAC)
Economic Development Institute (EDI), Georgia Institute of Technology
The Economist
Georgia Facts
Global Atlanta
Hemisphere, Inc.
International Trade Administration
The Internationalist
Key International Sources for Business and Economics
Savannah Business Report
Small Business Development Center, University of Georgia
U.S. Department of Commerce, Georgia Information
U.S. Government Export Portal
United States Trade Representative (USTR)
Wall Street Journal
The Resource Center Library
Georgia helps you conduct your own research in the GDEcD’s Resource Center Library. This trade research library contains printed and electronic materials to help you find what you’re looking for. Additionally, a full-time research manager is available for assistance. You can access the library weekdays by appointment only. Call the Global Commerce Division at (404)962-4127 to schedule an appointment.
International Market Research
Information about current international trade opportunities is handled through GDEcD’s Resource Center, located within the U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC). Typical information provided includes export statistics, international sales and marketing procedures, sample agreements, export documentation required by country, importers in specific countries, countries importing a particular product, and industry-associations abroad. To schedule an appointment, call (404)962-4127.
Financial Assistance
Financial issues can often make or break an international trade deal. In fact, some companies even pass up profitable overseas business because of concerns over financing and financial risk. GDEcD and its USEAC partners offer a number of trade finance and insurance programs that can assist you. Our in-house experts will help you select the right program for your specific needs, so you can enter international business deals with confidence.
Export Working Capitol Guarantees
Fulfilling an international order often requires substantial up-front working capital to purchase required components, install new production equipment, and even pay the workers. Export Working Capital Guarantees can help make available the funds needed cover these costs, while still meeting your regular operating expenses. These guarantees are available from both the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Export Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank).
Buyer Financing
Winning a lucrative overseas contract often hinges on the payment terms you can offer your customer. Ex-Im Bank provides both credit insurance and loan guarantees to qualified foreign buyers of U.S. goods and services. These programs are designed specifically to help U.S. firms compete in the global marketplace and win their share of the business.
Plant Expansion Financing
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a special International Trade Loan Program designed to help cover the cost of plant expansions for new export business. Several other SBA programs are also available to facilitate foreign and domestic sales expansion.
Pre-Export Working Capital
Working capital guarantees are designed to work with a bank to make available financing that an exporter may otherwise find difficult to obtain. Working capital guarantees are available for transaction-specific financing, or in support of revolving lines of credit. The SBA and Ex-Im offer working capital guarantees. These programs differ in the amount of loans they offer and the content of the product. To determine which program best suits your needs, contact the USEAC.
Foreign Credit Insurance
Foreign credit insurance is a useful product for exporters who’re looking for ways to extend more favorable sales terms to their buyers while minimizing the risk of non-payment. Insurance is used to insure payment for the goods against commercial or political risks. This is often a low-cost alternative in circumstances where letters of credit may not be feasible or cost-competitive. The Ex-Im Bank offers several insurance policies to suit the particular needs of the exporter.
Finance Counseling
The University of Georgia’s Business Outreach Services provides in-depth financial counseling and loan packaging.
Agricultural Exports
For food and agricultural products, the U.S. Department of Agriculture sponsors several financial assistance programs. Contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture for more information at (404)656-3740.
Project Finance
Federal assistance programs are available through the U.S. Department of Commerce, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the Trade and Development Agency.
Multilateral Development Banks
Suppliers, contractors and consultants seeking information on project finance in developing countries should contact the Multilateral Development Banks (Asian, African, Inter-American, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the World Bank), at the liaison office in the U.S. Department of Commerce (202)482-3399.
Bankers Association for Foreign Trade
The Bankers Association for Foreign Trade, a non-profit association of approximately 450 banks, matches exporters in need of trade financing with interested banks. They can be contacted at (800)-49-AXCAP or (800)-492-9227.
Contact the U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) to determine which program is right for you at 404-897-6090 or .
Contacts and Representatives
Find Contacts in Overseas Markets
The U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) in Atlanta maintains a comprehensive Resource Center with a wealth of printed and electronic materials, including contact information on overseas agents, distributors, importers, buyers and other key contacts for U.S. companies. For an appointment, call 404-897-6090.
Kompass Directories
Kompass Directories are publications that are country-specific and contain contact information on agents, distributors, importers, wholesalers and other key contacts for specific products. These directories are available in the USEAC Resource Center, the University of Georgia’s Business Outreach Service’s library in Athens, various foreign trade commissions and some public libraries. They’re published by Reed Elvesier Group and are available on CD ROM.
Foreign Yellow Pages
These useful resources can be found in foreign trade commissions and some libraries. To order from AT&T, call 800-432-6600. A few are also available in the USEAC Resource Center.
American Chambers of Commerce Abroad
Membership directories of American Chambers of Commerce Abroad can be a good source of information. Contact individual chambers for directories. Addresses can be found in the Bureau of National Affairs, Export Reference Manual and the National Trade Data Bank.
Trade Journals
Advertising in Industry-Specific Trade Journals in each target market is another way to identify potential representatives. Information on industry journals may be found in Ulrich’s International Periodicals Directory (available at Georgia State University library in Atlanta) or EBSCO’s Serials Directory or from the industry desk officer at The Commercial Service in the U.S. Department of Commerce. For a list of Industry Desk Officers, call 404-897-6090.
Foreign Trade Journals sometimes publish information on U.S. firms seeking representation abroad. A list of trade journals in each country that offer this service may be obtained from the Commercial Officers in U.S. embassies and consulates and through the GDEcD’s international trade representatives.
Importers Associations
Importers associations in each target country should be able to provide names of potential representatives. A list of importers associations can be found in the Encyclopedia of Associations, International Edition (available in the USEAC Resource Center) or the appropriate country desk officer at the US Department of Commerce.
Identify International Representatives
GDEcD schedules trade promotion programs such as trade shows, trade missions, matchmaking and catalog shows which are an excellent means of pro-actively developing contacts specific to your company’s goals and objectives. For information on upcoming trade promotion activities, contact the GDEcD at (404)962-4126.
GDEcD has international trade representatives in nine overseas offices: Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Europe (Munich) , the Middle East (Israel/Jordan/Turkey), Japan, Korea, Mexico and the United Kingdom. For information on the services offered by these representatives, call (404)962-4126.
The USEAC Resource Center
The U.S. Export Assistance Center provides a wealth of additional materials. For an appointment, please call (404) 897-6090.
Trade Opportunity Program
The Trade Opportunity Program (TOP) of the ITA/U.S .Department of Commerce provides companies with current sales leads from international firms seeking to buy or represent their products or services. TOP leads are distributed electronically via the Department of Commerce’s Economic Bulletin Board (EBB), STAT-USA/FAX and STAT-USA/Internet. There is a nominal annual fee to access these services.
TOP leads are also printed daily in leading commercial newspapers. To subscribe to the Department of Commerce Economic Bulletin Board, STAT-USA/Fax or STAT-USA/Internet, call 1-800-782-8872 or (202)482-1986, or click here.
USDOC
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Service International Contacts List (formerly known as the Foreign Traders Index) provides the name and contact information for over 70,000 foreign agents, distributors and importers interested in working with U.S. exporters. Disk 2 of the National Trade Data Bank can be used for an Internet search by product and country of interest.
The USDOC’s Agent/Distributor Service is a customized search on behalf of U.S. companies seeking foreign representation. U.S. commercial officers abroad conduct the agent/distributor search based on requirements specified by the requesting firm. The search for agents and distributors takes 60-90 days and costs $250 per market. You can place an order for this service through the USEAC at (404)962-4126.
The USDOC’s Gold Key Service is custom-tailored for U.S. companies planning on visiting a foreign country, combining orientation briefings, market research, introductions to potential partners, interpreter service for meetings, and assistance in developing a marketing strategy. Contact the USEAC, 404-962-4126, for more information.
Commercial News USA is published ten times a year by the Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce. This publication lists U.S. products available for export and is circulated to more than 100,000 agents, distributors, purchasing officials, licensees and end-users worldwide. The fee to advertise is $395 and up. For more information, call (404) 962-4126.
For more descriptions of the Agent/Distributor Service, the Commercial Service International Contacts List, the Trade Opportunities Program, the Gold Key Service and other programs of the U.S. Commercial Service, click here.
Georgia Department of Agriculture
The Georgia Department of Agriculture has an office located in Brussels that can assist identifying potential agents and distributors for food and agricultural-related products. For information, call (404)656-3740.
Center for International Standards and Quality (CISQ)
Georgia Tech’s CISQ offers a Standards Inquiry Service that helps firms identify international, European Union and foreign national standards for exported products. CISQ also offers standards-related research and current awareness services, as well as referral services for standards documents, translations, etc. For further information, call CISQ at 404-894-4299, 404-962-4126 or 1-800-859-0968 or click here.
National Center for Standards and Certification Information (NCSCI)
NCSCI provides information on U.S., foreign and international voluntary standards; government regulations; and rules of certification for non-agricultural products. The NCSCI serves as a referral service and focal point in the U.S. for information about standards and standards-related information. The NCSCI also provides a translation service for foreign standards, for which there is a charge. The NCSCI staff responds to requests for information by identifying relevant standards and/or regulations for your product. The requester is referred to the appropriate standards-developing organization or private sector organization for additional technical information and/or copies of the document. The NCSCI does not provide copies of the standards. For more information, contact the NCSCI at (301)975-4040 or visit their website.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
The ANSI is the designated U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The ANSI can provide technical contacts for ISO and IEC standards and sells copies of foreign standards. For information, call (212) 642-4900.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
The WTO Hotline provides current information on proposed foreign regulations that may significantly affect trade. The recorded message is updated weekly. The hotline number is (301)975-4041.
Country Commercial Guides (CCGs)
The CCGs provide an overview of each country’s trade regulations and investment practices, and present a comprehensive look at the commercial environment in various countries through economic, political and market analysis. The CCGs are available on the National Trade Data Bank and at the U.S. State Department website.
Directory of Associations
A number of major U.S. industry/trade associations are actively engaged in tracking developments in international and foreign standards. Identify and contact trade associations for a specific industry to determine whether information about international and foreign standards is available. A list of industry/trade associations can be found in the Directory of Associations available in the U.S. Export Assistance Center’s Resource Center and other public libraries.
Evaluate International Representatives
It’s important to check the credit and reputation of the potential agent/distributor through the use of sources such as local banks or the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Company Profiles. For more information, call (404)897-6090.
Import/Export Info
Importers/Exporters
American Export Register, Thomas International Publishing, (212) 629-1174
Directory of U.S .Importers and Exporters, Journal of Commerce, (800)222-0356 x6879
PIERS is a service offered by the Journal of Commerce. It provides information on ocean-bound exporters/importers for a fee. Call (212)837-7062.
Manufacturers
Thomas Register of American Manufacturers
Harris Manufacturing Directory
Georgia Manufacturing Directory, Georgia Chamber of Commerce
Export Management Companies
For a directory of American firms operating in foreign countries, call Uniworld Business Publications at (212) 752-0329
For a directory of foreign firms operating in the United States, call Uniworld Business Publications at (212)752-0329
Georgia Connections One Pagers
Georgia - Brazil Connection
Georgia - Canada Connection
Georgia - Chile Connection
Georgia - Columbia Connection
Georgia - Gemany Connection
Georgia - Guatemala Connection
Georgia - Ireland Connection
Georgia - Israel Connection
Georgia - Italy Connection
Georgia - Japan Connection
Georgia - Korea Connection
Georgia - Mexico Connection
Georgia - Spain Connection
Georgia - United Kingdom Connection
Other Resources/FAQs
Certificates of Free Sale
Information Certificates of Free Sale, now called Certificates for Foreign Governments or Certificates of Export, is generally found in the Export Reference Manual. These certificates can be obtained from the Food and Drug Administration. For a checklist of what you need to apply and order information click here.
Certificates of Origin
Information on Certificates of Origin can be found in the Bureau of National Affairs' Export Reference Manual, under documentation requirements for each particular country. This resource is also available in the Resource Center of the U.S. Export Assistance Center, 404-897-6090.
Chambers of Commerce can certify Certificates of Origin. For information on NAFTA Certificates of Origin, call the U.S. Customs Service at (404)675-1300 or (912)447-9404 and request a copy of Customs Form 434. For assistance in completing the NAFTA Certificate of Origin, call 1-800-872-8723 and request Document 5002 be faxed to you. For additional assistance, call (202)482-0305.
Helpful Publications
Export Shipping Manual Online
Basic Guide to Exporting. Prepared by the International Trade Administration, this guide describes the mechanics of the export transaction as well as Department of Commerce and other federal agency export promotion services available to U.S. exporters. It is available for purchase from the Department of Commerce’s National Technical Information Service at 1-800-553-6847 ($16.50, stock number PB95-109799) or from the GPO at 202-512-1800 or by fax 202-512-2250 ($12.00, stock number 003-009-00604-0).
Markets and Trade Opportunities for Fish or Agricultural Products
Your first point of contact in Georgia is the International Trade Division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture which assists Georgia agricultural exporters. They can be reached at (404)656-3740.
For agricultural export advice and information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, contact AgExport Connections at (202)720-7103 or the Office of Outreach and Exporter Assistance at (202)720-7420.
The Department of Commerce’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) works with fishing industry representatives and organizations to facilitate access to foreign markets. In cooperation with the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration, NMFS assists exporters seeking to find and explore new export inspection services for fishery exports and issues U.S. Government Certifications. Contact: Office of Trade and Industry Services, Fisheries Promotion and Trade Matters, (301) 713-2379; Inspection Services Division, (301) 713-2355 or click here.
Additional information on agricultural products is available on the National Trade Data Bank (NTDB). The Food Market Reports contain detailed analyses of various countries and agricultural markets. AgWorld Attache Reports contain market research on a wide-range of commodities in many different countries. Finally, the World Agriculture Reports provide a world market analysis of various agricultural commodities. These are all on disc two of the NTDB. Or, visit the Foreign Agricultural Service online.
Tariffs and Quotas
After you have obtained your Schedule B number from the U.S. Bureau of the Census, contact a trade specialist at the Trade Information Center at (800)-USA-TRAD(E) to obtain the tariff rate for the country you have in mind. Your freight forwarder should be able to provide you with this information as well.
For more information, .