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Top 10 Export Business Plan Templates with Examples and Samples (Editable Word Doc, Excel and PDF Included)

Samradni Pradhan

Export business is pivotal in a country's economic growth and stability. It offers numerous advantages, including job creation, foreign exchange earnings, economic diversification, and global market exposure.

Success in the export business, however, is not guaranteed. It requires a well-thought-out business plan considering market research, logistics, regulatory compliance, and financial management. We offer comprehensive and customizable export business plan templates to assist entrepreneurs in this endeavor.

The business plan ppt templates provide a structured framework for outlining your business goals, strategies, and financial projections, ensuring a smooth path to export success. With the right plan and these templates, you can capitalize on the immense opportunities the global market offers and contribute to your country's economic global market development.

Table of Contents

• Executive Summary
• Company Overview
• Industry Analysis
• Customer Analysis
• Competitor Landscape
• SWOT Analysis
• Porter's Framework
• Operational Plan
• Financial Plan

Our business plan template bundles are crafted with precision, keeping in mind all of the nitty-gritty of the export business. These templates use the best graphics to ensure your business idea shines through. When you download this business plan template, you will get access to a 65-page template document. These are completely editable as per your needs and requirements. However, for the ease of this blog, we will only highlight the top 10 templates from this entire deck.

1. Executive Summary

This is the initial section of your export business plan, serving as a concise roadmap for the reader. It should encapsulate the essential aspects of your export strategy, including identifying target markets, primary objectives, a summary of key strategies, and a brief overview of financial projections and timelines. This summary sets the stage for the entire plan, looking at what the audience can expect to find in more detail further in the document.

In our Executive Summary section, you will get templates for

1.1 The Quick Pitch: A concise and compelling overview of your export business, capturing its essence and potential in a few sentences.

1.2 The Entity: Describing your business's legal structure and core identity, ensuring clarity regarding its nature and organization for international trade .

1.3 Company Overview: Offering a comprehensive introduction to your cross-border commerce , including its history, mission, and the core values that drive your international endeavors.

1.4 Products and Services: Detailing the range of export products and services you offer, emphasizing their unique features and how they meet the needs of international customers.

Download this business plan

(Do you have a trading business and wish to scale it up? We have a suitable template for a multinational trading business plan; you can download it here )

2. Company Overview

The company overview delves into the core aspects of your business. It provides information about your company's history, experience in international trade, certifications (such as ISO standards or export-related qualifications), and financial stability. This section aims to build confidence in your company's ability to operate successfully in the export market, demonstrating your credibility as an export partner.

In our Company Overview section, you will get templates for

2.1 Mission and Vision: Your export business's overarching purpose and long-term aspirations define your commitment to international success.

2.2 Goals and Objectives: The specific targets and milestones that steer your import-export business towards accomplishment in global markets.

2.3 Start-up Summary: A concise outline of the initial financial and operational aspects required to launch and establish your export operations.

2.4 Market Gap and Solution: Identifying a void in international markets and how your products or services provide a solution, ensuring a clear value proposition.

2.5 Product and Services Offered: Detailing the range of products and services of your export business offers, emphasizing their uniqueness and relevance in global markets.

2.6 Key Success Factors: The critical elements that underpin your export business's success, serving as the foundation for sustainable growth in foreign trade .

(Looking for something more generic that caters to international business ? Well, you are in luck! We have a business plan template that caters to international business !)

3. Industry Analysis

The industry analysis explores the global market where you intend to export your products or services. It should examine market trends, regulatory environments, and trade policies affecting your industry. This analysis helps you identify potential growth areas, challenges, and opportunities that can improve your import strategy.

In our Industry Analysis section, you will get templates for

3.1 Market Analysis: A comprehensive examination of international markets to identify opportunities and assess the export potential of your products.

3.2 Market Trends: Tracking global trade dynamics and consumer behavior shifts ensures your export strategies align with current and future market trends.

3.3 Major Challenges: Identifying the key hurdles and obstacles your export business may encounter in international markets and formulating strategies to overcome them.

3.4 Growth Drivers: Recognizing the factors that stimulate expansion and success in global markets, leveraging them to propel your export venture forward.

3.5 Geographical Analysis: Examining specific regions and countries to determine the most promising export destinations, tailoring your approach to each market's unique demands and opportunities.

(Is your business strategy driven? You need a template that focuses on the target market and global expansion. Get the best of both through this template )

4. Customer Analysis

In the customer analysis section, you must define and understand your target international customers. This involves delving into their demographics, preferences, behaviors, and cultural factors that may impact their purchasing decisions. A thorough customer analysis will guide you in tailoring your products, services, and marketing approaches to align with the needs and expectations of your global clientele.

In our Customer Analysis section, we offer comprehensive templates for:

4.1 Target Market: Defining the specific countries or regions where your export business aims to sell products, narrowing down the global focus.

4.2 Buyer Persona: Creating a detailed profile of the ideal international customer, understanding their needs and preferences to tailor export strategies better.

4.3 Market Sizing: Assessing the potential of the export market by determining its size in terms of customers, demand, and revenue, providing a clear understanding of the export opportunity.

5. Competitor Analysis

Analyzing the competitive landscape in your target markets is crucial for developing effective export strategies. This section should identify key competitors in the international market, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and provide insights into their market share. Understanding the competitive dynamics will help you position your products or services effectively and gain a competitive advantage.

In our Competitive Landscape section, we provide templates for:

5.1 Major Players: Identifying and analyzing key competitors and influential entities in the international market who impact your business.

5.2 Attributes Comparison: Evaluate the specific characteristics and features of your export products or services compared to those offered by competitors to determine your unique selling points and competitive advantages.

6. SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis is considered to be a strategic tool that assesses your export venture's internal strengths and weaknesses, also external opportunities and threats. This analysis provides a holistic perspective of your business and the export environment. By identifying internal advantages and challenges and external market opportunities and threats, you can make informed decisions, create mitigation plans, and better position your company for international success.

7. Porter's Framework

Porter's Five Forces framework is considered an excellent tool for analyzing the competitive forces within your industry. It examines the power of suppliers, the bargaining of buyers, the threat of new brands and substitutes, and the intensity of competitive rivalry. This analysis helps you understand the competitive dynamics of the export market, identify potential challenges, and develop strategies to address them effectively. You can make informed decisions about market entry and competition mitigation strategies using Porter's framework.

8. Marketing Plan

The marketing plan in an export business outlines the strategies for promoting and selling your products or services in international markets. It should include details about your international marketing mix, pricing strategies, distribution channels, and promotional efforts. A robust marketing plan is essential for gaining market share and building brand recognition in your target export markets.

In our Marketing Plan section, we provide templates for:

8.1 Sales and Distribution Strategy: Outlining the plan for leveraging international sales and distribution platforms to enhance brand visibility and engage with international customers in the export market.

8.2 Promotional Strategy: A comprehensive plan designed to increase brand visibility, engage international audiences, and drive sales in the global export market.

8.3 Pricing Strategy: Defining the approach for setting competitive and profitable prices for your export products or services, considering international market dynamics and customer expectations.

8.4 Sales Funnel: Describing the step-by-step process that international customers go through, from initial awareness to purchasing, facilitating efficient lead conversion in your export business.

9. Operational Plan

The operational plan defines how your company will execute its export strategy. This section should cover logistics, production, supply chain management, quality control, and international regulations and standards compliance. It's essential to provide a clear and organized operational plan to ensure a smooth flow of goods or services to your international customers.

In our Operational Plan section, we provide templates for:

9.1 Business Model: The blueprint of your export enterprise, elucidating how you create, deliver, and capture value in international markets, ensuring a clear understanding of your global trade approach.

9.2 Goals to be achieved: The specific, measurable objectives guiding your export business, ensuring a defined path to international success and a framework for tracking your progress.

10. Financial Plan

The financial plan is a critical section of the export business plan, detailing the expected costs, revenue projections, and financial forecasts related to your international expansion. It should include budgets, cash flow statements, break-even analysis, and return on investment calculations. This information helps stakeholders, including investors and lenders, understand your export business's financial viability and sustainability.

In our Financial Plan section, we provide templates for:

10.1 Financial Assumptions: Highlighting the critical assumptions underpinning the export venture's financial projections.

10.2 Revenue Model and Sales Forecast: Defining the approach for generating revenue from international markets and providing a sales forecast for export operations.

10.3 Break-Even Analysis: Identifying the point at which export revenues cover costs, indicating when the business becomes profitable.

10.4 Projected Profit and Loss Account: Summarizing expected revenues, expenses, and profitability for the export business over a specified period.

10.5 Projected Cash Flow Statement: Outlining the expected cash inflows and outflows related to export activities, ensuring cash liquidity for international operations.

10.6 Projected Balance Sheet: Present a snapshot of the export business's financial position, including assets, liabilities, and equity, specific to international trade.

10.7 Scenario Analysis: Assessing various scenarios to understand the impact of various elements on the financial performance of the export business.

10.8 DCF Valuation: Applying the Discounted Cash Flow process to determine the present value of future cash flows, assisting in the valuation of the export business in the international market.

We have so much more to offer

An export business plan considers many elements, and we know you are the expert to manage it all! However, we can only help you with the best base to get started. By downloading these templates, you are not only creating the right start for your business, but also creating a lasting impression for your investors. This 65-pager template deck has everything you will need for your business; what more can you ask for? For easy access and editability, you can download the PowerPoint file of this deck from here ! Happy business planning.

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Here is a free business plan sample for an import/export company.

If you're considering entering the dynamic world of international trade but are unsure how to start, you've landed on the right page.

In the content that follows, we will present to you a comprehensive sample business plan tailored for an import/export company.

As you might be aware, a meticulously developed business plan is a cornerstone of success for any entrepreneur. It serves as a roadmap, enabling you to outline your business objectives, strategies, and the intricate details of your operations.

To streamline your planning process and get started on a solid foundation, you can utilize our import/export business plan template. Additionally, our team of experts is available to review and refine your plan at no extra cost.

How to draft a great business plan for your import/export company?

A good business plan for an import/export company must be tailored to the intricacies of international trade.

To start, it is crucial to provide a comprehensive overview of the global market you intend to operate in. This includes analyzing trade volumes, growth trends, and the economic climate, similar to what we have outlined in our import/export business plan template .

Your business plan should clearly articulate your company's vision, define your target markets (such as specific countries or regions), and describe your unique value proposition (competitive pricing, specialized products, etc.).

Market analysis is paramount. You need to thoroughly understand the regulatory environment, tariffs, and trade agreements that affect your business, as well as the competitive landscape and demand in your chosen markets.

For an import/export business, it is essential to detail your product or service offerings. Explain what you are importing or exporting, the benefits of these products or services, and how they fulfill the needs of your target market.

The operational plan should cover your logistics and supply chain strategy, including the selection of freight forwarders, customs brokers, and methods of transportation. It should also outline your approach to managing international payments and currency risks.

Quality control, compliance with international standards, and adherence to trade regulations are critical points to emphasize in your business plan.

Marketing and sales strategies must be adapted to the international context. Discuss how you will build relationships with foreign distributors, utilize trade shows, and leverage digital marketing to reach a global audience.

Given the digital age, having a robust online presence, including a professional website and active engagement on relevant B2B platforms, is indispensable.

The financial section should include your startup costs, projected revenues, cost of goods sold, and operational expenses. It is also important to analyze the financial risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations and international transactions. For assistance with this, consider using our financial forecast for an import/export business .

Compared to other business plans, an import/export business plan must pay special attention to international market analysis, logistics, customs regulations, and currency management.

A well-crafted business plan will not only help you clarify your strategy and operations but also serve as a tool to attract investors or secure loans.

Lenders and investors will be looking for a comprehensive understanding of international markets, a solid financial plan, and a clear operational strategy for managing the complexities of global trade.

By presenting a thorough and substantiated plan, you showcase your expertise and dedication to the success of your import/export venture.

To streamline the process and ensure you cover all necessary aspects, you can start with our import/export business plan template .

A free example of business plan for an import/export company

Here, we will provide a concise and illustrative example of a business plan for a specific project.

This example aims to provide an overview of the essential components of a business plan. It is important to note that this version is only a summary. As it stands, this business plan is not sufficiently developed to support a profitability strategy or convince a bank to provide financing.

To be effective, the business plan should be significantly more detailed, including up-to-date market data, more persuasive arguments, a thorough market study, a three-year action plan, as well as detailed financial tables such as a projected income statement, projected balance sheet, cash flow budget, and break-even analysis.

All these elements have been thoroughly included by our experts in the business plan template they have designed for an import/export company .

Here, we will follow the same structure as in our business plan template.

Market Opportunity

Market overview and statistics.

The import/export industry is a critical component of global trade, facilitating the movement of goods across international borders.

According to recent data, the global import/export market is valued in the trillions of dollars, highlighting its immense scale and impact on the world economy. In the United States alone, the total value of imports and exports amounted to over 5 trillion dollars in recent years.

This industry is vital for connecting producers and consumers worldwide, allowing for the distribution of a diverse range of products, from raw materials to finished goods.

These statistics underscore the significant role that the import/export sector plays in global commerce and its potential for lucrative business opportunities.

Industry Trends

The import/export sector is influenced by several key trends that shape the way trade is conducted.

Globalization continues to drive the expansion of international trade, with businesses sourcing products from and selling to markets around the world. E-commerce is also transforming the industry, as more companies leverage online platforms to reach global customers and streamline their operations.

Supply chain optimization is a major focus, with companies investing in logistics and technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, as businesses seek to minimize their environmental impact and meet consumer demand for eco-friendly practices.

Trade agreements and regulatory changes also play a significant role in the industry, affecting tariffs, trade barriers, and market access.

These trends highlight the dynamic nature of the import/export business and the need for companies to stay informed and adaptable to succeed.

Key Success Factors

Success in the import/export industry hinges on several critical factors.

First and foremost, a deep understanding of international markets and regulations is essential. Companies must navigate complex trade laws and customs procedures to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays.

Building strong relationships with reliable suppliers and customers is also crucial for establishing trust and securing repeat business.

Strategic location and logistics capabilities are vital for efficient transportation and distribution of goods. Proximity to major ports, airports, and transportation networks can provide a competitive edge.

Exceptional customer service and communication are important for managing transactions and resolving any issues that may arise during the import/export process.

Lastly, effective risk management and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions are key to maintaining profitability and growth in the face of economic fluctuations and trade disputes.

The Project

Project presentation.

Our import/export company project is designed to bridge the gap between global markets and local businesses by providing a reliable and efficient trade channel. Strategically located to access major shipping routes and transportation hubs, our company will specialize in the import and export of high-demand commodities such as electronics, consumer goods, agricultural products, and textiles.

We will leverage advanced logistics, customs expertise, and a deep understanding of international trade regulations to ensure smooth and timely delivery of goods. Our services will cater to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to expand their market reach without the complexities of global trade.

Our import/export business aspires to be a trusted partner for companies aiming to navigate the complexities of international trade, thereby fostering global business growth and diversification.

Value Proposition

The value proposition of our import/export company lies in our ability to connect businesses with international markets, providing a seamless and cost-effective solution for trading goods across borders.

Our commitment to reliability, transparency, and customer service offers our clients peace of mind, knowing their international trade needs are managed by experts. We aim to simplify the import/export process, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations while we handle the intricacies of global logistics.

We are dedicated to empowering businesses to reach new markets, offering tailored solutions that align with their strategic goals, and contributing to their growth and success in the global marketplace.

Our company strives to be a catalyst for international trade, enabling businesses to leverage global opportunities and driving economic development in the communities we serve.

Project Owner

The project owner is an experienced entrepreneur with a robust background in international trade and logistics.

With a track record of successful trade negotiations and a vast network of global contacts, he is well-equipped to establish an import/export company that stands out for its efficiency, reliability, and customer-focused approach.

Driven by a vision of connecting markets and facilitating global commerce, he is committed to providing top-tier import/export services that support the growth of businesses and contribute to the dynamism of the global economy.

His dedication to excellence and his strategic insight into the world of international trade make him the driving force behind this project, aiming to create new opportunities for businesses and enhance the flow of goods across international borders.

The Market Study

Market segments.

The market segments for this import/export company are diverse and cater to various industries and consumer needs.

Firstly, there are businesses seeking to import goods and raw materials that are not readily available in the local market, such as specialized machinery, electronics, or unique consumer products.

Secondly, domestic manufacturers and producers looking to expand their market reach by exporting goods to international markets form another significant segment.

The market also includes retailers and e-commerce platforms that require a steady flow of imported products to satisfy consumer demand for variety and quality.

Finally, trade consultants and logistics companies can be key partners, as they may require the services of an import/export company to facilitate their operations.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis of this import/export company project reveals several aspects.

Strengths include a robust network of international suppliers and buyers, expertise in logistics and customs regulations, and the ability to offer competitive pricing due to economies of scale.

Weaknesses might involve currency exchange risks, dependency on international trade policies, and the challenge of maintaining quality control across borders.

Opportunities can be found in the increasing globalization of trade, the rise of e-commerce, and the potential to enter emerging markets with high demand for imported goods.

Threats could include geopolitical tensions affecting trade routes, sudden changes in import/export regulations, and the volatility of international shipping costs.

Competitor Analysis

Competitor analysis in the import/export industry indicates a highly competitive environment.

Direct competitors include other import/export companies, both large multinational corporations and smaller niche firms.

These competitors strive to establish strong relationships with suppliers and buyers, offer cost-effective solutions, and ensure timely delivery of goods.

Potential competitive advantages include a comprehensive understanding of market trends, superior customer service, and the agility to adapt to changing trade environments.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of competitors is crucial for carving out a unique market position and for strategic planning.

Competitive Advantages

Our import/export company's competitive edge lies in our extensive global network and our commitment to providing personalized service to each client.

We have established strong partnerships with reliable suppliers and logistics providers to ensure a seamless supply chain from source to destination.

Moreover, our expertise in navigating complex trade agreements and customs regulations allows us to minimize delays and reduce costs for our clients.

We are dedicated to transparency in our operations, providing clients with real-time updates on their shipments and ensuring that all transactions comply with international trade laws.

You can also read our articles about: - the customer segments of an import/export company - the competition study for an import/export company

The Strategy

Development plan.

Our three-year development plan for the import/export company is designed to establish a strong foothold in the international trade market.

In the first year, we will concentrate on building a robust network of suppliers and buyers, focusing on high-demand products and ensuring compliance with trade regulations.

The second year will be dedicated to expanding our market reach by entering new territories and diversifying our product portfolio to cater to a broader audience.

In the third year, we aim to solidify our presence in the industry by enhancing our logistics, customer service, and exploring strategic partnerships with local and international businesses.

Throughout this period, we will prioritize efficiency, customer satisfaction, and adaptability to the dynamic global market conditions to secure our growth and success.

Business Model Canvas

The Business Model Canvas for our import/export company targets businesses seeking reliable access to international markets for their products, as well as those looking to source goods from abroad.

Our value proposition is centered on providing seamless trade solutions, competitive pricing, and ensuring product quality and compliance.

We conduct our operations through direct sales channels, online platforms, and through partnerships with local distributors, utilizing our key resources such as our global trade network and logistics expertise.

Key activities include market research, negotiation, logistics management, and customer support.

Our revenue streams are generated from service fees, commissions on transactions, and margins on products traded, while our costs are mainly associated with logistics, operations, and marketing.

Access a comprehensive and editable real Business Model Canvas in our business plan template .

Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy is built on establishing trust and demonstrating expertise in the import/export field.

We aim to educate potential clients about the advantages of our services and the efficiency of our trade processes. Our approach includes targeted online campaigns, participation in trade shows, and the creation of informative content on international trade regulations and trends.

We will also develop partnerships with industry leaders to enhance our credibility and reach.

Additionally, we will leverage social media and professional networking platforms to connect with businesses worldwide, while emphasizing our commitment to providing exceptional trade services.

Risk Policy

The risk policy of our import/export company is designed to mitigate risks associated with international trade, such as currency fluctuations, compliance with trade laws, and supply chain disruptions.

We employ rigorous due diligence procedures, engage in hedging strategies to manage currency risks, and maintain strong relationships with logistics providers to ensure supply chain reliability.

Regular audits and compliance checks are conducted to adhere to international trade regulations. We also maintain a conservative financial strategy to manage operational costs effectively.

Furthermore, we have comprehensive insurance coverage to protect against unforeseen events and liabilities. Our priority is to conduct secure and efficient trade operations while safeguarding the interests of our clients and our business.

Why Our Project is Viable

We envision establishing an import/export company that serves as a bridge between markets, facilitating the flow of goods and contributing to global commerce.

With our strategic approach to market entry, commitment to service excellence, and adaptability to market trends, we are confident in our ability to thrive in the competitive world of international trade.

We are excited about the opportunity to foster global business connections and drive growth for our clients and our company.

We remain open to innovation and strategic shifts to navigate the complexities of global trade, and we look forward to the prosperous future of our import/export venture.

You can also read our articles about: - the Business Model Canvas of an import/export company - the marketing strategy for an import/export company

The Financial Plan

Of course, the text presented below is far from sufficient to serve as a solid and credible financial analysis for a bank or potential investor. They expect specific numbers, financial statements, and charts demonstrating the profitability of your project.

All these elements are available in our business plan template for an import/export company and our financial plan for an import/export company .

Initial expenses for our import/export company include setting up a robust logistics network, securing partnerships with reliable suppliers and distributors, obtaining the necessary licenses and permits for international trade, investing in a customer relationship management (CRM) system, and costs related to brand creation and launching targeted marketing campaigns to establish our presence in the market.

Our revenue assumptions are based on a comprehensive analysis of global market trends, the demand for specific products in various regions, and the potential for competitive pricing.

We anticipate a steady increase in trade volume, starting conservatively and expanding as our network and reputation in the import/export industry grow.

The projected income statement indicates expected revenues from our trading activities, cost of goods sold (including freight, tariffs, and insurance), and operating expenses (office rent, marketing, salaries, etc.).

This results in a forecasted net profit essential for assessing the long-term viability of our business.

The projected balance sheet reflects assets specific to our business, such as inventory, accounts receivable, and liabilities including debts and anticipated operational expenses.

It shows the overall financial health of our import/export company at the end of each fiscal period.

Our projected cash flow statement details incoming and outgoing cash flows, allowing us to anticipate our cash needs at any given time. This will enable us to effectively manage our finances and avoid liquidity issues.

The projected financing plan lists the specific financing sources we plan to use to cover our startup and operational expenses.

The working capital requirement for our import/export company will be closely monitored to ensure we have the necessary liquidity to finance our daily operations, including purchasing inventory, managing supplier payments, and covering overhead costs.

The break-even point specific to our project is the level of sales needed to cover all our costs, including startup expenses, and begin generating a profit.

It will indicate when our business will become financially sustainable.

Performance indicators we will track include the gross margin on our traded goods, the inventory turnover ratio to assess the efficiency of our stock management, and the return on investment to measure the profitability of the capital invested in our business.

These indicators will help us evaluate the financial health and overall success of our import/export company.

If you want to know more about the financial analysis of this type of activity, please read our article about the financial plan for an import/export company .

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Import Export Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Import Export Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Import Export business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Import Export businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Import Export business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Trade Global is a startup Import/Export company located in Houston, Texas. The company was founded by Ted Rogers, who has deep experience as a wholesale distribution executive. Ted has long aspired to work for himself, and has been systematically acquiring the tools and knowledge necessary to successfully operate an import/export business. The combination of his skills and drive positions him to succeed. What’s more, he has an extensive network of contacts across the globe, which will provide an edge in acquiring clientele.

Product Offering

Trade Global has acquired a warehouse in Hong Kong, and has entered into contracts with five Asian manufacturers to export goods to the United States. As the company gains credibility and grows its client base, it has plans to begin building its own fleet of cargo ships that will carry goods both into and out of the United States.

Customer Focus

Trade Global will procure products from manufacturers and wholesale products to distributors throughout the United States, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

Management Team

Trade Global will be owned and operated by Ted Rogers. Ted has a background as a wholesaler, and is a graduate of Michigan State University’s Supply Chain Management program, and subsequently earned an Export/Import Certificate from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

Success Factors

Trade Global will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified owner
• An ideal warehouse location in Hong Kong, with ample room for expansion
• FTZ status with Port Houston

Financial Highlights

Trade Global is seeking $750,000 in debt financing to launch its import/export operation. The funding will be dedicated towards procuring, packing, and shopping products, and payroll of the staff until the firm reaches break even. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Inventory: $250,000
• Shipping costs: $250,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $200,000
• Marketing costs: $20,000
• Working capital: $20,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Trade Global.

Company Overview

Who is trade global.

Trade Global is a startup import/export company located in Hong Kong and Houston, Texas. The company was founded by Ted Rogers, who has deep experience as a wholesale distribution executive. Ted has long aspired to work for himself, and has been systematically acquiring the tools and knowledge necessary to successfully operate an import/export business. The combination of his skills and drive positions him to succeed. What’s more, he has an extensive network of contacts across the globe, which will provide an edge in acquiring clientele.

  Trade Global aims to deliver a wide variety of goods both into and out of the United States. The team is highly qualified and experienced in sales and supply chain management.

Trade Global History

Trade Global is owned and operated by Ted Rogers, a former distribution executive and ICC certified Importer/Exporter. Ted has worked for a large wholesale company and oversaw a wide variety of accounts from around the world. Derek’s tenure with the wholesale distribution company, as well as his education in Supply Chain Management has given him the skills and knowledge required to venture out and start his own company. Ted has been awarded contracts with two large Chinese manufacturers, which guarantees Trade Global stability while it works to increase its reach.

Since incorporation, Trade Global has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Trade Global, LLC to transact business in the state of Texas.
• Acquired an import license from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Has acquired an existing warehouse in Hong Kong.
• Reached out to numerous manufacturers to apply for wholesale contracts.
• Entered into a contract with a deep sea cargo transportation company.
• Began recruiting warehouse workers, and office personnel to work at Trade Global.

Import Export Services

Trade Global has signed contracts with two manufacturers, to export goods from China to the US. It will begin as a small exporter, with ample warehouse space for growth. The company will keep abreast of logistics technology innovations as it grows.

Industry Analysis

The US import/export industry is significant in terms of revenue. According to the United States International Trade Commission (USITC), the total value of US goods and services exports in 2022 was approximately $2.09 trillion, and the value of imports was approximately $3.0 trillion. This resulted in a trade deficit of roughly $948.1 billion for the year. The revenue generated by the industry is a combination of goods and services exported and imported by the United States.

Over the last few decades, the US import/export industry has seen consistent growth. The USITC data indicates that the total value of US exports and imports has grown substantially since the 1980s. This growth is influenced by factors such as globalization, trade agreements, technological advancements, and evolving consumer demands.

The trade deficit, which occurs when the value of imports exceeds exports, has been a subject of concern for policymakers. Reducing the trade deficit has been a goal of various US administrations.

Several trends have shaped the US import/export industry:

• Globalization: Increased globalization has allowed US businesses to access international markets and global supply chains. This trend has led to an expansion in both exports and imports, as well as an interconnected global economy.
• E-commerce: The growth of e-commerce has had a substantial impact on the industry. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have easier access to international markets through online platforms, leading to a boost in exports of services and goods.
• Trade Policies: Trade policies, such as tariffs and trade agreements, have a significant impact on the industry. The US has experienced trade tensions with several countries, notably China. These policies can influence the types of goods and services that are imported and exported.
• Technology: Advancements in technology have made it easier for businesses to engage in international trade. Technologies like blockchain, logistics software, and automation have improved efficiency and tracking in the import/export process.
• Environmental and Ethical Concerns: There is a growing focus on sustainable and ethical trade practices. Consumers and businesses are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of products, leading to changes in supply chain management and the types of goods being imported and exported.
• Geopolitical Factors: Geopolitical factors, such as trade relations with China, Brexit, and tensions in the Middle East, can affect trade patterns and the stability of the import/export industry.

Customer Analysis

Profile of target market.

Trade Global will initially target manufacturing companies in China, and wholesale companies in the US.

The precise data for these target markets are:

China In 2022, the total merchandise exports from China amounted to around 24 trillion yuan. This included 6.3 trillion yuan worth of high and new-tech products and over 13.6 trillion yuan worth of mechanical and electronic products.

As of 2021, there were around 25,200 state-owned industrial enterprises above designated size in China.

United States The Wholesale Trade sector is an intermediary step in the supply chain process. Companies in the sector distribute goods from agriculture, mining, manufacturing and information industries to downstream markets, typically without any transformation. In 2023, the US Wholesale sector is valued at $11.3 trillion.

Customer Segmentation

Trade Global will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Small to medium manufacturers of FMCG in China
• Wholesale distributors of FMCG in US

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Trade Global will face competition from other companies with similar business models. A description of each competitor company is below.

Global Electronic Imports & Exports, Inc.

Established in 1990, Global Electronic Imports & Exports specializes in the import and export of consumer electronics, including smartphones, tablets, and audio equipment. They also deal in a range of accessories and components related to consumer electronics.

Global Electronic Imports & Exports has long-standing partnerships with major electronics manufacturers in Asia, including Samsung, LG, and Panasonic. They also collaborate with major US-based retailers for distribution.

Global Electronic Imports & Exports reported an annual trade volume of approximately $150 million in consumer electronics and related products last year.

Natural Foods International

Established in 2005, Natural Foods International specializes in the import and export of food products, with a focus on organic and non-GMO items. They deal in a wide range of commodities, including grains, nuts, and dried fruits.

The company has established partnerships with a network of international organic farms and cooperatives. They also have distribution agreements with major US grocery chains, such as Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s.

Last year, Natural Foods International reported a trade volume of approximately $85 million in organic and non-GMO food products.

Titan Heavy Machinery, Inc.

Established in 1998, Titan Heavy Machinery is a specialized import/export company focusing on the heavy equipment and construction industry. Their product range includes excavators, bulldozers, and industrial vehicles.

The company has close partnerships with leading heavy machinery manufacturers, particularly in Japan and Germany. They also collaborate with construction and mining companies in the US and overseas.

Last year, Titan Heavy Machinery reported a trade volume of approximately $60 million in heavy equipment and machinery, serving the construction and infrastructure development sectors.

Competitive Advantage

Trade Global will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Smaller, more personal operation, with highly-qualified supply chain experts
• Trade Global stays abreast of all technology developments, constantly seeks to improve the supply chain, and delivers an accurate and complete shipment to each customer.
• Trade Global offers competitive pricing for its services. Their pricing structure is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Trade Global will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of supply chain experts that provide a comprehensive suite of export/import services (sales, packaging, shipping, customs, tariff/financial, marketing, expedient delivery).
• Unbeatable pricing to its clients – Trade Global does not mark up its services at a large percentage, offering competitive pricing.

Promotions Strategy

Flexibility and adaptability are key in marketing, as the import/export industry is subject to changes in international trade policies, global economic conditions, and shifting market dynamics.

The promotions strategy for Trade Global is as follows:

Create a Strong Online Presence:

Trade Global will build a professional, user-friendly website that showcases the company’s services, products, and expertise. The site will be optimized for search engines (SEO) to improve its visibility in online search results.

Network and Build Relationships:

Trade Global will make a point of attending a variety of trade shows and industry events to meet potential clients, suppliers, and partners, since building and maintaining relationships in the import/export industry is often critical to success.

Trade Global will also join industry-specific associations and chambers of commerce to gain credibility and access a network of contacts.

Online Marketing:

Trade Global will list products or services on established online B2B marketplaces like Alibaba, Global Sources, or TradeIndia to reach a global audience.

Trade Global will launch an email marketing campaign to reach potential clients, partners, and suppliers. Share industry news, company updates, and promotional offers.

The company will use online advertising platforms such as Google Ads and social media advertising to deliver targeted ads that promote import/export services.

Trade Publications and Directories:

Trade Global will advertise the business in relevant industry directories and advertise in trade publications specific to each product niche.

Trade Global’s pricing will be moderate and on par with competitors so clients feel they receive value when purchasing their goods and services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Trade Global. Operation Functions:

• Ted Rogers will initially handle all procurement, finding goods, buyers for goods, negotiating prices, and arranging logistics.
• The company will employ an administrative assistant, who will handle all documentation and answer non-urgent communications.
• The company will employ three warehouse managers to oversee logistics operations.

Milestones:

Trade Global will have the following milestones complete in the next eight months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize construction of warehouse space
• 6/1/202X – Complete recruitment process for warehouse management
• 6/15/202X – Finalize shipping partnerships
• 8/1/202X – Finalize wholesale contracts
• 11/15/202X – Complete hiring of warehouse team
• 12/1/202X – Receive first products intended for export

Trade Global will be owned and operated by Ted Rogers, who will oversee the procurement and logistical operations.

Ted Rogers has a background in wholesale, and is a graduate of Michigan State University’s Supply Chain Management program, and subsequently earned an Export/Import Certificate from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

Trade Global has begun the recruitment process for experienced Warehouse Managers in Hong Kong, and expects to complete the hiring process within one month.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Trade Global will largely rely on finding the best buyers for products being imported/exported. In addition, negotiating the lowest shipping costs will be a significant factor in revenue realized.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required to procure goods, and operate the warehouse. The major expenses will be payroll, and shipping costs.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and to pay off the startup business loan.

• Sales Revenue: Projected sales revenue will be broken down by product or service, region, and customer segments.
• Gross Margin: Profit projections will account for variations in costs, such as shipping, import duties, and currency fluctuations.
• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): This includes the cost of acquiring the goods for import or export.
• Currency Exchange Rates: Exchange rates can significantly impact the financial performance of an importer/exporter.
• Credit Terms: Credit terms offered to customers and suppliers impact cash flow and working capital requirements.
• Inventory Turnover: Carrying costs and storage expenses will impact profit; therefore, an accurate forecast of how quickly inventory will need to be replenished is important
• Taxes and Duties: Import/export duties, taxes, and customs fees based on the countries involved in the trade
• Economic Conditions: inflation rates, interest rates, and political stability can affect profitability

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Import Export Business Plan FAQs

What is an import export business plan.

An import export business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your import export business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Import Export business plan using our Import Export Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Import Export Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of import export businesses , some examples include: Export management company, Export trading company, and Import-export merchant (or free agent).

How Do You Get Funding for Your Import Export Business Plan?

Import Export businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start an Import Export Business?

Starting an import export business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop An Import Export Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed import export business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your import export business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your import export business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Import Export Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your import export business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your import export business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Import Export Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your import export business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your import export business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

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Developing an Export Plan

The purpose of an export plan is to assemble facts, constraints, and goals, and to create an action statement that takes these elements into account. The plan includes specific objectives, sets forth time schedules for implementation, and marks milestones so that the degree of success can be measured and can motivate personnel.  

Export Plan Tips

• The first time an exporting business plan is developed, it should be kept simple. It need be only a few pages long because important market data and planning elements may not yet be available. The initial planning effort itself gradually generates more information and insight. As you learn more about exporting and your company’s competitive position, the export plan will become more detailed and complete.
• Your plan should be written and viewed as a flexible management tool, not as a static document. Plan objectives should be compared with actual results to measure the success of different strategies. Don’t hesitate to modify and make the plan more specific as additional information and experience are gained. 
• A detailed plan is recommended for companies that intend to export directly, meaning selling to an end-user in another country. If your company chooses indirect export methods or sells via your or a third party’s website, you may use much simpler plans.                                                                                                

The Value of an Export Plan

• Written plans give a clear understanding of specific steps that need to be taken and help assure a commitment to exporting over the longer term.
• Only about a third of small -and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers have a written plan. Absent a plan, your business may overlook much better opportunities. In addition, reactive exporters may quickly give up on selling to international customers, concluding prematurely that it’s not worth the effort, or that it’s easier to serve customers closer to home even if that base may not grow, and could even shrink in the future. 
• Remember that while 59 percent of all U.S. exporters export to only a single market (predominantly Canada), many small exporters sell to more countries than they have employees, and these sales account for a growing percentage of total sales. These mini-multinationals are becoming more common, and your company can be one of them.

Length of the Export Plan

Product or service.

• What need does my product or service fill in the global marketplace?
• What modifications, if any, must be made to adapt my product for export markets?
• Do I need special licenses or certificates from the U.S. or the buyer’s government?
• Do I need to modify packaging or labeling?

Pricing Considerations

• What is the cost to get my product to market (freight, duties, taxes and other costs)?
• Given an estimate of the shipping costs, what is my pricing strategy?
• What, if anything, do I need to protect my intellectual property?
• What modifications, if any, should I make to my website for marketing purposes?        
• Should I sell on third party eCommerce platforms?
• What kinds of social media should I use to build awareness?
• Should I attend a trade show where international buyers are present?

Management Issues

• Are the reasons for pursuing export markets solid objectives (such as increasing sales volume or developing a broader customer base), or more frivolous (for example, the owner wants an excuse to travel)?
• How committed is top management to exporting? Is exporting viewed as a quick fix for slumping domestic sales? Will export customers be neglected if domestic sales pick up?
• What are the expectations? How quickly does management expect export operations to become self-sustaining? What level of return on investment is expected?
• With which countries has business already been conducted, or inquiries already received?
• Which product lines are talked about the most?
• Are domestic customers buying the product for sale or shipment overseas? If so, where?
• Is the trend of sales and inquiries up or down?
• Who are the main domestic and foreign competitors?
• What are some lessons learned from past export experiences?

Management and Personnel

• What in-house international expertise does the company have (international sales experience, language capabilities, etc.)?
• Who will be responsible for the export department’s organization and staff?
• How much senior management time should/could be allocated?
• What organizational structure is required to ensure export sales are adequately serviced?
• Who will follow through after the planning has been done?  

Production Capacity

• How is the present capacity being used?
• Will filling export orders hurt domestic sales?
• What about the cost of additional production?
• Are there fluctuations in the annual workload? When? Why?
• What minimum-order quantity is required?
• What is required to design and package products specifically for export?

Financial Capacity

• What amount of capital can be committed to export production and marketing?
• What level of operating costs can be supported by the export department?
• How are initial expenses of export efforts to be allocated?
• What other new development plans might compete with export plans?
• By what date must an export effort pay for itself?
• Do you qualify for any type of export financing?

Sample Outline of an Export Plan

Part i: export policy commitment statement   , part ii: situation or background analysis.

• Product/Service for Export
• Export License (if needed)
• Personal Export Organization
• Products/Services to be Exported
• Products that Qualify Under FTAs
• Resources Outside the Company
• Industry Structure, Competition, Demand Operations
• Export Control Compliance
• Product Classifications
• Resources Inside the Company

​ ​ Part III: Marketing Component

• ​ Identifying, Evaluating, and Selecting Markets
• Product Selection and Pricing
• Distribution Methods                                           
• Internal Organization and Procedures
• Sales Goals (Profit and Loss Forecasts)              
• Terms and Conditions
• Pricing with Consideration of Duties, Taxes  
• Freight Costs, and Logistics Included 

Part IV: Tactics—Action Steps

• Primary Target Countries
• Indirect Marketing Efforts
• Quarterly Accomplishments
• Secondary Target Countries 

​ Part V: Export Budget

• Pro-forma Financial Statements    
• Marketing Materials
• Travel      
• Website Enhancements
• Trade Show Visits
• Other Costs

​ Part VI: Implementation Schedule

• Periodic Operational and Management Review (Measuring Results against the Plan)

Addenda: Background Data on Target

• Basic Market Statistics (Historical and Projected)
• Background Facts
• Competitive Environment
• If your business is just getting started, contact your nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC ) or Score representative for help in developing an overall business plan.
• If you are an established firm with a record of domestic or overseas sales and are looking to export, your local U.S. Commercial Service office can assist.
• Country Commercial Guides provide the latest market intelligence on more than 140 countries from U.S. embassies worldwide.
• A Basic Guide to Exporting provides a roadmap for developing an export plan. See Chapter 2: Developing an Export Strategy.

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Home » How to Write a Business Plan for Your Import-Export Business

How to Write a Business Plan for Your Import-Export Business

January 20, 2021

The world is more interconnected than it’s ever been. This provides a perfect opportunity for you to create your own import-export business. Whether it’s importing beautiful textiles from another continent or exporting local Canadian products abroad, all you need is passion and drive to get started.

You probably have plenty of ideas swirling around in your head, but the only way to make your business a reality and ensure your success is to write a winning business plan. Business plans are notoriously long and complex but don’t be disheartened. Here are 6 steps to writing the perfect business plan for your import-export company:

1. Start with an Executive Summary.

Think of this as the ultimate introduction to your business. It should concisely delineate exactly what you want as a business owner. Remember, you need to know where your business is going. It’s up to you to clarify your vision. No one is going to be as passionate about your import-export storefront as you are.

Your executive summary should have:

• Your business concept : what you’ll sell, who will purchase it, and why your business will work
• Financial points : your sales, profits, cash flows, and ROI
• Required finances : what capital is needed and how it will be used
• Current business state : a short history of your business including key members of staff
• Achievements : may include test marketing, facility locations, important contracts, etc.

Keep it short and sweet. Ideally, your executive summary will be no more than half a page. The rest of your business plan is where you’ll go into greater detail about these components.

It might be helpful to go through How to Start an Import Export Business before you create your executive summary to ensure everything is carefully thought out before you present it in your business plan.

2. Include a Business Description.

This is your opportunity to describe exactly what you’re importing or exporting and how it will succeed. Are you importing Congolese avocados? Show how you can guarantee perfect ripeness when they reach stores. Are you exporting blenders to Bolivia? Demonstrate you’ve found the perfect blender to suit the demand of that market.

Here are some questions to consider and incorporate:

• How does the industry look now and how might it change in the future?
• Is your business brand new or already established?
• What kind of business is it (e.g. partnership, corporation)?
• What are the ins and outs of the distribution of your product?
• How is your business better than your competitors?
• What exactly makes your business profitable?

Don’t forget insurance. Investors and lenders need to see you’re responsible and won’t lose money from major oversights. You might think skipping product insurance will help you make more money, but this is a huge mistake in the long run. Find a premium insurance company and include that information in your business description.

3. Conduct a Market Analysis.

Roll up your sleeves—this part takes a lot of effort. If you put the work in and do  the research, it will pay off. The point of your market analysis is to demonstrate your knowledge of the market and your ability to claim a significant share of it. 

A great market analysis can look like this:

• Define the market : talk about size, trends, rules and regulations, prospective growth areas, and sales potential
• Nail down the total feasible market : specifically address the portion of the market your business can realistically capture
• Estimate market share : take into consideration industry growth and your product’s life cycle
• Determine pricing : discuss your reasons for pricing and how you will cover costs
• Explain your promotion strategy : this includes advertising, packaging, PR, etc.

Factor in exchange rates. As you’re figuring out your price, be sure to include  exchange rates in your calculations. Neglecting this could sink your business. You might want to consider using the local currency of the country you’re working with, especially if they use an international currency such as euros or US dollars. Are you planning on exporting to the EU? Don’t miss this helpful guide .

4. Summarize a Competitive Analysis.

Not quite the same as your market analysis, your competitive analysis focuses mainly on the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors. Planning to import Italian cars? Put yourself in your buyer’s shoes. What options do they have for purchasing an Italian car? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each option?

After you make a list of all your potential competitors, you’ll want to organize all the information in a competitive strength grid, which outlines which competitors are strong in each skill category and which ones are weak (e.g. price, product quality).

Lastly, you’ll need to clearly define your competitive advantage. Do you have a  lower price point? Are your cars of better quality? Do you have a more solid advertising plan? Can you break into a new market? 

Your price equates to your product’s value. If you price your product too far below your competitors, it may cheapen your product in the eyes of consumers. There’s nothing wrong with trying to outpace your competitors in pricing, but make sure you don’t overdo it and cause your customers to overlook your product due to a lower perceived quality.

5. Create a Design & Development Plan.

This is where you focus on details, details, details. How are you going to make your business a reality? Now is your opportunity to get it all on paper.

Here are some questions to answer in this section:

• What are your goals for product development?
• Which procedures will you have in place for product review, marketing, and distribution?
• What is your exact production schedule?
• What’s in your detailed development budget?
• How many employees need to be recruited and in what areas?
• What possible risks are apparent?
• How will your business function on a continuing basis?
• What is the organizational structure of your business?

If you’ve left any of these questions unanswered, you’ll need to add more details.

Don’t go it alone. You might prefer to do everything on your own, but that will only leave you overworked and exhausted. There are so many specifics in the import-export world that you can easily get overwhelmed. Do yourself a favor and hire a team to help.

Are you planning on selling your product on Amazon? Check out these useful logistical tips .

6. Don’t Forget the Financial Data.

When it comes down to it, this is what investors really want to see. This is how  they’ll determine whether your business – anything from exporting dresses to importing sailboats – will succeed or not.

You’ll need to include three statements in the financial section:

• Income statement : a simple report on monthly sales and expenses
• Cash flow statement : a schedule of what money is needed and where it will come from
• Balance sheet : a summary of your business’s assets, liabilities, and equity

Let your words be few. You should include a short analysis statement after the income statement, but resist the temptation to ramble. The idea is to let the financial statements in this portion speak for themselves.

Once you’ve finished your business plan, send it out to investors and lenders you’ve already established a connection with. Make big asks—you never know who might say yes! With an excellent import export business plan at your disposal, you’re well on your way to becoming a successful business owner.

BorderBuddy creates importing and exporting solutions for any size of business. We specialize in smoothing the process for you—handling the paperwork and logistics so you can focus on growing your company. We love supporting small businesses and are proud of the success stories we’ve been a part of. Give us a call and let us help you create a unique and sustainable import-export business today.

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Develop an Export Plan

Develop An Export Plan

An Export Plan is the first step to international business success. It describes the steps needed for a company to develop global sales.  

An export plan helps you understand the facts, constraints, and goals around your international effort. Use it to create specific objectives, decide on implementation schedules, and mark milestones of your success. It can also motivate your team to reach goals.

Written plans give a clear understanding of specific steps to take to assure a commitment to exporting. Without a plan, your business may overlook better long-term growth opportunities outside of the domestic market. Remember that while 59 percent of all U.S. exporters export to only a single market (predominantly Canada), many small exporters sell to more countries than they have employees, and these sales account for a growing percentage of total sales. These mini-multinationals are becoming more common, and your company can be one of them.

Steps To Develop Your Export Plan

• Identify the product or service to be exported and check its export potential ,
• Conduct market research on the countries of interest,
• Decide on a pricing strategy for the product or service, and
• Define a strategy to find buyers.
• Keep it simple. The initial planning effort itself gradually generates more information and insight. As you learn more about exporting and your company’s competitive position, the export plan will become more detailed. 
• Make a flexible management tool, not a static document. Objectives should be compared with actual results to measure the success of different strategies. Don’t hesitate to modify the plan as additional information and experience are gained.  A detailed plan is recommended for companies that intend to export directly, meaning selling to an end-user in another country.
• If your company chooses indirect export methods or sells via your or a third party’s website, you may use much simpler plans.            

Elements of an Export Plan

As you develop an export plan, consider the following questions for each market. This Sample Outline of an Export Plan can help you organize your work.

• Which products are selected for export development, and what modifications, if any, must be made to adapt them for overseas markets? Evaluate your product/service’s Export Potential .
• Is an export license needed? 
• Which countries are targeted for sales development? 
• What are the basic customer profiles, and what marketing and distribution channels should be used to reach customers? 
• What are the special challenges (for example, competition, cultural differences, and import and export controls), and the strategy to address them?  
• How will your product’s export sales price be determined? 
• What specific operational steps must be taken and when? 
• What will be the time frame for implementing each element of the plan? 
• What personnel and company resources will be dedicated to exporting?
• What will be the cost in time and money for each element? 
• How will the results be evaluated and used to modify the plan?  
• More in-depth questions to answer when building your export plan

Product or Service  

• What need does my product or service fill in the global marketplace?
• What modifications, if any, must be made to adapt my product for export markets?
• Do I need special licenses or certificates from the U.S. to export, or the buyer’s government to import, the product?
• Do I need to modify packaging or labeling?
• What, if anything, do I need to protect my intellectual property? 

Pricing Considerations 

• What is the cost to get my product to market (freight, duties, taxes and other costs)?
• Given an estimate of the shipping costs, what is my pricing strategy? 

Promotion 

• What modifications, if any, should I make to my website for marketing purposes?
• Should I sell on third-party eCommerce platforms? 
• What kinds of social media should I use to build awareness? 
• Should I attend a trade show where international buyers are present? 

Management Issues 

• Are the reasons for pursuing export markets solid objectives (such as increasing sales volume or developing a broader customer base), or more frivolous (for example, the owner wants an excuse to travel)? 
• How committed is top management to exporting? Is exporting viewed as a quick fix for slumping domestic sales? Will export customers be neglected if domestic sales pick up? 
• What are the expectations? How quickly does management expect export operations to become self-sustaining? What level of return on investment is expected? 
• In which countries has business already been conducted, or inquiries already received? 
• Which product lines are talked about the most? 
• Are domestic customers buying the product for sale or shipment overseas? If so, where?  
• Is the trend of sales and inquiries up or down? 
• Who are the main domestic and foreign competitors?
• What are some lessons learned from past export experiences? 
• What in-house international expertise does the company have (international sales experience, language capabilities, etc.)?
• Who will be responsible for the export department’s organization and staff? 
• How much senior management time should/could be allocated? 
• What organizational structure is required to ensure export sales are adequately serviced? 
• Who will follow through after the planning has been done?  

Production Capacity

• How is the present capacity being used? 
• Will filling export orders hurt domestic sales?
• What about the cost of additional production? 
• Are there fluctuations in the annual workload? When? Why? What minimum order quantity is required? 
• What is required to design and package products specifically for export? 

Financial Capacity

• What amount of capital can be committed to export production and marketing? 
• What level of operating costs can be supported by the export department? 
• How are initial expenses of export efforts to be allocated? 
• What other new development plans might compete with export plans? 
• By what date must an export effort pay for itself? 
• Do you qualify for any type of export financing?

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Import Export Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Import-Export Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their import-export businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through an import-export business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is an Import-Export Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your import-export business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for an Import-Export Company

If you’re looking to start an import-export business, or grow your existing business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your import-export business in order to improve your chances of success. Your import-export business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Import-Export Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an import-export business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the lender will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for social media marketing businesses.

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How to write a business plan for an import-export company.

If you want to start an import-export business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. Below are links to each section of your import-export business plan template:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of import-export business you are operating and its status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an import-export business that you would like to grow, or are you operating import-export companies in multiple markets?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the import-export industry. Discuss the type of import-export business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target market. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of import-export business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types of import-export companies:

• Export management company – these types of businesses handle all the details (hiring distributors, handling logistics, creating marketing materials, etc) for companies wishing to export a product.
• Export trading company – these types of businesses determine what products foreign buyers want, and then find domestic companies who make the product.
• Import-export merchant (or free agent) – this type of business buys merchandise from a manufacturer, and resells that merchandise around the world.

In addition to explaining the type of import-export business you will operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the volume of products you have exported or imported, number of import-export contracts signed, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the import-export industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the import-export industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your import-export business plan:

• How big is the import-export industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your import-export business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your import-export business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of import-export business you operate. Clearly, individuals looking to purchase coffee beans online would respond to different marketing promotions than mobile phone manufacturers, for example.

Try to break out your target market in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most import-export companies primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other import-export companies.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes manufacturers with vertically integrated distribution operations, or consumers who prefer to purchase similar products made domestically.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other import-export companies with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be import-export businesses located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• Do they specialize in specific products, or in imports from a specific country or region?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide a wider variety of products or maintain distribution contracts with more manufacturers?
• Will you offer extra services, such as brokerage?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For an import-export business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of import-export company that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to mobile phones, will your import-export business offer other consumer electronics such as laptops or wireless headphones?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location through which you will sell your imported/exported goods. For example, will you distribute your goods directly to consumers online, or will you maintain supply contracts with retailers and wholesalers? In this section, document each method by which you will sell your products.

Promotions : The final part of your import-export marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your business. The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in trade papers and magazines
• Direct contact with potential clients (cold calling)
• Social media marketing
• Exhibits at Trade Shows

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your import-export business, including determining which products are needed, sourcing product manufacturers, securing and maintaining all necessary licenses and permits, arranging logistics, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to sign your 100 th supply contract, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your import-export business to a new market.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your import-export business’ ability to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing import-export companies. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in logistics, or successfully running small businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you import from one country, or will you operate globally? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your import-export business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing an import-export business:

• Warehouse build-out including fixtures, construction, etc.
• Cost of buying or leasing the necessary transportation equipment (containers, cargo ship / airplane, etc.), or otherwise securing the means of transporting your goods
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your warehouse lease, or contracts with manufacturers and distributors.  

Putting together a business plan for your import-export business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the import-export industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful import-export business.  

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Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Business Plan Template for Import Export Companies

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
• Get started in seconds

Starting an import-export business can be an exciting venture, but it requires careful planning and strategy to succeed in the global trade industry. That's where ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Import Export Companies comes in!

With this template, you can create a comprehensive business plan that covers all aspects of your import-export operations, including:

• Outlining your strategies and goals for entering and expanding in international markets
• Identifying target markets and customers to effectively position your products or services
• Assessing financial projections and budgets to ensure profitability and sustainability
• Determining logistics and supply chain management to streamline your operations
• Analyzing risks and competition to develop strategies for market penetration and differentiation

Don't miss out on the opportunity to create a roadmap for success in the import-export industry. Get started with ClickUp's Business Plan Template today!

Business Plan Template for Import Export Companies Benefits

Import and export companies can benefit greatly from using a business plan template specifically designed for their industry. Here are some of the advantages:

• Streamlining the strategic planning process by providing a structured framework for outlining goals and objectives
• Identifying target markets and customers, allowing for targeted marketing and sales efforts
• Assessing financial projections and forecasting revenue, expenses, and profitability
• Determining logistics and supply chain management strategies to optimize operations and minimize costs
• Analyzing risks and competition to develop effective risk management and competitive advantage strategies
• Creating a roadmap for success in the global trade industry, guiding the company's growth and expansion plans.

Main Elements of Import Export Companies Business Plan Template

ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Import Export Companies is specifically designed to help import and export companies create a comprehensive roadmap for success in the global trade industry. Here are the main elements of this template:

• Custom Statuses: Use the "Complete," "In Progress," "Needs Revision," and "To Do" statuses to track the progress of each section of your business plan and ensure that all tasks are completed on time.
• Custom Fields: Utilize the "Reference," "Approved," and "Section" custom fields to add important information to your business plan, such as references, approval status, and specific sections.
• Custom Views: Access different views, including "Topics," "Status," "Timeline," "Business Plan," and "Getting Started Guide," to easily navigate through your business plan and analyze different aspects, such as goals, progress, timelines, and overall plan structure.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with your team in real-time by assigning tasks, setting due dates, leaving comments, and attaching files within each section of your business plan.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrate with other tools, such as Google Drive, to import and export relevant documents and data, ensuring all your information is centralized and easily accessible.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Import Export Companies

If you're in the import-export business, having a well-thought-out business plan is crucial for success. Here are six steps to help you effectively use the Business Plan Template for Import Export Companies in ClickUp:

1. Define your mission and vision

Start by clearly defining the mission and vision of your import-export company. What do you aim to achieve? What values do you want to uphold? This will serve as the foundation for your business plan and guide your decision-making process.

Use a Doc in ClickUp to articulate your mission and vision statement and share it with your team for feedback.

2. Conduct market research

Before diving into the import-export industry, it's essential to conduct thorough market research. Identify potential target markets, assess competition, and analyze trends and opportunities. This step will help you understand the demand for your products and identify strategies to stay ahead.

Utilize custom fields in ClickUp to track key market research data, such as market size, competitors, and consumer behavior.

3. Define your products and services

Next, outline the specific products and services your import-export company will offer. Clearly define the unique selling points and advantages of your offerings. Additionally, identify potential suppliers and partners to ensure a smooth supply chain.

Create tasks in ClickUp to categorize and track your products and services, including details like pricing, sourcing, and quality control.

4. Develop a marketing and sales strategy

To attract customers and generate revenue, you'll need a robust marketing and sales strategy. Determine the most effective channels to reach your target audience, whether it's through digital marketing, trade shows, or partnerships. Additionally, outline your pricing strategy, sales targets, and promotional activities.

Use the Gantt chart in ClickUp to create a timeline for your marketing campaigns and track their progress.

5. Create a financial plan

A comprehensive financial plan is essential for the success of any business. Estimate your startup costs, projected revenue, and expenses. Determine your pricing structure, profit margins, and cash flow projections. Additionally, consider any financing options or investment opportunities that may be available.

Utilize the Table view in ClickUp to create financial projections, track expenses, and monitor your company's financial health.

6. Monitor and adapt

Once your business plan is in place, it's important to regularly monitor your progress and adapt as needed. Keep track of key performance indicators, such as sales volume, customer satisfaction, and market share. Review your plan periodically and make adjustments based on new information or changing market conditions.

Set up recurring tasks in ClickUp to review and update your business plan regularly, ensuring that it remains relevant and aligned with your goals.

By following these six steps and utilizing the Business Plan Template for Import Export Companies in ClickUp, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the import-export industry and achieve long-term success.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Import Export Companies

Import and export companies can use this Business Plan Template for Import Export Companies to streamline their planning process and ensure a successful global trade strategy.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a comprehensive business plan:

• Use the Topics View to organize your business plan into different sections, such as market analysis, financial projections, and logistics
• The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do
• Utilize the Timeline View to set deadlines and milestones for each section of your business plan
• The Business Plan View provides a holistic overview of your entire plan, allowing you to easily navigate and make updates
• Use the Getting Started Guide View to access helpful resources and tips for creating a successful business plan
• Customize the template by adding custom fields like Reference, Approved, and Section to track additional information and make your plan more organized
• Monitor and analyze your business plan to ensure it aligns with your goals and objectives
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Get Ready to Export: My Export Plan My Export Plan

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Developing an Export Plan

The purpose of an export plan is to assemble facts, constraints, and goals, and to create an action statement that takes these elements into account. The plan includes specific objectives, sets forth time schedules for implementation, and marks milestones so that the degree of success can be measured and can motivate personnel.  

Export Plan Tips

• The first time an exporting business plan is developed, it should be kept simple. It need be only a few pages long because important market data and planning elements may not yet be available. The initial planning effort itself gradually generates more information and insight. As you learn more about exporting and your company’s competitive position, the export plan will become more detailed and complete.
• Your plan should be written and viewed as a flexible management tool, not as a static document. Plan objectives should be compared with actual results to measure the success of different strategies. Don’t hesitate to modify and make the plan more specific as additional information and experience are gained. 
• A detailed plan is recommended for companies that intend to export directly, meaning selling to an end-user in another country. If your company chooses indirect export methods or sells via your or a third party’s website, you may use much simpler plans.                                                                                                

The Value of an Export Plan

• Written plans give a clear understanding of specific steps that need to be taken and help assure a commitment to exporting over the longer term.
• Only about a third of small -and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers have a written plan. Absent a plan, your business may overlook much better opportunities. In addition, reactive exporters may quickly give up on selling to international customers, concluding prematurely that it’s not worth the effort, or that it’s easier to serve customers closer to home even if that base may not grow, and could even shrink in the future. 
• Remember that while 59 percent of all U.S. exporters export to only a single market (predominantly Canada), many small exporters sell to more countries than they have employees, and these sales account for a growing percentage of total sales. These mini-multinationals are becoming more common, and your company can be one of them.

Length of the Export Plan

Product or service.

• What need does my product or service fill in the global marketplace?
• What modifications, if any, must be made to adapt my product for export markets?
• Do I need special licenses or certificates from the U.S. or the buyer’s government?
• Do I need to modify packaging or labeling?

Pricing Considerations

• What is the cost to get my product to market (freight, duties, taxes and other costs)?
• Given an estimate of the shipping costs, what is my pricing strategy?
• What, if anything, do I need to protect my intellectual property?
• What modifications, if any, should I make to my website for marketing purposes?        
• Should I sell on third party eCommerce platforms?
• What kinds of social media should I use to build awareness?
• Should I attend a trade show where international buyers are present?

Management Issues

• Are the reasons for pursuing export markets solid objectives (such as increasing sales volume or developing a broader customer base), or more frivolous (for example, the owner wants an excuse to travel)?
• How committed is top management to exporting? Is exporting viewed as a quick fix for slumping domestic sales? Will export customers be neglected if domestic sales pick up?
• What are the expectations? How quickly does management expect export operations to become self-sustaining? What level of return on investment is expected?
• With which countries has business already been conducted, or inquiries already received?
• Which product lines are talked about the most?
• Are domestic customers buying the product for sale or shipment overseas? If so, where?
• Is the trend of sales and inquiries up or down?
• Who are the main domestic and foreign competitors?
• What are some lessons learned from past export experiences?

Management and Personnel

• What in-house international expertise does the company have (international sales experience, language capabilities, etc.)?
• Who will be responsible for the export department’s organization and staff?
• How much senior management time should/could be allocated?
• What organizational structure is required to ensure export sales are adequately serviced?
• Who will follow through after the planning has been done?  

Production Capacity

• How is the present capacity being used?
• Will filling export orders hurt domestic sales?
• What about the cost of additional production?
• Are there fluctuations in the annual workload? When? Why?
• What minimum-order quantity is required?
• What is required to design and package products specifically for export?

Financial Capacity

• What amount of capital can be committed to export production and marketing?
• What level of operating costs can be supported by the export department?
• How are initial expenses of export efforts to be allocated?
• What other new development plans might compete with export plans?
• By what date must an export effort pay for itself?
• Do you qualify for any type of export financing?

Sample Outline of an Export Plan

Part i: export policy commitment statement   , part ii: situation or background analysis.

• Product/Service for Export
• Export License (if needed)
• Personal Export Organization
• Products/Services to be Exported
• Products that Qualify Under FTAs
• Resources Outside the Company
• Industry Structure, Competition, Demand Operations
• Export Control Compliance
• Product Classifications
• Resources Inside the Company

​ ​ Part III: Marketing Component

• ​ Identifying, Evaluating, and Selecting Markets
• Product Selection and Pricing
• Distribution Methods                                           
• Internal Organization and Procedures
• Sales Goals (Profit and Loss Forecasts)              
• Terms and Conditions
• Pricing with Consideration of Duties, Taxes  
• Freight Costs, and Logistics Included 

Part IV: Tactics—Action Steps

• Primary Target Countries
• Indirect Marketing Efforts
• Quarterly Accomplishments
• Secondary Target Countries 

​ Part V: Export Budget

• Pro-forma Financial Statements    
• Marketing Materials
• Travel      
• Website Enhancements
• Trade Show Visits
• Other Costs

​ Part VI: Implementation Schedule

• Periodic Operational and Management Review (Measuring Results against the Plan)

Addenda: Background Data on Target

• Basic Market Statistics (Historical and Projected)
• Background Facts
• Competitive Environment
• If your business is just getting started, contact your nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC ) or Score representative for help in developing an overall business plan.
• If you are an established firm with a record of domestic or overseas sales and are looking to export, your local U.S. Commercial Service office can assist.
• Country Commercial Guides provide the latest market intelligence on more than 140 countries from U.S. embassies worldwide.
• A Basic Guide to Exporting provides a roadmap for developing an export plan. See Chapter 2: Developing an Export Strategy.

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Export Business Plan and Exporter's Roadmap

If the export business plan is planned comprehensively, the chance of being successful in the target market increases. Poor planning or lack of planning can lead to major failures and harm the exporter. Therefore, an important question should be how the export plan should be made for an exporter.

Companies that have just started exporting or that aim to enter a different foreign market for the first time can benefit from companies that provide export consultancy services before carrying out their export business plan.

The steps of the export business plan are as follows;

-Approval of Top Management Must Be Obtained

Before the research is done and the plan is written, the person or department responsible for the target market entry strategy should inform the senior management about this and get approval. By doing this, it can be understood whether the key people in the company are willing to meet the challenges and meet the financial requirements for export. All departments, including the head of the company, must know and adopt the firm's export plan.

-Market Research Should Be Done

The company that will conduct market research should follow the country's export potential and product information, marketing guides, political and socio-economic conditions of the countries. 

-Market Research Should Be Analyzed

Market research is the process of collecting information about the sales conditions, price range and potential customers of a product in the market. Features such as the design, size and color of the product should be determined by studying the target consumer in the selected region to determine consumer preferences. In addition, the expectations and purchasing behaviors of potential customers can be learned by sending product samples to sales channels in the relevant market.

-Export Flow Should Be Determined

For an exporter to be successful, it is very important to determine whether the product can compete in this market. Such data can be obtained from the Statistical Institute of the relevant country, the Undersecretariat of Foreign Trade.

-The Most Appropriate Export Price Should Be Determined

Determining the price of a product is the most important factor that will affect the financial projections within the export plan. Therefore, cost-increasing factors should be considered while exporting. These factors are sales commissions, fees paid for shipping companies, costs for necessary documents, financing costs, letters of credit, packaging, labeling, marking, transportation within the country, insurance and storage costs, translation costs of product documents, and loan terms. It should be ensured that each of these factors is clearly expressed in the financial projections and the price of the product should be determined accordingly.

-The capacity of the firm should be clearly revealed

Pricing is not the only factor that influences a buyer's decision to purchase a product or service. The company's management capability, production capacity, quality control system, technical cooperation with foreign companies, order fulfillment system, references of the company and credibility related to financial stability are also important factors that can affect the purchase decision of the buyer.

- Matters that will affect the buyer's decision should be addressed

It should be researched which issues the buyer attaches importance to in the purchasing process and methods and procedures should be developed accordingly. Thus, those who read the business plan come to the conclusion that the company knows the issues that are important to foreign buyers. The factors that affect the purchase are as follows, from the most important to the least important; Quality, deadline, price, warranty, commitment to compensate for complaints or damage, protection of patents and prevention of infringement, technical support, confidentiality, packaging, payment methods, mode of transportation and correct follow-up of customer demands.

Some of the methods such as doing research on the internet for marketing, participating in international fairs, promoting products and services on websites that are used effectively in a particular country, getting support from effective consultancy companies for international marketing should be investigated. Then, marketing activities should be started with methods suitable for the firm's budget, the structure of the product and the determined market.

-Checking a Buyer's Creditworthiness

Before the exporter enters into a business deal, the potential buyer must check the credibility of the distributor or external partner. The best sources for this are the foreign credit services in the relevant country and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the buyer's country.

-Selection of Distribution Type

Companies should choose one of the distribution methods suitable for them. This can be direct or indirect export by finding a sales agent or sales representative.

  EXPORTER'S ROADMAP

An exporter without a roadmap may encounter some unexpected problems in business life. These problems can cause additional business loss, loss of time and some cost issues. It is necessary to be sensitive about a subject such as export, which has many variables and risks. For this, exporters should plan what they will do step by step and draw up a road map.

First of all, the company that wants to start exporting should revise its official web page, product and promotional catalogues, brochures, corporate social media accounts for export in order to create a sense of trust and reputation. For this, if the company does not have a public relations and promotion department, it should apply to export consultancy companies that offer these services.

In the next step, the company that wants to export should optimize the work of its export department and, if necessary, encourage its employees to train in order to make up for their deficiencies. Considering that this is a long process, the company can benefit from the services of the external export department. Foreign trade consultancy institutions that provide external export department services will gain new customers to the company by carrying out transactions such as market research and potential market analyzes in a shorter period of time.

In the next step, in order to start export activities, a deep market analysis for the target product should be made. This analysis should be carried out by an experienced foreign trade expert or by the institution providing the relevant service. Thanks to market analysis, target markets are determined and detailed research on these markets are carried out. Thus, the current market value in the market, price policies for the target product, potential competitors, market density, supply-demand ratios and potential risks are determined.

After the potential market analysis is prepared and evaluated, the sectoral markets to be entered are determined. Additional information may be needed after this stage. For this, the trade attachés, foreign trade institutions and B2B trade platforms operating in the relevant region should be consulted.

If these preparations and preliminary studies for export are carried out meticulously, the probability of the company's failure in export will be reduced to a minimum.

It is very easy to reach importers and exporters all over the world directly with TradeAtlas! TradeAtlas is a global importer and exporter search engine that contains 1.8 billion bills of lading and shipment details data of 20 million importer companies in more than 230 countries around the world. TradeAtlas is with you to accompany you in taking steps towards becoming a more important part of global trade! To become part of the global ecosystem, you can register and search for free by clicking   here .

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• Basic Planning for Starting Export Business.

Basic Planning For Export.

Introduction

Some "Do's and Don'ts of Export Planning

Before starting an export, an individual should evaluate his company’s “ export readiness ”. Further planning for export should be done only, if the company’s assets are good enough for export.

There are several methods to evaluate the export potential of a company. The most common method is to examine the success of a product in domestic market. It is believed that if the products has survived in the domestic market, there is a good chance that it will also be successful in international market, at least those where similar needs and conditions exist.

  One should also evaluate the unique features of a product. If those features are hard to duplicate abroad, then it is likely that you will be successful overseas. A unique product may have little competition and demand for it might be quite high.

 Once a businessman decides to sell his products, the next step is to developing a proper export plan. While planning an export strategy, it is always better to develop a simple, practical and flexible export plan for profitable and sustainable export business. As the planners learn more about exporting and your company's competitive position, the export plan will become more detailed and complete.

  Objective

The main objective of a typical export plan is to:

• Identifies what you want to achieve from exporting.
• Lists what activities you need to undertake to achieve those objectives.
• Includes mechanisms for reviewing and measuring progress.
• Helps you remain focused on your goals.

  For a proper export planning following questions need to answered:

• Which products are selected for export development?
• What modifications, if any, must be made to adapt them for overseas markets?
• Which countries are targeted for sales development?
• In each country, what is the basic customer profile?
• What marketing and distribution channels should be used to reach customers?
• What special challenges pertain to each market (competition, cultural differences, import controls, etc.), and what strategy will be used to address them?
• How will the product's export sale price be determined?
• What specific operational steps must be taken and when?
• What will be the time frame for implementing each element of the plan?
• What personnel and company resources will be dedicated to exporting?
• What will be the cost in time and money for each element?
• How will results be evaluated and used to modify the plan?

From the start, the plan should be viewed and written as a management tool, not as a static document. Objectives in the plan should be compared with actual results to measure the success of different strategies. The company should not hesitate to modify the plan and make it more specific as new information and experience are gained.

DO ensure your key staff members are ‘signed on’ to the Plan. DO seek good advice – and test your Export Plan with advisers. DON’T create a bulky document that remains static. DO review the Export Plan regularly with your staff and advisers. DO assign responsibility to staff for individual tasks. DON’T use unrealistic timelines. Review them regularly – they often slip. DO create scenarios for changed circumstances – look at the “what ifs” for changes in the market environment from minor to major shifts in settings. e.g. changes of government, new import taxes. DO develop an integrated timeline that draws together the activities that make up the Export Plan. DO make sure that you have the human and financial resources necessary to execute the Export Plan. Ensure existing customers are not neglected.

Table of Contents

• Chapter 1 Starting Export Introduction
• Chapter 2 Basic Planning For Export
• Chapter 3 Identifying Products For Export
• Chapter 4 Market Selection
• Chapter 5 SWOT Analysis
• Chapter 6 Registration of Exporters
• Chapter 7 Export License
• Chapter 8 Myths About Exporting
• Chapter 9 Export Sales Leads
• Chapter 10 Exporting Product Samples
• Chapter 11 Export Pricing And Costing
• Chapter 12 Understanding Foreign Exchange Rates
• Chapter 13 Appointing A Sales Agents
• Chapter 14 Export Risks Management
• Chapter 15 Packaging And Labeling Of Goods
• Chapter 16 Inspection Certificates And Quality Control
• Chapter 17 Export Documents
• Chapter 18 Custom Procedure For Export
• Chapter 19 Invisible Export
• Chapter 20 Export To SAARC
• Chapter 21 Export To CIS
• Chapter 22 Organisations Supporting Exporters

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Import/Export Business Plan

It is a fact that open economies do not have enough resources to meet the high demand of goods for their citizens. That is the reason why not only the national government but also private institutions import from other countries to make sure the demand is met and the supply of goods is replenished on a regular basis. You may also see business plan outline with examples .

If you’re planning to export or even import goods for your business, then you first need to create a business plan . Listed below are some import/export business plan examples which will be handy for your business.

Import Export Business Plan Example

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Import/Export Business Plan Thesis

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Import, Export, and Car Trading Business Plan

Size: 492 KB

Tips in Creating a Business Plan

Listed below are the tips when creating a business plan. Take note that the tips provided below are not only for an import/export business plan but for other types of business plans as well.

1. Create an executive summary

A business plan is mostly created with the purpose of investment. A business plan is not formulated just to be read by the individuals within the company. The actual contents of a business plan contains confidential industry and competitor information, in which these information are presented to investors, who will be aiming to invest in the company.

It is crucial that an executive summary should be well-written as possible investors will not be reading the entire business plan. Unfortunately, investors don’t have the time to read the entire plan, so make sure important details are laid out in the executive summary. Aside from placing their focus on the executive summary, they will also be browsing through the marketing and finance sections as important information can also be found here.

2. Focus on marketing

One of the key subsections of a business plan is the marketing plan . This subsection of a business plan is one of the most important as it does not only tackle the advertising and promotion strategies of the business but also introduces and analyzes the product and how it benefits customers.

As previously mentioned, marketing begins with the general analysis of the product before manufacturing even begins. There are numerous analysis tools available which are also being used by different companies around the world. Just choose which ones are applicable to your business.

The marketing plan is not only limited to product analysis but general information such as product specification should also be listed to provide clear and specific information for investors.

3. Focus on creating financial forecasts as well

Another key subsection of a simple business plan is the finance or financial forecasts plan. Some investors decide to take a further look at financial forecasts compared to the executive summary and general marketing plan . This is because investors are looking at gaining something from their investment, and not just the initial funds they invested in the company.

Financial forecasts are not usually short-term forecasts, but long-term—typically in a span of three to five years. Normally, investment is not recovered after one year, especially for large businesses with a large number of assets. As long as there is an upward trend of revenues and profits in the forecasts and external factors are analyzed, then the investor will be considering to invest. You may also see business plan guidelines examples .

4. Review and revise

Probably the most forgotten tip not only for a general business plan but all types of business documents as well. Constantly reviewing and revising the business plan is necessary for it to be effective. You never know if there are additional data or information that need to be included in the business plan that will be vital for investors in their decision to invest in your business or not.

Never rush in creating the basic business plan , unless you and your team have been slacking off and delaying to create the business plan. Additionally, a final review or revision should pass through the management team since they are in a better position to analyze the business plan.

Building an Import/Export Business Example

Importing/Exporting Business Guide Example

Chinese Import/Export Service Company E-Marketing Plan Example

The World’s Top Importers and Exporters (2016 data)

Germany is the top automobile and vehicle parts exporter in the world, thanks to its top-quality and classic homemade brands such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. On the other side of the coin, the United States is the world’s top importer of automobiles as well as vehicle parts. You may also see network marketing business plan examples .

Hong Kong is the world’s top exporter of integrated circuits while China is the word’s top importer.

China is the world’s top exporter of consumer products such as computers, telephone products, and broadcasting equipment. China is the home of brands such as Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, Haier, Hasee, Xiaomi, ZTE, and Alcatel, to name a few. The USA meanwhile is the top importer for all three products. You may also like bookkeeping business plan examples .

The USA is the world’s top exporter and importer of refined petroleum. Exxon Mobil and Chevron, two of the biggest gas companies in the world are US-based. On the other hand, Russia is the world’s top exporter of crude petroleum while China is the world’s top importer. Gazprom, LukOil, and Rosneft are all based in Russia. You may also check out hotel business plan examples .

Minerals and exquisite items such as gold, diamonds, and jewelry are exported most by Switzerland, India, and China respectively. The top importers are Switzerland, the United States, and Hong Kong respectively.

France is the world’s biggest aircraft manufacturer, with China being the world’s top importer. Airbus (commercial aircrafts) and Dassault Aviation (military aircrafts) both hail from France.

British Columbia Import/Export Business Guide Example

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Import Business Plan Example

Size: 21 KB

International Export Business Plan Example

We hope you found this article to be informative as you will be creating your own import/export business plan .

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