Become an exporter

   Not in a generation has it been such a good time to become an exporter in the United States. 
   The dollar has weakened and American shippers still know how to make high quality, specialized products sought after by many overseas consumers and businesses. And despite all the political turmoil in Washington, both Republicans and Democrats believe in the need to expand the nation’s export prowess by simplifying regulatory controls and increasing technical assistance to companies. They recently approved free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, which also will help expand markets for U.S. companies. 
   Large U.S. manufacturers, such as Caterpillar and Boeing, remain some of the biggest exporters in the world, counter to the global economic recession’s impact on certain businesses and industry sectors. The companies continue to crank out large orders of equipment from overseas, often to developing countries with expanding domestic industries and evolving middle classes. The United States is a leader in selling capital intensive goods because of its skilled workforce, innovation and low interest rates.
   However, a company doesn’t need to be a multinational brand to successfully ship abroad. There are many more small and mid-sized firms that have products with export potential, but sadly either chose not to do it out of fears conjured up from misperceptions of what it’s like to do business outside U.S. borders or are simply ignorant of their prospects altogether. In fact, less than 1 percent of companies in the United States export. 
   Associate Editor Eric Kulisch reports in this issue (“SBA opens export doors,” pages 19-20) that there are a number of underused export support programs provided by federal and state agencies. On the federal side, these programs range from making overseas market evaluations and customer connections to financial guidance and support. Interestingly, companies already  support these export programs through their tax dollars, so why not take advantage of them?
   Exports don’t have to be overly sophisticated products to gain a buyer’s attention. For example, Baltimore-based Marlin Steel Wire Products makes and ships wire baskets for use on assembly lines all over the world, and yet is categorically a small exporter.
   Also, managing the actual movement of goods overseas isn’t as painful as it may sound. There are many licensed freight forwarders available to help first-time exporters manage their transportation and logistics needs, often at competitive prices. 
   All exporters, meanwhile, do have a responsibility to familiarize themselves with the nation’s export control regulations. No reputable company wants to be known for shipping products to an embargoed country or terrorist organization. Here again, there are plenty of resources available to assist with this important aspect of the export process.