
An export strategy is used when a global company enters new markets. This strategy involves analyzing the market demand, competition, and regulatory requirements to determine the best export route.
A global company may use a direct export strategy, where they sell their products directly to customers in the new market. Alternatively, they may use an indirect export strategy, where they sell their products through intermediaries such as distributors or agents.
The choice of export strategy depends on various factors, including the company's resources, market conditions, and product characteristics.
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Strategy Development
Developing a clear export plan is crucial for success, and it should outline your strategies, resources, and target markets.
A well-crafted plan should include a market entry strategy, deciding whether to export directly or use local distributors. Compliance and regulations must also be researched and understood to avoid any legal issues in each market.
To create a solid plan, you should account for costs like shipping, tariffs, and marketing in your financial planning. This will help minimize risks and seize opportunities in global markets.

Here are the key components to include in your export plan:
- Market Entry Strategy
- Compliance and Regulations
- Financial Planning
By setting clear goals, you can establish a roadmap for your export journey. This includes defining your business goals for expansion, targeted level of sales, specific product or service, target market, major action items, and a timeline for achieving them, as well as budget and other available resources.
To ensure your efforts are focused and effective, establish specific, measurable objectives to guide your export strategy. These objectives should align with your overall business goals and help you track progress. Consider setting sales targets, market penetration targets, and customer acquisition targets.
Develop Strategy Document
Developing a strategy document is a crucial step in your export journey. It's essential to write down the details of your market entry strategy, so you don't keep it all in your head.
This document will serve as a blueprint for your export marketing plan and will be handy for arranging any needed financing. You can ask your accountant, lawyer, banker, or an outside expert to give you comments for improvements.

Regularly revisit your market entry strategy to monitor your progress and make updates. It's an important tool to keep you on track, ensure buy-in from your team, and have everyone in the business pulling in the same direction.
A clear export plan should outline your strategies, resources, and how you will reach your target markets. Key components to include are:
- Market Entry Strategy: Decide whether to export directly or use local distributors.
- Compliance and Regulations: Research and understand the legal requirements in each market.
- Financial Planning: Account for costs like shipping, tariffs, and marketing.
Having a clear export plan will help you minimise risks and seize opportunities in global markets.
To create a solid strategy document, start by setting clear goals. This includes defining your business goals for the expansion, targeted level of sales, specific product or service you'll export, target market, major action items, and a timeline for achieving them, as well as your budget and other available resources.
By setting clear goals, you'll create a roadmap for a successful export journey, ensuring that your efforts are focused and effective.
Entry Strategies
When deciding how to enter a new market, it's essential to consider various models and diversify your export markets to ensure successful global expansion.

A key component of a detailed export plan is the market entry strategy, which outlines how you will reach your target markets. You can choose to export directly or use local distributors.
Deciding how to enter a new market is crucial for manufacturers, as it can make or break your business. You need to assess various models and consider diversifying your export markets to ensure successful global expansion.
The main challenges in market entry in a new country include cultural differences, legal and regulatory hurdles, establishing distribution networks, unknown competition, financial risks, and communication barriers.
Establishing distribution networks is a critical aspect of market entry, and the options you have depend on your product and target group. You can consider using the services of an in-country distributor or agent, acquiring an existing local business, partnering with a local business, or opening a physical presence.
To ensure a successful market entry, it's essential to set clear goals, including business goals for the expansion, targeted level of sales, specific product or service, target market, major action items, and a timeline for achieving them.
You can choose from various modes of entry, including exporting, licensing, franchising, partnering with a local business, or selling through online marketplaces.

When expanding internationally, you have several market entry models to choose from, including exporting, licensing, joint ventures, franchising, and wholly owned subsidiaries. Each model has unique benefits and risks, and you should carefully evaluate them before making a decision.
Here are some common market entry models:
- Exporting: Selling products directly to a new market, either by handling it yourself or using local distributors.
- Licensing and Franchising: Letting a local business use your brand or business model. Licensing is for products, franchising for business operations.
- Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances: Partnering with a local company, sharing resources and risks. Joint ventures involve creating a new entity, while strategic alliances do not.
- Wholly Owned Subsidiaries and Greenfield Investments: Fully owning a new operation in the market, either by starting from scratch (Greenfield) or buying an existing local company.
- Piggybacking: Using another company’s distribution network for your products.
- Turnkey Projects: Building and transferring operational facilities to a local client.
- Acquisitions and Mergers: Combining with or purchasing a local company.
- E-commerce: Entering the market through online platforms, reducing upfront costs and reaching a broad audience.
Market Entry
Researching your target market is crucial before deciding on a market entry strategy. Businesses often underestimate the degree of competition in new markets, so it's essential to figure out why buyers should choose your product or service over a local or competing exporter.
To gather information, you'll need to collect data on the size of the market, consumer trends, needs, and perceptions of products like yours, as well as domestic and international competition. This will give you a good sense of whether a target market is suitable for your business.
You may need to rethink how you get your products or services to market, considering options such as using an in-country distributor or agent, acquiring an existing local business, or partnering with a local business. Here are some possible market entry strategies:
- Using the services of an in-country distributor or agent.
- Acquiring an existing local business.
- Partnering with a local business.
- Opening a physical presence.
- Selling through online marketplaces.
- Offering direct sales through your e-commerce site.
- Selling indirectly to a target market through another company.
Localisation is also a key aspect of market entry, as it involves making your product or service more suitable for a particular country or region. This includes translation, but also adapting your marketing materials, campaigns, and pricing to meet local needs and preferences.
Global Sales

An export strategy is used when a global company wants to sell its products or services in foreign markets. To build profitable global export sales, you need to initiate export sales activities, such as participating in sales promotional events and soliciting sales inquiries.
Screening and responding to export sales inquiries is a crucial step. You need to screen inquiries for potential sales opportunities, determine the types of responses, and establish terms and prices. This will help you prepare sales quotes and responses.
Finalizing export sales involves negotiating final sales terms and prices, examining purchase orders and payment documents, and accepting and acknowledging orders. You also need to finalize any financing arrangements.
Preparing and shipping export orders requires scheduling pre-inspections and crating orders, booking shipment, obtaining required documents, and preparing commercial and other documents and filings. You also need to collect on cash-in-advance sales and deliver the order to the carrier.

There are different methods to collect on export orders, including letter of credit, documentary collection, and open account methods. You need to evaluate export sales, shipping, and collection results to ensure you're meeting your objectives.
Understanding global markets and export strategy is essential for success. You need to analyze potential markets, develop a comprehensive export plan, and set clear objectives to guide your efforts. This includes considering key factors such as market potential and the most suitable market entry methods.
Localizing products and sales strategies is also crucial for cultural compatibility. You need to adapt your products to meet local preferences, including taste, design, size, and functionality. You should also tailor your marketing strategies to use language, imagery, and cultural references that resonate with local audiences.
Here are the key steps to build export expansion market plans:
- Determine market entry methods and select the most appropriate methods for each market.
- Select market segments and distribution channels, and analyze and determine the appropriate channels of distribution.
- Determine product, price, and promotion strategies by researching competitors and analyzing their products, market segments, channels of distribution, trade and payment terms, price, and promotions.
- Develop target market profiles by summarizing market segments, channels of distribution, competitors, and company products, prices, and promotions to be offered in each market.
- Finalize export market plans by defining current activities, summarizing findings and assumptions, establishing objectives and strategies, and forecasting sales and expenses for each market.
- Evaluate export market expansion plan results by reviewing sales and other objectives for the target and ROW markets, determining the degree to which each objective was achieved, and developing adjustments in the export plan.
Logistics and Supply Chain
Effective logistics and supply chain management is crucial for manufacturers wanting to expand globally. This is because smart strategies can help reduce costs, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with international trade rules.

Streamlining your supply chain is essential for success in global markets. To do this, start by mapping out your current processes to identify areas where you can reduce delays and cut costs.
Utilising key metrics like on-time delivery, customs compliance, and cost per unit can help pinpoint inefficiencies in your supply chain.
Distributors, Retailers, Online
A distributor can act as a wholesaler or importer, bridging the gap between your home country and the end customer.
Working with a distributor can be beneficial as they often have existing relationships with retailers and can help you reach a wider market.
However, distributors typically take a commission on sales, which can eat into your profit margins.
Big retailers can also be a good option for indirect export, as they have a large customer base and can help you reach a wider audience.
But, big retailers often have strict requirements and high minimum order quantities, which can be challenging to meet.
Online web shops can also be a viable option for indirect export, allowing you to reach customers directly through their platform.
However, online web shops often charge high commission fees, which can be a significant expense.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Managing logistics and supply chain effectively is crucial for manufacturers wanting to expand globally. Smart strategies can help reduce costs, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with international trade rules.
You should start by mapping out your current processes to identify areas where you can reduce delays and cut costs. Utilise key metrics like on-time delivery, customs compliance, and cost per unit to pinpoint inefficiencies.
Automated tracking systems can enhance visibility in your supply chain. Consider partnerships with local logistics providers in target markets who understand regional regulations and can help with reduced tariffs and compliance issues.
Risk management is essential when entering new markets. Understand potential risks such as regulatory changes, logistics disruptions, or fluctuating tariffs, and create a risk assessment plan to outline potential threats and strategies to mitigate them.
Diversifying suppliers can help avoid reliance on a single source, making your supply chain more resilient. Implementing insurance for your shipments can also protect against financial losses from damages.
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Risk Management

Risk management is essential when entering new markets. Understand potential risks such as regulatory changes, logistics disruptions, or fluctuating tariffs.
Create a risk assessment plan to outline potential threats and strategies to mitigate them. This can help you avoid over-reliance on a single supplier by diversifying your sources.
Implementing insurance for your shipments can protect against financial losses from damages. Regularly reviewing your logistics operations can identify new risks that may arise. Adaptability is key to maintaining a resilient supply chain in the face of global challenges.
International Growth
Creating a long-term plan is crucial for international growth. This plan should set clear objectives and identify target markets for your products.
Research the local demand, cultural preferences, and competitors in each market to make informed decisions. Consider diversifying your export markets to minimize risks and stabilize your business.
Setting up partnerships with local distributors or agents can enhance your reach and provide valuable insights. They understand the local market and can help you navigate any challenges.

To build a solid export expansion market plan, follow these steps:
- Determine Market Entry Methods: Review market entry method options and select the most appropriate method for each market.
- Select Market Segments and Distribution Channels: Research target markets to identify potential market segments and channels of distribution.
- Determine Product, Price and Promotion: Research competitors and analyze their products, market segments, channels of distribution, trade and payment terms, price and promotions.
- Develop Target Market Profiles: Profile each target market, summarizing market segments, channels of distribution, competitors, and your company's products, prices, and promotions.
- Finalize Export Market Plans: Define current activities, summarize findings and assumptions, establish objectives and strategies, and forecast sales and expenses for each market.
- Evaluate Export Market Expansion Plan Results: Review the sales and other objectives for the target and ROW markets, determine the degree to which each objective was achieved, and develop adjustments in the export plan.
A clear export plan is vital for success, outlining your strategies, resources, and target markets. This plan should include a market entry strategy, compliance and regulations, and financial planning.
Consider the following key components of an export plan:
- Market Entry Strategy: Decide whether to export directly or use local distributors.
- Compliance and Regulations: Research and understand the legal requirements in each market.
- Financial Planning: Account for costs like shipping, tariffs, and marketing.
Country Selection
Selecting the right country to export to is a crucial step in any export strategy. To do this, consider the three steps recommended: finding out what need drives your sales, finding the country where that need is large and still growing, and checking the competition.
You should start by identifying the need that drives your sales, as this will help you understand which countries to target. This can be a country where you're already getting enquiries, but it's wise to look broader.
To find the right country, follow these steps:
- Find out what need drives your sales;
- Find the country where that need is large and still growing;
- Check the competition.
Which Country as Your Next Destination?
Selecting the right country to export to can be a daunting task, but it's essential for the success of your business. You should consider countries where you receive enquiries, but it's also wise to look beyond them.

To find the perfect export destination, follow these three steps: find out what need drives your sales, find the country where that need is large and still growing, and check the competition. This will give you a solid foundation to make an informed decision.
The need that drives your sales is the key to unlocking the right export destination. It's essential to understand what your customers want and need, and where that need is being met.
Here are the three steps to select the right country to export to:
- Find out what need drives your sales;
- Find the country where that need is large and still growing;
- Check the competition.
By following these steps, you'll be able to identify the countries where your product or service will resonate with the local market.
Phase 2: Local Experience
In Phase 2: Local Experience, you'll need to tap into local knowledge and resources to succeed in your target market. This involves building cross-cultural cooperation with local partners, which can be critical to your business.
Italian customers, for example, prefer to speak and do business in their native tongue, making language a primary barrier to entry. To overcome this, you'll need to recruit a trusted team of distributors, agents, salespeople, marketing, and after-sales/customer care professionals who understand local business practices and have strong networks of relationships.

Building a local team can help you navigate the complexities of the market, but it's not the only consideration. You'll also need to arrange local resources, such as office facilities, to support your business operations.
Here are some key factors to consider when building your local team:
- Knowledge of local business practices
- Strong networks of relationships
- Language proficiency
- Understanding of local customs and culture
By considering these factors, you can build a strong local team that will help you succeed in your target market.
Competitive Analysis
Researching your competitors is essential to creating a successful export strategy.
Identify your competitors in the target market by using market research methods such as surveys, focus groups, and industry reports.
Understand the needs and preferences of your target market to tailor your products accordingly. Market demand, competition, and cultural differences all play a significant role in how your product is perceived and sold.
To gain a competitive edge, study consumer preferences in your market and identify underserved segments where you can stand out. Larger market size often means more competition, so it's crucial to find areas where you can differentiate yourself.

Gather data on your competitors through online research, local market reports, and reviewing their marketing strategies. This analysis will provide insights into how you can achieve a competitive advantage.
Here are some key factors to consider when analyzing your competitors:
- Strengths: What do they do well?
- Weaknesses: Where do they fall short?
By understanding your competitors' strengths and weaknesses, you can develop a unique edge in the global market and create a successful export strategy.
Financial Planning
Financial planning is crucial when developing an export strategy. A new market entry may cost upwards of $100,000 in investments, not to mention the working capital needed to support it.
To determine how much money you need, calculate the initial investment in production, shipping, hiring, and other costs. This will help you establish a line of credit or loan ahead of time to avoid a cash crunch while waiting for sales to ramp up.
Export leasing is a flexible financing option that can help reduce upfront costs, allowing you to invest more in your operations. Traditional bank loans can also provide necessary capital, but ensure you have a solid export plan in place.

Here are some key considerations for managing export finances:
- Keep track of your cash flow by creating a detailed budget that considers costs like shipping, tariffs, and marketing.
- Regularly review financial resources to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Consider exploring various funding sources, such as grants and incentives, to support your international efforts.
It's essential to regularly review financial resources to adapt to changing circumstances, especially when expanding globally. Consider diversifying your export markets to reduce risks and stabilize your business.
Securing Funds and Managing Finances
Securing funds and managing finances is a crucial aspect of financial planning for export ventures. It's essential to explore various funding sources to support your international efforts.
Consider options such as export leasing, which can help reduce upfront costs and allow you to invest more in your operations. Bank loans can also provide necessary capital, but make sure you have a solid export plan in place.
To keep track of your cash flow, create a detailed budget that considers costs like shipping, tariffs, and marketing. This helps you maintain financial health while pursuing export success.
Regularly reviewing financial resources is essential to adapt to changing circumstances. You may also want to consider getting insurance to protect your company from the unexpected, such as credit insurance in case a customer doesn't pay or a contract is cancelled.
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Here are some key funding sources to consider:
- Export leasing
- Bank loans
- Grants and incentives
Keep in mind that foreign buyers may want longer payment terms, so it's essential to factor this into your financial planning. Better to arrange a line of credit or loan ahead of time than risk a cash crunch while you wait for sales to ramp up.
The Business Case for Your
Expanding your business abroad requires careful financial planning to ensure you're investing wisely. A new market entry can cost upwards of $100,000 in investments, not to mention working capital.
To determine how much money you'll need, research the local demand, cultural preferences, and competitors in each market. This will help you create a solid business case for your exports.
A good export strategy takes into account market opportunities, as well as barriers to entry, such as distance, different culture, or strong local competition.
Before investing, gather as much information as possible on the market structure and your chances in the market. This may involve conducting interviews with local players to learn whether they'd buy or distribute your product and what you need to change in your approach.

Here are some common market entry methods to consider:
- Exporting: Selling products directly to a new market
- Licensing and Franchising: Letting a local business use your brand or business model
- Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances: Partnering with a local company, sharing resources and risks
- Wholly Owned Subsidiaries and Greenfield Investments: Fully owning a new operation in the market
- Piggybacking: Using another company's distribution network for your products
- Turnkey Projects: Building and transferring operational facilities to a local client
- E-commerce: Entering the market through online platforms
- Acquisitions and Mergers: Combining with or purchasing a local company
Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on your product and the country you're introducing it to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key elements of an export strategy?
To develop a successful export strategy, conduct thorough market research to understand consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and competition in your target markets. This helps you identify opportunities and challenges to inform your market selection and entry strategies.
What is a global business strategy?
A global business strategy is a plan to expand a company's sales and operations across the world. It involves standardizing products and services, or adapting them to local markets, to reach a global customer base.
What are the advantages of using an export strategy to build a customer base in foreign markets?
Using an export strategy to build a customer base in foreign markets can help minimize costs, avoid tariffs, and reduce currency exchange rate risks, making it a smart business move. By exporting, you can expand your customer base and increase revenue without breaking the bank
Sources
- https://www.shippingsolutions.com/blog/6-steps-for-building-a-successful-export-strategy
- https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/marketing-sales-export/export/winning-market-entry-strategy
- https://cigmaaccounting.co.uk/export-strategies-for-manufacturers-looking-to-expand-globally/
- https://www.imsmarketing.ie/export-strategy/why-localisation-is-key-to-a-successful-export-strategy/
- https://exporteers.com/market-entry-strategy/
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