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Madison, WI 53707-7970

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IMPORTANT: As of July 1st, 2011, functions once performed by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce have been moved to other state agencies and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The former Commerce web site will continue to exist for the next several months as resources are moved to new web site locations. We will make every attempt possible to direct our users to the new locations as web resources are moved.

Division of Investment and Export
PO Box 7970
Madison, WI 53707-7970
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Vol. 8 #2, November 2008

New Trade Handbook Published
The U.S. Department of Commerce has released a new edition of A Basic Guide to Exporting that includes updated information on identifying new markets and selecting the best finance options, as well as other tips to help businesses take greater advantage of the current boom in U.S. exports.

A Basic Guide to Exporting is a step-by-step manual that covers various topics, including how to identify best overseas markets and financing options and how to create a Web site for selling goods to international buyers. The book contains 17 chapters on the nuts and bolts of the export process, as well as case studies in which owners of mostly small companies share how they have profited from international sales. Some of the featured companies are involved in hair care products for pets, senior care, fiberglass houses that withstand tropical storms, medical devices, and machines that use light bursts to purify water. The merchandise may seem ordinary, but not how the companies have increased their sales in the face of slowing demand at home.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, there were more than 235,000 exporters in the United States in 2007, up about 4 percent over 2006.  Although the number of exporters is growing as more U.S. companies find overseas opportunities too good to resist, the dollar value of U.S. exports is growing at a much faster rate. This also suggests there is ample opportunity for small and medium-sized companies to add to U.S. export growth in value and volume if these companies can take advantage of the opportunities.

Numerous studies indicate that non-exporters would sell internationally if they had more information on opportunities and on the nuts and bolts of how to complete the paperwork, to reduce risk, and to get paid. A Basic Guide to Exporting is intended to fill that information void and to take the exotic and mysterious elements out of exporting.

The first edition of the guide was published in 1935, long before the Internet, credit cards, and jet transportation—things that have revolutionized and significantly increased trade between nations.  The publication costs $19.95 and is available at bookstores or can be ordered at http://www.export.gov/basicguide.  The Web site features reviews and sample chapters from the book.