EXPORT PROGRAMS GUIDE

 A B U S I N E S S G U I D E T O F E D E R A L E X P O R T A S S I S T A N C E
The Trade Promotion 

Coordinating Committee

Chair: Secretary of Commerce

U.S. Department of Commerce

Export–Import Bank of the United States

Overseas Private Investment Corporation

U.S. Trade and Development Agency

U.S. Small Business Administration

U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Department of State

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Office of the United States Trade 

Representative

U.S. Agency for International Development

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. Department of Defense

U.S. Department of Energy

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Department of Labor

U.S. Department of Transportation

Office of Management and Budget

National Security Council/National Economic 

Council

Council of Economic Advisers
EXPORT PROGRAMS GUIDE

A B U S I N E S S G U I D E T O F E D E R A L E X P O R T A S S I S T A N C E

U.S. Department of Commerce

International Trade Administration

2009 EDITION
This edition of Export Programs Guide was compiled under the auspices of the Trade Information Center. Editorial 

and production assistance was provided by the International Trade Administration’s Office of Public Affairs. 

Design and composition were done by the Creative Services division of the U.S. Government Printing Office.

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office

Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) 512-1800 Fax: (202) 512-2104

Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20402-0001 

ISBN 978-0-16-083141-6
 iii

Welcome to the 2009 edition of the Export Programs Guide. 

This comprehensive guide describes useful programs from more than 20 U.S. Government 

agencies that help U.S. companies export their goods and services to markets around 

the world. As many new and successful exporters have discovered, exporting can be an 

important source of growth, yet challenging. The information in this guide can ease this 

challenge by offering the support and assistance you need to become a successful exporter. 

While the United States remains one of the most competitive and productive nations in the 

world, a relatively low percentage of U.S. companies are engaged in exporting compared to 

other developed nations. Although U.S. small and medium-sized companies with fewer than 

500 employees make up about 97 percent of U.S. exporting firms, they represent less than 30 

percent of the value of U.S. exports of merchandise goods. Furthermore, nearly 60 percent of 

all exporters sell to only one foreign market. Many of these firms could boost U.S. exports by 

expanding into other markets. In fact, there has never been a better time to export. Increased 

use of the Internet, improved transportation, and enhanced trade and investment rules have 

greatly simplified the export process and made it easier to sell abroad.

Exporters strengthen their local communities by creating jobs and new opportunities for 

American workers. This in turn contributes to the economic growth of the United States as 

a whole. If you do not currently export, consider it—especially since it is likely that your 

competitors are, or soon will be, selling internationally. If you already export, explore new 

markets. Either way, if you are new to exporting or are exploring new markets, the Export 

Programs Guide will help you understand the range of Federal export assistance programs. 

I applaud your interest in exporting and encourage you to partner with the Federal agencies 

listed in this guide to achieve your exporting goals. 

Gary Locke

Chairman

Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee

v

CHAPTER 1 General Export Counseling and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

CHAPTER 2 Industry-Specific Counseling and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

CHAPTER 3 Country-Specific Counseling and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

CHAPTER 4 Trade Leads and Market Research Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

CHAPTER 5 Making Contacts through Trade Promotion Events . . . . . . . . . . . 24

CHAPTER 6 Special Market Access and Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 28

CHAPTER 7 Export Finance, Insurance, and Grants (Non-agricultural) . . . . . . 37

CHAPTER 8 Agricultural Export and Finance Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

CHAPTER 9 Health, Performance, Quality, and Safety Inspection 

 and Certification Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

CHAPTER 10 Export Licenses and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

APPENDICES A. Export Assistance Center Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

B. Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee 

 Agencies and Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

REFERENCES Alphabetical List of Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Acronyms and Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

CONTENTS

Chapter 1. General Export Counseling and Assistance 1

International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce 

The International Trade Administration (ITA) is dedicated to opening markets for U.S. 

products and services and providing assistance and information to exporters. ITA units 

include (a) trade specialists in 107 U.S. Export Assistance Centers and 150 overseas offices, 

(b) industry experts and market and economic analysts, (c) market access experts, and 

(d) import policy and trade compliance analysts who enforce trade laws and agreements 

that provide remedies to domestic industries injured by unfair import competition. These 

ITA units perform analyses, promote products, and offer services for the U.S. exporting 

community, including the export promotion, counseling, and information programs that are 

listed elsewhere in this booklet. 

Contact: For more information about ITA, call 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723), or visit 

www.trade.gov. 

U.S. Commercial Service, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

The U.S. Commercial Service (CS), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s 

International Trade Administration, helps U.S. companies—particularly small and mediumsized businesses—increase their international market share and sales. Through its 

global network of more than 1,700 trade specialists located in 107 domestic offices and 

150 posts in 80 countries, the CS works one on one with companies through every step 

of the exporting process, helping them leverage world-class market research, promote 

their products and services in target markets, meet qualified international buyers and 

distributors, and overcome challenges and barriers that they may encounter while doing 

business in international markets. 

Contact: For more information about the CS and its programs, visit www.export.gov. To 

speak with a CS trade specialist, call 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723). 

EXPORT PROGRAMS GUIDE

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL EXPORT COUNSELING AND ASSISTANCE
2 Export Programs Guide

Trade Information Center, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

The Trade Information Center (TIC), a U.S. Commercial Service resource, is the first stop 

for companies seeking export assistance from the federal government. CS trade specialists 

working in the TIC

• Advise U.S. firms on all government export programs.

• Guide businesses through the export process.

• Provide country and regional business counseling on standards and trade regulations, 

distribution channels, opportunities and best prospects for U.S. companies, tariffs and 

border taxes, customs procedures, and common commercial difficulties.

• Direct businesses to market research and trade leads.

• Assist businesses with the North American Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin 

and with other free trade agreements.

• Provide information on overseas and domestic trade events and activities.

• Refer businesses to local Export Assistance Centers as well as other state and local 

trade organizations that provide export assistance. 

Contact: For more information, visit www.export.gov. To contact a CS trade specialist, call 

800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723), fax (202) 482-4473, or e-mail tic@ita.doc.gov. 

U.S. Export Assistance Center Network, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

The U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the 

Export–Import Bank have formed a nationwide network of U.S. Export Assistance Centers 

(USEACs). Many USEAC offices are co-located with other federal, state, and local publicsector entities and with private-sector entities—making it easy for U.S. companies to find 

the help they need. USEACs are located in more than 100 cities throughout the United 

States and serve as one-stop shops that provide small and medium-sized businesses with 

hands-on export marketing and trade finance support. USEACs work closely with federal, 

state, local, public, and private organizations to provide unparalleled export assistance to 

American businesses trying to compete in the global marketplace. 

USEAC trade specialists provide global business solutions by (a) identifying the best 

markets for their clients’ products; (b) developing effective market-entry strategies based 

on information generated from commercial offices; (c) facilitating the implementation of 

these strategies by advising clients on distribution channels, key factors to consider in 

pricing, and relevant trade shows and missions; (d) providing assistance in obtaining trade 

finance through federal government programs; and (e) helping clients access state and 

local public-sector entities as well as private-sector entities. 

Contact: For the address and phone number of the USEAC nearest you, see Appendix A, call 

800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723), or visit www.export.gov. 
Chapter 1. General Export Counseling and Assistance 3

District Export Councils, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

District Export Councils (DECs) are organizations of leaders from local business 

communities whose knowledge of international business provides a source of professional 

advice for local firms. Closely affiliated with USEACs, the 58 DECs nationwide combine 

the energies of more than 1,500 volunteers to supply expertise to small and mediumsized businesses in their local communities that are interested in exporting. For example, 

DECs organize seminars that make trade finance understandable and accessible to small 

exporters, host international buyer delegations, design export resource guides, and create 

export assistance partnerships to strengthen the support given to local businesses. 

Contact: For more information about DECs, call 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723), or visit 

www.export.gov. 

Export.gov

Export.gov is the U.S. government’s one-stop portal for current and potential U.S. exporters. 

Export.gov consolidates export program and foreign market intelligence across 19 federal 

agencies and presents it under one easy-to-use Web site. Companies new to exporting can 

be guided step by step through the export process, and U.S. companies already exporting 

can view other guides, reference foreign tariff and tax information, search foreign and 

domestic trade events, subscribe to receive trade leads and industry-specific market 

intelligence, and gain access to federal export assistance and financing programs. Whether 

a company is exploring the possibility of entering foreign markets, searching for trade 

partners, seeking information on markets, or dealing with trade problems, Export.gov is 

the place to start. Additionally, the site links to federal sources of trade statistics, export 

documentation, financing, export licensing information, and much more. 

Contact: To access the Export.gov Web site, visit www.export.gov.
4 Export Programs Guide

Office of International Trade, Small Business Administration 

The Office of International Trade (OIT) works with other federal agencies and publicand private-sector organizations to encourage small businesses to expand their export 

activities, as well as to assist small businesses seeking to export. OIT directs and 

coordinates the SBA’s export finance and export development assistance. OIT outreach 

efforts include regional cooperative relationships with Brazil, Chile, China, Egypt, Mexico, 

and Nigeria, whereby the SBA’s alliances with government agencies for small businesses 

in other countries are able to facilitate trade opportunities in those countries or regions and 

to support U.S. government foreign policy initiatives. In addition, OIT develops “how-to” and 

market-specific publications for exporters. 

In September 2008, the SBA released the 4th edition of Breaking into the Trade Game: A 

Small Business Guide to Exporting. The updated book provides new and existing exporters 

with an international plan workbook and a complete guide to the basics of exporting. The 

guide can be downloaded from OIT’s Web site at www.sba.gov/international.

In assisting small business exporters, OIT oversees the SBA’s loan guarantee programs, 

including the Export Working Capital Program, Export Express, and the International Trade 

Loan Program. All of the SBA’s export loan programs are available through USEACs and 

SBA field offices across the country. 

Contact: To learn more about OIT, call (202) 205-6720, fax (202) 205-7272, or visit www.sba.

gov/international.

Small Business Development Centers, Small Business Administration 

Located throughout the United States, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) 

provide a range of technical and export assistance, particularly to small companies that are 

new to exporting. Such assistance includes counseling, training, and managerial support. 

SBDC counseling services are free to the small business exporter, but there may be small 

fees for export training seminars and other SBDC-sponsored export events. 

Contact: For more information and the location of the SBDC nearest you, call 800-U-ASKSBA (800-827-5722), or visit www.sba.gov/sbdc.
Chapter 1. General Export Counseling and Assistance 5

Service Corps of Retired Executives, Small Business Administration

The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), which consists of locally chartered 

volunteer organizations funded by the SBA, provides expert problem-solving assistance 

free of charge to small businesses. Helping American small businesses to prosper has 

been SCORE’s goal since the program began in 1964. SCORE tries to match counselor 

experience with client needs and provide one-on-one counseling. SCORE also conducts 

well-developed, prebusiness workshops and a variety of business-oriented seminars and 

training sessions. 

Contact: To learn more about SCORE, call (800) 634-0245, fax (703) 487-3066, or visit SCORE’s 

home page at www.score.org. 

Online Women’s Business Center, Small Business Administration

The SBA’s Online Women’s Business Center promotes the growth of women-owned 

businesses. It offers programs that address business training and technical assistance and 

that provide access to credit.

Contact: To learn more about the Online Women’s Business Center, visit 

www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/onlinewbc/.

Export Legal Assistance Network 

With a presence in 70 U.S. cities and with the participation of more than 250 attorneys, the 

Export Legal Assistance Network (ELAN) program is a nationwide group of attorneys in 

private practice who have particular expertise in international trade and who provide free 

initial consultations on export-related matters to businesses that are new to export. Issues 

relating to export licensing, domestic and foreign taxation, tariffs, and intellectual property 

rights are just some of the topics covered. The ELAN service is available through SBA 

district offices, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, and SBDCs. For maximum benefit 

from the session, we recommend that exporters call ELAN after designing their strategic 

plan so they arrive with specific questions.

Contact: To contact ELAN, call Judd Kessler, ELAN national coordinator, at (202) 778-3080; 

fax (202) 778-3063; or e-mail jkessler@porterwright.com. The ELAN Web site is 

www.exportlegal.org.
6 Export Programs Guide

Minority Business Development Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is the only federal agency created 

to specifically foster the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in 

America. The agency’s mission is to actively promote the growth and competitiveness of 

large, medium-sized, and small minority business enterprises. MBDA operates the Minority 

Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) Program and the Native American Business Enterprise 

Center (NABEC) Program. These programs provide direct business consulting services to 

minority entrepreneurs, including access to markets, access to capital, management and 

technical assistance, and education and training. The centers provide entrepreneurial 

assessments and general business consulting, marketing assistance, loan packaging 

and other financial consulting, identification of and assistance in obtaining procurement 

opportunities, education and training, and various other entrepreneurial consulting services. 

MBDA currently operates 26 MBECs and 8 NABECs throughout the United States. MBDA 

works closely with the International Trade Administration on innovative ways to engage 

U.S. minority firms in the international business arena. Seminars inform minority firms of 

the tremendous opportunities available through international trade. MBDA supports several 

minority trade missions and matchmaker programs and notifies the minority community 

about all U.S. Department of Commerce trade missions. 

Contact: To learn more about MBDA, contact Donald Powers by phone at (202) 482-7982 or 

by fax at (202) 482-3473, or visit www.mbda.gov.

A Basic Guide to Exporting, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

First published in 1938, A Basic Guide to Exporting is now in its 10th edition. This basic 

resource answers exporters’ questions about how to establish and grow overseas markets 

for their products and services. Topics covered include

• How to identify markets for your company’s products

• How to finance your export transactions

• How best to handle orders and shipments

• How to obtain free or low-cost export counseling

Contact: To purchase a copy of A Basic Guide to Exporting, visit www.export.gov or call 

(866) 512-1800.
Chapter 2. Industry-Specific Counseling and Assistance 7

Manufacturing and Services Industry Offices, International Trade Administration, 

U.S. Department of Commerce

Manufacturing and Services (MAS) is dedicated to strengthening the global competitiveness 

of U.S. industry, expanding its market access, and increasing exports. MAS undertakes 

industry economic and trade policy analysis, shapes U.S. trade policy, participates in trade 

negotiations, organizes trade capacity-building programs, and evaluates the effect of 

domestic and international economic and regulatory policies on U.S. manufacturers and 

service industries. MAS works with other U.S. government agencies to develop a public 

policy environment that advances U.S. competitiveness at home and abroad.

The Office of Manufacturing and the Office of Services have industry analysts covering 

virtually all industry sectors of the economy. The Office of Industry Analysis performs 

economic and statistical analysis to support U.S. industry competitiveness and evaluates 

industry recommendations for trade negotiations.

MAS also oversees key Department of Commerce Initiatives, including the Manufacturing 

Initiative and the Standards Initiative. Through the Manufacturing Initiative, MAS addresses 

the challenges facing U.S. manufacturers. Under the Standards Initiative, MAS coordinates 

trade-related standards activities across the International Trade Administration (ITA), 

the Department of Commerce, and other U.S. government agencies and seeks to remove 

standards-related trade barriers.

MAS facilitates formal private-sector advice to policymakers through an advisory 

committee program that includes the Industry Trade Advisory Committees, the Travel and 

Tourism Advisory Board, the Manufacturing Council, and the President’s Export Council. 

Specialists are organized in the following sectors: 

• Aerospace 

• Automotive 

• Building products and construction

• Chemicals

• Consumer goods

• Electronic commerce 

EXPORT PROGRAMS GUIDE

CHAPTER 2

INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC COUNSELING AND ASSISTANCE
8 Export Programs Guide

• Energy

• Environmental technologies

• Financial service industries

• Forest products

• Health

• Information and telecommunications technologies 

• Machinery

• Manufacturing

• Metals

• Service industries

• Textiles and apparel

• Travel and tourism

Contact: Trade statistics are available by industry on the home page of the Office of Industry 

Analysis at http://ita.doc.gov/td/industry/otea/. For MAS industry and international trade 

officers, call 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723). To access industry office Web sites, choose 

“Manufacturing and Services” on the ITA home page, www.trade.gov. 

Office of Textiles and Apparel, Import Administration, ITA, U.S. Department of 

Commerce

The Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) Web site at http://otexa.ita.doc.gov provides 

information specifically tailored to the interests of U.S. textile, apparel, footwear, leather, 

and travel goods producers and exporters. The site includes information on foreign 

regulations and requirements affecting U.S. exports, such as tariffs, taxes, and labeling 

requirements, as well as intellectual property protection and product standards information. 

Specific sector benefits and provisions under the U.S. free trade agreements are detailed, 

and relevant procedural information is provided. The Web site also provides information on 

trade events sponsored by OTEXA, as well as a database of U.S. suppliers.

Contact: For information on exporting U.S. textile, apparel, footwear, leather, and travel 

products, call OTEXA at (202) 482-5078, or e-mail OTEXA@mail.doc.gov.
Chapter 2. Industry-Specific Counseling and Assistance 9

U.S. Travel and Tourism Statistical System, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

The Office of Travel and Tourism Industries functions as the federal U.S. tourism office. 

Among its core responsibilities are the collection, analysis, and dissemination of international 

travel and tourism statistics for the U.S. Travel and Tourism Statistical System, as well as the 

promotion of international travel to the United States. Information disseminated covers 

• Basic market analysis 

• Survey of international air travelers (in-flight survey) 

• Visitor arrivals (I-94 form) 

• U.S. international air traveler statistics (I-92 form) 

• Forecast of international arrivals to the United States 

• International travel receipts (exports) and payments (imports) data

• Canadian arrivals and visitation program

• Travel Trade Barometer Program

• Travel and tourism satellite accounts

• U.S. Promotion Campaign

Contact: Call the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries at (202) 482-0140, or visit the home 

page at www.tinet.ita.doc.gov.

Trade and Technical Assistance, U.S. Department of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of International Transportation and Trade 

serves as the department’s overseer on collaborative trade-related initiatives and technical 

assistance programs. The office works closely with agencies such as the U.S. Trade 

and Development Agency and the U.S. Department of Commerce to organize business 

workshops designed to help establish relationships and share information between U.S. 

businesses and foreign officials who are likely to make—or heavily influence—awards of 

international contracts. Under mechanisms such as bilateral and multilateral agreements, 

the U.S. Department of Transportation’s operating administrations participate in cooperative 

programs and technology initiatives with partners worldwide and promote policies that 

enhance U.S. industry access to foreign markets. 

Contact: The following people can offer assistance: Greg Hall, Maritime Administration: 

call (202) 366-2765, fax (202) 366-3746, or e-mail greg.hall@dot.gov; Barbara Pelletier, 

Federal Railroad Administration: call (202) 493-6395, fax (202) 493-6401, or e-mail barbara.

pelletier@dot.gov; Rita Daguillard, Federal Transit Administration: call (202) 366-0955, 

fax (202) 366-3765, or e-mail rita.daguillard@dot.gov; Juergen Tooren, Federal Aviation 

Administration: call (202) 385-8900, fax (202) 267-7179, or e-mail juergen.tooren@faa.gov; 

and Timothy Klein, Research and Innovative Technology Administration: call (202) 366-0075, 

fax (202) 366-3272, or e-mail timothy.klein@dot.gov. 
10 Export Programs Guide

Office of Fossil Energy, International Programs, U.S. Department of Energy 

The Office of Fossil Energy enhances the competitiveness of U.S. industry by supporting 

project developers and exporters of domestic fossil energy sources (coal, oil, and gas) who 

are trying to expand their international sales of fossil energy technology, resources, and 

services. 

Contact: To learn more, call Justin Swift, deputy assistant secretary for international affairs, 

at (202) 586-6660, fax (202) 586-7847, or e-mail judd.swift@hq.doe.gov, or call Barbara McKee, 

director, Office of Clean Energy Collaboration, at (301) 903-3820; fax (301) 903-1591; or e-mail 

barbara.mckee@hq.doe.gov. For the Office of Fossil Energy home page, visit www.fe.doe.gov.

State Regional Trade Groups, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of 

Agriculture

State Regional Trade Groups (SRTGs) are non-profit trade organizations that participate in a 

program of the Foreign Agricultural Service. The SRTGs provide a broad range of programs 

designed to assist U.S. food and agricultural companies with the entire exporting process, 

from learning the fundamentals of exporting to identifying overseas opportunities and 

finding potential distributors. SRTGs can also help companies fund international marketing 

campaigns and promote products overseas. Their ultimate goal is to help U.S. companies 

build a global business. There are four SRTGs—one for each region of the United States. 

Contact: To learn more about the SRTGs, call the Foreign Agricultural Service at (202) 690-

3576, or visit www.fas.usda.gov/agx/counseling_advocacy/counseling_advocacy.asp.
Chapter 3. Country-Specific Counseling and Assistance 11

U.S. Commercial Service, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of 

Commerce

The U.S. Commercial Service (CS) of the International Trade Administration (ITA) helps U.S. 

companies—particularly small and medium-sized businesses—increase their international 

market share and sales. Through its global network of more than 1,700 trade specialists 

located in 107 domestic offices and 150 posts in 80 countries, the CS works one on one with 

companies through every step of the exporting process, helping them leverage world-class 

market research, promote their products and services in target markets, meet qualified 

international buyers and distributors, and overcome challenges and barriers that they may 

encounter while doing business in international markets. 

Much of the trade-related information and many of the trade-related tools that CS 

offers are accessible through the Internet at www.export.gov. Companies can also call 

800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723) to speak with a CS trade specialist about their specific 

issues. For hands-on, customized assistance, companies can work directly with CS trade 

specialists located in any of the CS offices around the country (often referred to as U.S. 

Export Assistance Centers). All domestic CS trade specialists are directly linked to their 

international counterparts (often referred to as foreign service commercial officers) in 

markets around the world, ensuring that CS customers receive the comprehensive incountry assistance they require. 

International companies interested in sourcing U.S. products and services can find the tools 

and information they need on the Web site of the U.S. Commercial Service post—usually a 

U.S. embassy or consulate—in their respective countries. Alternatively, they can contact 

the CS post in that country directly. A complete listing of domestic and international 

locations and contacts is available at www.export.gov. 

Contact: For more information on the U.S. Commercial Service, visit www.export.gov. To 

contact a CS trade specialist, call 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723), fax (202) 482-4473, or 

e-mail tic@ita.doc.gov.

EXPORT PROGRAMS GUIDE

CHAPTER 3

COUNTRY-SPECIFIC COUNSELING AND ASSISTANCE
12 Export Programs Guide

Trade Information Center, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

CS trade specialists working in the Trade Information Center (TIC) provide export counseling 

and assistance on Asia, Western Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Near East, the Western 

Hemisphere, and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Country-specific 

counseling is available at no cost on country conditions; commercial laws, regulations, 

and practices; standards; government procurement; certification requirements; distribution 

channels; business travel; opportunities and best prospects for U.S. companies; tariffs, 

taxes, and customs procedures; commercial difficulties encountered in doing business 

abroad; and other market information. The TIC is the U.S. government’s designated point 

of contact for help with documentation to qualify for NAFTA benefits and other free trade 

agreements. The TIC, through www.export.gov, provides extensive country and regional 

information, including a downloadable NAFTA Certificate of Origin, a tariff and Harmonized 

System number lookup tool, and contact information on foreign customs offices and trade 

offices in the United States. 

Contact: For general information on exporting, visit www.export.gov. To contact a CS trade 

specialist working in the TIC, call 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723), fax (202) 482-4473, or 

e-mail tic@ita.doc.gov.

China Business Information Center, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

The China Business Information Center (BIC) is a comprehensive resource provided by the 

U.S. Commercial Service for small businesses that are interested in or are already doing 

business in China. The China BIC consists of an extensive Web site; a call center staffed 

by trade specialists; and a China seminar series, which is available nationwide. These 

seminars provide comprehensive guidance on entering the Chinese market and accurately 

portray the realities and challenges inherent in doing business there. 

Contact: For information on doing business in China, visit www.export.gov/china. To contact 

a U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist working in the China BIC, call 800-USA-TRAD(E) 

(800-872-8723), fax (202) 482-4473, or e-mail chinabic@mail.doc.gov.
Chapter 3. Country-Specific Counseling and Assistance 13

Middle East and North Africa Business Information Center, CS, ITA, U.S. 

Department of Commerce

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Business Information Center is a comprehensive 

resource provided by the U.S. Commercial Service for small businesses that are interested 

in or are already doing business in the Middle East and North Africa. The MENA BIC 

consists of an extensive Web site and a call center staffed by trade specialists.

Contact: For information on doing business in the Middle East and North Africa, visit www.

export.gov/middleeast. To contact a U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist for this region, 

call 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723), fax (202) 482-4473, or e-mail menabic@mail.doc.gov.

India Business Center, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

The U.S. Commercial Service launched the India Business Center (IBC), housed in the 

Trade Information Center, in June 2008. The IBC joins the two existing business information 

centers—the China BIC and MENA BIC—in providing specialized assistance to U.S. 

exporters. The IBC’s mission is to help U.S. companies take advantage of the growing 

market opportunities for export to India and to provide market intelligence and other 

information critical to the success of American companies in India. The IBC is also 

dedicated to helping U.S. companies overcome challenges to accessing the Indian market, 

including tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade, complex regulations, and infrastructure 

weaknesses. The IBC maintains a Web portal at http://export.gov/india, which groups all 

the information available about doing business in India. The IBC also provides specialized 

telephone counseling by trade specialists on the market and carries out outreach activities 

nationwide to raise U.S. business awareness of opportunities in India.

Contact: For information on doing business in India, call 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723), 

fax (202) 482-4473, or visit http://export.gov/india.
14 Export Programs Guide

U.S. Embassies and Consulates, U.S. Department of State

U.S. Department of State staff members advance U.S. foreign economic policy interests 

abroad and report extensively on the effect of economic developments on U.S. foreign 

trade and investment policy objectives. Foreign service officers (FSOs) provide political and 

economic briefings and advise U.S. firms on the business culture and practices of the host 

country. They advocate on behalf of U.S. business with key ministries in foreign countries 

and seek to build foreign government support for U.S. foreign economic policy goals. 

FSOs are responsible for commercial work in more than 100 countries not covered by the 

U.S. Commercial Service. They work closely with their CS colleagues worldwide. In those 

countries not covered by CS, close relationships between the FSOs and their CS colleagues 

are framed under the Joint CS–State Post Partnership Program.

Contact: For more information, call the U.S. Department of State main line at (202) 647-1625, 

or visit the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Commercial and Business Affairs at www.

state.gov/travelandbusiness. To learn more about U.S. embassies, visit www.usembassy.gov. 

Regional Bureaus, U.S. Department of State 

Country desk officers in the six geographic bureaus in Washington, D.C., maintain regular 

contact with overseas diplomatic missions and can provide U.S. exporters and investors 

with economic and political information from both a country and a regional perspective. 

Contact: Visit the regional bureaus’ home page at www.state.gov/countries.

Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture 

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 

works to improve foreign market access for U.S. products, build new markets, improve 

the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and provide food 

aid and technical assistance to foreign countries. With a global network of 98 overseas 

offices covering more than 130 countries worldwide, FAS has the primary responsibility 

for USDA’s international activities, including market development, trade agreements 

and negotiations, and collection and analysis of statistics and market information. FAS 

also administers USDA’s export credit guarantee and food aid programs, and it helps 

increase income and food availability in developing nations by mobilizing expertise for 

agriculturally led economic growth.

Contact: Call FAS’s Office of Trade Programs at (202) 690-3576, or visit the FAS home page at 

www.fas.usda.gov.
Chapter 4. Trade Leads and Market Research Programs 15

CUSTOMIZED PROGRAMS 

International Partner Search, U.S. Commercial Service, International Trade 

Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce 

The International Partner Search (IPS), a service of the U.S. Commercial Service (CS) 

of the International Trade Administration (ITA), helps U.S. companies find qualified 

international buyers, partners, or agents without traveling overseas. CS trade specialists 

will deliver detailed company information on up to five prescreened international 

companies that have expressed an interest in the U.S. firm’s products and services. Fees 

depend on the scope of work. 

Contact: For more information on IPS, contact the CS trade specialist at your local U.S. 

Export Assistance Center (USEAC). For the address and phone number of the USEAC 

nearest you, see Appendix A. 

Gold Key Service, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

The Gold Key Service, a program of the U.S. Commercial Service, helps U.S. companies 

secure one-on-one appointments with prescreened potential agents, distributors, sales 

representatives, association and government contacts, licensing or joint venture partners, 

and other strategic business partners in their targeted export markets. Fees depend on the 

scope of work. 

Contact: For more information on the Gold Key Service, contact the CS trade specialist 

at your local USEAC. For the address and phone number of the USEAC nearest you, see 

Appendix A. 

EXPORT PROGRAMS GUIDE

CHAPTER 4

TRADE LEADS AND MARKET RESEARCH PROGRAMS
16 Export Programs Guide

Platinum Key Service, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

Through the Platinum Key Service, a program of the U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. 

businesses can attain comprehensive, customized support on a range of issues for which 

they need longer-term, sustained assistance. The service is solution oriented and tailored 

to the client’s needs through a mutually agreed-upon scope of work. Assistance may 

include, but is not limited to, identifying markets, launching products, developing major 

project opportunities and providing government tender support, helping to reduce market 

access barriers, and providing assistance on regulatory or technical standards matters. 

Ongoing service is available for six months, one year, or a specified time frame based on 

the mutually agreed-upon scope of work. 

Contact: For more information on the Platinum Key Service, contact the CS trade specialist 

at your local USEAC. For the address and phone number of the USEAC nearest you, see 

Appendix A. 

Market Research, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

Market research reports generated by the U.S. Commercial Service cover current 

conditions in specific country markets and identify upcoming opportunities for generating 

sales. These reports are produced overseas by in-country experts and are available at no 

cost to U.S. companies. 

Contact: For more information on CS Market Research, contact the CS trade specialist 

at your local USEAC. For the address and phone number of the USEAC nearest you, see 

Appendix A.
Chapter 4. Trade Leads and Market Research Programs 17

Export.gov Market Research Library, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

The Export.gov Market Research Library allows you to plan your market entry the right 

way—by using market research to learn your product’s potential in a given market, your 

company’s best prospects for success, and the market’s business practices before you first 

export. If you are just beginning to sell internationally, you should narrow your focus to no 

more than two or three best-prospect markets. Use the step-by-step guidelines in the U.S. 

Commercial Service’s Market Research Library to get started.

The Market Research Library contains more than 100,000 industry- and country-specific 

market reports, authored by CS specialists working in overseas posts. These reports include 

the Country Commercial Guides (CCGs)—annually updated guides to doing business in more 

than 120 countries that include information about market conditions, best export prospects, 

export financing, distributors, and legal and cultural issues. Also available in the Market 

Research Library are

• Industry overviews

• Market updates

• Multilateral development bank reports

• Best markets

• Industry and regional reports

To access the Market Research Library,

• Go to the Market Research home page on Export.gov: www.export.gov/mrktresearch.

• Click on the blue link to the Market Research Library in the third paragraph on that page. 

The Market Research Library page will open.

• Use the dropdown menus on the Market Research Library page to select the specific 

industry, region, country, or report type that you wish to access.

• Use the Date Range box to choose the time frame you wish to search for. For CCGs, which 

are updated annually, it is recommended that you search from the previous year to the 

current year to ensure that you access the latest report. For other types of reports, you 

may wish to extend the date range to cover earlier years.

Registration, which is free, will be necessary to access the documents.

Contact: If you need additional help accessing reports in the Market Research Library, 

contact the CS Trade Information Center at 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723).
18 Export Programs Guide

Customized Market Research, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

Customized market research (CMR) generated by the U.S. Commercial Service produces 

individual responses to questions and issues related to a client’s specific product or 

service. The research can address issues such as overall marketability of the product, key 

competitors, prices of comparable products, customary distribution and promotion practices, 

trade barriers, and potential business partners. Fees depend on the scope of work. 

Contact: For more information on CMR, contact the CS trade specialist at your local USEAC. 

For the address and phone number of the USEAC nearest you, see Appendix A.

International Company Profile, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

The International Company Profile (ICP) program of the U.S. Commercial Service checks 

the reputation, reliability, and financial status of a prospective trading partner. A U.S. 

exporter can obtain this information and detailed answers to specific questions about the 

prospective partner in a confidential report. Fees depend on the scope of work. 

Contact: For more information on the ICP program, contact the CS trade specialist at your 

local USEAC. For the address and phone number of the USEAC nearest you, see Appendix A. 

Videoconferencing Programs, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

These cost-effective video services offered by the U.S. Commercial Service help U.S. 

companies assess overseas markets or overseas business contacts before venturing 

abroad. Companies can use these programs to interview international contacts, obtain a 

briefing from overseas industry specialists on prospects and opportunities, or develop a 

custom solution to their international business needs. 

• Virtual Trade Mission. This service provides meetings with prescreened international 

firms by way of videoconferencing without the cost of traveling overseas. The Virtual 

Trade Mission focuses on your specific industry and allows you to meet potential 

partners and get answers to your market questions in an interactive videoconference. 

• Video Gold Key. This service helps firms identify and meet with prescreened international 

firms. It includes three to five scheduled meetings with potential business partners and 

an industry briefing with seasoned trade professionals. All meetings take place through 

videoconference. Prices vary according to location. 

• Video Market Briefing. This service provides time-sensitive market research for specific 

products and services. Benefits include a market-entry evaluation and a written report, 

followed by a videoconference with an industry professional so a firm can get immediate 

answers to market questions. Prices vary according to location.

Contact: For more information on videoconferencing programs, contact the CS trade 

specialist at your local USEAC. For the address and phone number of the USEAC nearest 

you, see Appendix A. 
Chapter 4. Trade Leads and Market Research Programs 19

Featured U.S. Exporters, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

The Featured U.S. Exporters (FUSE) service is an online directory of U.S. products and 

services featured on U.S. Commercial Service Web sites around the world. FUSE gives 

U.S. companies an opportunity to reach prospects online through a company profile in the 

language of the target market. Local distributors, buyers, and agents view company profiles. 

Leads are qualified by the local CS office and then sent to the U.S. company. Fees depend 

on the number of markets selected and translation requirements.

Contact: For more information on the FUSE online directory service, call Laura McCall at 

(206) 553-5615, extension 226; e-mail Laura.McCall@mail.doc.gov; or visit www.buyusa.gov/

home/fuse.html.

Commercial News USA, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

Commercial News USA, the premier export promotion magazine of the U.S. government, 

is published bimonthly by the U.S. Commercial Service through its private-sector partner 

ThinkGlobal. The magazine of U.S. goods and services is distributed (free of charge) to 

105,000 prescreened potential buyers and partners in 176 countries. 

Contact: For information on advertising in Commercial News USA, contact the U.S Commercial 

Service at 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723), or contact ThinkGlobal at (800) 581-8533. You can 

visit the magazine’s Web sites at www.export.gov/cnusa and www.thinkglobal.us.

ELECTRONIC MATCHMAKING AND TRADE CONTACTS PROGRAMS

The Export Yellow Pages, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

The Export Yellow Pages is used by foreign buyers as a reference tool to find U.S. goods 

and services. This service enables U.S. firms to present their products to a worldwide 

audience at no cost. U.S. firms can register their business profiles for free at www.

myexports.com. Export intermediaries such as freight forwarders, sales agents, and other 

service firms that facilitate export business can also register their business profiles free at 

www.myexports.com in the U.S. Trade Assistance Directory, which is available online and 

as a supplement within the printed version of The Export Yellow Pages.

This program is a public–private partnership between the U.S. Department of Commerce’s 

Manufacturing and Services Unit and Global Publishers LLC of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Contact: To register your business profile, call (877) 390-2629, or visit www.myexports.

com. To receive a free copy of The Export Yellow Pages and information on other export 

programs, contact your local USEAC. For the address and phone number of the USEAC 

nearest you, see Appendix A. 
20 Export Programs Guide

Trade Leads, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

Trade Leads, a service of the U.S. Commercial Service, provides U.S. companies with 

current sales leads from international firms and foreign governments seeking to buy or 

represent U.S. products and services. 

Contact: Trade Leads is accessible at www.export.gov/. 

Trade Mission OnLine, Small Business Administration 

Trade Mission OnLine is a searchable database of U.S. small businesses that wish to export 

their products for use by foreign firms and of U.S. small businesses that seek U.S. partners 

or suppliers for trade-related activity. The database is designed to facilitate international 

small business sales, franchising, joint ventures, and licensing. The Trade Mission OnLine 

program is also used by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to recruit and provide 

time-sensitive trade promotion information to registered companies. 

Contact: To learn more about or register with Trade Mission OnLine, visit www.sba.gov/

international. To contact the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of International 

Trade, call (202) 205-6720, or fax (202) 205-7272.

ELECTRONIC AND PUBLISHED MARKET INFORMATION

Trade and Industry Information, Manufacturing and Services, ITA, U.S. Department 

of Commerce 

The Office of Trade and Industry Information (OTII) provides comprehensive U.S. foreign 

trade and related international economic data useful in market research. OTII also 

evaluates trends in U.S. exports and imports by major product categories and foreign 

markets. OTII supports the data needs of U.S. trade negotiators as well as U.S. companies 

and organizations involved in exporting. The OTII Web site includes national trade and 

industry statistics, state and local trade data, and links to key foreign country data sources.

Highlights include

• Exports from U.S. Metropolitan Areas. Introduced in January 2008, this data series 

details U.S. merchandise export values by metropolitan area. The complete data series is 

located at www.trade.gov/metrodata. This new resource reveals that exports are having 

a positive effect on metropolitan economies.

• TradeStats Express. Located at http://tse.export.gov, TradeStats Express allows you 

to access the latest annual and quarterly trade data. You can customize, print, and 

download your own reports analyzing national trade data or state export data.

Contact: For more information and assistance, call OTII at (202) 482-5097, fax (202) 482-4614, 

or visit www.trade.gov/tradestats.
Chapter 4. Trade Leads and Market Research Programs 21

STAT-USA Electronic Information Products, U.S. Department of Commerce

STAT-USA is the federal government’s premier program for the publication of market 

information, trade leads, and other trade-related data, including the following electronic 

products:

• STAT-USA/Internet. Trade, economic, and business information is available on the 

Internet at www.stat-usa.gov. Thousands of international market reports and U.S. 

economic indicators from more than 40 different federal agencies are at your fingertips 

in an easy-to-navigate online database. STAT-USA/Internet provides current business 

trade and procurement leads, timely economic statistics, and valuable international 

resources and contacts all in one convenient location. Information that would take hours 

to compile individually is available in minutes. Subscriptions to STAT-USA/Internet are 

$75 for three months or $200 for one year of unlimited access. STAT-USA/Internet may 

also be accessed at no charge at more than 1,100 federal depository libraries nationwide. 

Subscribe online at www.stat-usa.gov.

• USA Trade Online. How many parachutes does the United States export to France? 

How many circuit boards does the United States import, and what percentage comes 

from Asia? USA Trade Online can tell you. This service provides U.S. import and export 

statistics for more than 18,000 commodities traded worldwide and the most current 

merchandise trade statistics available in a dynamic spreadsheet format. Using the 

statistics generated by the Foreign Trade Division of the U.S. Census Bureau and 

available through STAT-USA, USA Trade Online offers the immediate delivery of current 

and historical numbers 24 hours a day and the ability to manipulate data, store queries, 

and make charts. USA Trade Online is available on the Internet at $75 per month or $300 

for an annual subscription. Subscribe online at www.usatradeonline.gov. To find a federal 

depository library near you, visit www.gpoaccess.gov/libraries.html. 

For more information about these programs, call 800-STAT-USA (800-782-8872) or (202) 482-

1986, or fax (202) 482-2164.

National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce 

The National Technical Information Service (NTIS) is a source for government-sponsored 

U.S. and global scientific, technical, engineering, and business information. NTIS offers 

a wide variety of export and international trade resources, including the U.S. Trade 

Regulations and the Country Commercial Guides. To view the many products offered by 

NTIS, visit the NTIS home page at www.ntis.gov.

Contact: To contact the NTIS Sales Desk, call 800-553-NTIS (800-553-6847) or (703) 605-6000.
22 Export Programs Guide

International Data Base, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce 

The International Programs Center compiles and maintains up-to-date global demographic 

and social information for all countries in its International Data Base (IDB), which is 

available to U.S. companies seeking to identify potential markets overseas. 

Contact: For information on the IDB, call 301-763-INFO (301-763-4636) or (800) 923-8282. For 

online access and free downloading of the IDB, visit www.census.gov/ipc/www/idb/.

Export and Import Trade Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of 

Commerce

The U.S. Census Bureau provides a broad and comprehensive range of foreign trade 

statistics that are available on a monthly, annual, and historical basis. The statistics cover 

more than 20,000 products, 240 trading partners, 50 states and territories, 45 districts, 

and 400 ports. Statistics include quantities, values, and shipping weights; methods of 

transportation (air, vessel, or containerized vessel); unit prices; and market share. These 

foreign trade data can be provided in different formats to suit your needs. Whether you are 

looking for data by product, country, state, port, or transportation method, the U.S. Census 

Bureau can help you. U.S. export and import trade data is available online at www.census.

gov or www.usatradeonline.gov.

Contact: For more information, call Maria Iseman, Data Dissemination Branch, at (301) 

763-2311; fax (301) 763-4962; e-mail ftd.data.dissemination@census.gov; or visit the Foreign 

Trade Division’s home page at www.census.gov/trade.

SBA Internet, Small Business Administration 

The SBA home page on the Internet provides SBA services, downloadable files, services 

from agency resource partners, links to other federal and state governments, and direct 

connections to additional outside resources. Special areas of interest focus on assisting 

U.S. small companies that are establishing new operations, seeking financing, looking 

to expand, and beginning to engage in exporting. The SBA home page also contains 

information on SBA programs that assist minority- and women-owned businesses. In 

addition, large libraries of business-focused shareware, downloadable SBA loan forms, and 

agency publications are available. A wide variety of services listed by state is provided, 

including local training courses sponsored by SBA. Online workshops are offered for 

individuals to work through self-paced activities that help them start and expand their 

businesses. In addition, the home page links directly to the White House home page (www.

whitehouse.gov) and the U.S. Business Advisor (www.business.gov), which contain a 

large volume of regulatory information for small businesses. The SBA site provides full-text 

search capabilities as well as an area for user comments and suggestions. 

Contact: For more information, visit SBA’s home page at www.sba.gov.
Chapter 4. Trade Leads and Market Research Programs 23

Foreign Labor Trends, U.S. Department of Labor 

The Foreign Labor Trends (FLT) report series provides a comprehensive country summary 

of labor data and labor trends in selected countries published by the Office of International 

Relations. The reports describe and analyze host countries’ labor institutions, practices, and 

key recent developments. The FLT reports contain information on internationally recognized 

worker rights for bilateral or regional free trade agreements. The office also publishes the 

U.S. Labor Profile in English and Spanish.

Contact: You can visit the FLT Web site at www.dol.gov/ilab/media/reports/flt/main.htm. For 

more information, call Sudha K. Haley, Office of International Relations, at (202) 693-4801; 

or e-mail haley-sudha@dol.gov. For the U.S. Labor Profile (Spanish version), call Chantenia 

Gay at (202) 693-4906, or e-mail gay.chantenia@dol.gov.
24 Export Programs Guide

U.S. Export Pavilion

The U.S. Export Pavilion is a multi–U.S. government agency trade show exhibit at major 

venues throughout the United States each year. The U.S. Export Pavilion promotes the 

benefit of exporting and of using U.S. government export assistance. Participating agencies 

include the Foreign Trade Division of the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of 

Commerce’s Commercial Service (CS), and the Export–Import Bank. In addition to those 

U.S. government agencies, the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of 

America also participates by helping companies find a customs broker or freight forwarder 

in their area. Together, these participants focus on export education and on helping U.S. 

companies to

• Research export markets.

• Find international buyers.

• Comply with export regulations.

• Finance international buyers.

• Ship products overseas.

Contact: For information on the U.S. Export Pavilion, call the Marketing and Communications 

Office of the CS at (202) 482-0871. 

Regional Promotions, CS, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of 

Commerce 

The U.S. Commercial Service of the International Trade Administration (ITA) maintains a 

number of Web sites that provide regional information:

•	Asia Now. The Asia Now Web site brings together the resources of CS offices in 14 

Asia–Pacific markets and of U.S. Export Assistance Centers throughout the United States. 

The Web site provides companies with a single point of access to regional trade events, 

extensive services, and research covering Asian markets. The home page is www.

buyusa.gov/asianow/.

EXPORT PROGRAMS GUIDE

CHAPTER 5

MAKING CONTACTS THROUGH TRADE PROMOTION EVENTS
Chapter 5. Making Contacts through Trade Promotion Events 25

•	 Trade Americas. The Trade Americas Web site brings together the resources of CS 

offices in 21 markets throughout the region, providing companies with a single point of 

access to regional trade events, extensive services, and research covering markets 

throughout the region. The Web site also provides information on the existing and 

proposed free trade agreements throughout the region, market research, best prospects 

in the region, trade event lists, industry-specific information, business service providers, 

useful links, and key contacts. The home page is www.buyusa.gov/americas/.

•	Showcase Europe. The Showcase Europe Web site provides a framework for 

coordination and cooperation among the U.S. Department of Commerce’s CS offices 

throughout Europe. Organized around eight key sectors (aerospace, automotive, energy 

and power generation, environmental technologies, information and communication 

technologies, medical and pharmaceutical, safety and security, and travel and tourism), 

Showcase Europe provides market briefing and counseling at major trade shows through 

a team of market and industry specialists from the CS. Technical assistance focuses on 

identifying specific high-potential export markets for U.S. participants. There is no fee for 

U.S. trade event participants. The home page is www.buyusa.gov/europe/. 

Contact: For more information on regional promotions, contact your local U.S. Export 

Assistance Center (USEAC). For the address and phone number of the USEAC nearest you, 

see Appendix A. 

International Buyer Program, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

The International Buyer Program of the U.S. Commercial Service brings thousands of 

qualified international buyers and prospective distributors and trade partners to the 

United States each year to meet with U.S. companies at approximately 35 major trade-only 

exhibitions. Without having to leave the country, U.S. exhibitors obtain worldwide promotion 

of their products and services and networking and matchmaking programs by country and 

industry experts. 

Contact: For more information about the program, call Blanche Ziv, Global Trade Programs, 

at (202) 482-4207; fax (202) 482-0872; or e-mail blanche.ziv@mail.doc.gov. Information is also 

available at www.export.gov. 
26 Export Programs Guide

Overseas Trade Fair Certification, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Trade Fair Certification Program is a cooperative 

partnership arrangement between private-sector show organizers and the U.S. 

government to increase U.S. exports and to expand U.S. participation in overseas trade 

shows. Through the CS, the program provides U.S. Department of Commerce endorsement, 

show-related services, oversight and coordination of event services, promotional support, 

exhibitor marketing facilitation, and in-country show site assistance for private-sector 

organizers to recruit and build a U.S. Pavilion at selected foreign trade shows. These 

shows serve a vital role in helping U.S. firms to enter and expand in foreign markets. The 

program ensures a high-quality, multifaceted opportunity for American companies to 

successfully market overseas.

Contact: For information on the Trade Fair Certification Program, write to Mike Thompson, 

manager, Trade Fair Certification, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., 

Ronald Reagan Center, Suite 800M−Mezzanine Level−Atrium North, Washington, DC, 20004; 

call (202) 482-0671 or e-mail michael.thompson@mail.doc.gov.

Trade Fairs and Exhibitions, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

In addition to certified shows, foreign and U.S. organizers hold many other good industry 

fairs of interest to U.S. exporters. CS staff members at U.S. embassies can identify these 

shows; arrange for participation; assist U.S. firms with market information; recommend preand post-event logistical and transportation support; and help exhibitors and visitors locate 

agents, distributors, and other potential buyers. Participation fees depend on the country 

and the show. 

Contact: For information on trade show activities and a list of all types of trade events, call 

CS at 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723), or view the trade events calendar online at www.

export.gov/tradeevents.
Chapter 5. Making Contacts through Trade Promotion Events 27

Trade Missions, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

Trade missions are an essential element of a broad-based public program designed to 

increase job opportunities for all Americans. The U.S. Department of Commerce offers 

several types of trade missions: 

• Commercial missions. These missions seek to produce near-term export sales of 

U.S. goods and services from participating firms that travel as a group to one or more 

foreign markets. Appointments are made with officials and prospective business 

partners and customers. Commercial missions are organized for individual sectors or 

multiple industries and may include a range of companies. Some missions are planned 

specifically for small and medium-sized firms or minority- and women-owned businesses. 

• Market access missions. These missions seek to create commercial opportunities 

through the removal of trade barriers and opening of markets for U.S. businesses that 

have been closed out of such opportunities. 

• Policy missions. These missions seek to advance U.S. bilateral or multilateral objectives 

across a range of issues, with the objective of enhancing overall bilateral or multilateral 

economic and political relations. This category includes missions designed to promote 

political stability in a foreign country or region by fostering U.S. investment and trade. 

• Combined missions. These missions embody aspects of two or more of the three 

previous missions. 

• Certified trade missions. These missions are organized by state and private-sector 

trade promotion groups and are supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce. States, 

industry associations, and other groups should apply directly to a U.S. Department of 

Commerce overseas post to have their mission certified.

Contact: To find information on all missions, visit the trade events calendar at www.export.

gov/tradeevents.

Product Literature Centers, Sample Displays, and International Catalog Exhibition 

Program, CS, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

The U.S. Commercial Service organizes Product Literature Centers and Sample Displays 

at international trade shows to spotlight U.S. exports. These industry-focused exhibits are 

attended by knowledgeable U.S. Department of Commerce industry or trade specialists 

or U.S. embassy officials who offer U.S. company literature and samples to hundreds of 

interested business prospects. Sales leads are sent directly to participating companies.

Contact: For more information on Product Literature Centers and Sample Displays, call 

800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723), or visit www.export.gov/tradeevents (search by event 

type: International Catalog Exhibitions).
28 Export Programs Guide

Advocacy Center, U.S. Commercial Service, International Trade Administration, 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

The Advocacy Center is part of the U.S. Commercial Service (CS) of the International Trade 

Administration (ITA). The center coordinates U.S. government resources and authority 

in order to level the playing field on behalf of U.S. companies competing for specific 

international government projects and procurements. Because exporting today involves 

engaging foreign governments—not just offering a product or service at a competitive 

price—the Advocacy Center helps to ensure that U.S. products and services have the best 

possible chance to compete abroad. In situations where bidding processes for contracts 

are not open and transparent or are tilted in favor of non-U.S. competitors, the Advocacy 

Center develops and coordinates the actions of 19 U.S. government agencies on behalf 

of U.S. companies. The Advocacy Center works with businesses of every size to develop 

targeted business strategies and craft appropriate advocacy messages for delivery to 

foreign government decision-makers.

Contact: For more information, call the Advocacy Center at (202) 482-3896, fax (202) 482-

3508, or visit www.export.gov/advocacy. You can also call the Trade Information Center at 

800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723).

EXPORT PROGRAMS GUIDE

CHAPTER 6

SPECIAL MARKET ACCESS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Chapter 6. Special Market Access and Technical Assistance 29

Multilateral Development Bank Commercial Liaisons, Advocacy Center, CS, ITA, 

U.S. Department of Commerce

The Advocacy Center’s multilateral development bank (MDB) commercial liaison officers 

counsel U.S. firms about bidding opportunities for projects and procurements funded by 

the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the African Development Bank, the InterAmerican Development Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. 

The liaison officers help U.S. companies to identify project and procurement information, 

troubleshoot procurement and contracting issues, advocate for fair consideration, and 

facilitate introductions to MDB decision-makers. These officers also organize outreach 

seminars and programs throughout the United States that are of interest to the U.S. private 

sector. The liaison officers facilitate investment strategies by introducing U.S. project 

sponsors or viable projects to the private-sector financing programs of the MDBs to finance 

social and economic infrastructure and privatization projects in developing countries.

Contacts: The banks may be contacted as follows: World Bank, Commercial Liaison 

Office: call (202) 458-0120, or fax (202) 477-2967; Inter-American Development Bank, 

Commercial Liaison Office: call (202) 623-3821, or fax (202) 623-2039; African Development 

Bank, Commercial Liaison Office (Tunisia): call +216.21.831.117, or fax +216.71.830.244; 

Asian Development Bank, Commercial Liaison Office (Philippines): call +632 887-1345, 

or fax +632 887-1164; and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (United 

Kingdom): call +44 20 7588 8490, or fax +44 20 7588 8443. You can also call the Trade 

Information Center at 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723).

Market Access and Compliance, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

The Market Access and Compliance (MAC) unit acts to open foreign markets for American 

goods and services by working with U.S. exporters to overcome foreign trade barriers and 

develop strategies to level the playing field. MAC specialists maintain in-depth knowledge 

of the trade policies and practices of U.S. trading partners. Working hand-in-hand with U.S. 

businesses, trade associations, and other U.S. government offices, MAC country, regional, 

and agreement experts develop information needed to conduct trade negotiations, monitor 

foreign country compliance with trade agreements, and ensure that U.S. firms know how to 

use market-opening agreements. 

Contact: For appropriate contacts in MAC offices, call 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723), or 

visit the MAC home page at trade.gov/mac.
30 Export Programs Guide

Trade Compliance Center, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

The Trade Compliance Center (TCC) administers ITA’s Trade Agreements Compliance 

Program, through which the department systematically monitors, investigates, and 

ensures that foreign governments are in compliance with the international trade 

agreements to which the United States is party. The TCC serves as a one-stop shop 

for U.S. businesses that have encountered foreign trade barriers. Using the program’s 

team approach, engaging all relevant Department of Commerce units, the TCC makes 

it unnecessary for U.S. companies to shop around the government for assistance. ITA 

teams strategize with U.S. businesses to reduce or eliminate such barriers and to assist 

them in gaining market access abroad.

The TCC maintains a comprehensive, free, and searchable Internet database of trade 

agreements and a Web site that assists both new and experienced exporters in 

understanding their rights and trading partners’ obligations, as found in more than 270 

bilateral and multilateral agreements covering trade in manufactured goods and services, 

including World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements, U.S. free trade agreements, and 

bilateral investment treaties. 

The Web site also provides direct access to the TCC through its trade complaint “Hotline.” 

Sending an e-mail through the Hotline to the TCC connects you to U.S. government trade 

policy assistance in resolving difficulties related to market access and trade agreements.

Contact: To contact the Trade Compliance Center, call (202) 482-1191, fax (202) 482-6097, or 

visit www.trade.gov/tcc. To report a trade barrier, visit tcc.export.gov/report_a_barrier/.

Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

Growing global trade in pirated and counterfeit goods threatens the innovation economy of 

the United States, the competitiveness of leading U.S. companies and small manufacturers, 

and the livelihoods of their workers. The Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy (STOP!) 

initiative helps combat this problem by smashing criminal networks that traffic in counterfeit 

and pirated goods, stopping trade in these goods at U.S. borders, blocking these goods 

around the world, and helping small businesses secure and enforce their rights overseas.

As part of the STOP! initiative, a hotline has been established that provides one-stop 

shopping for businesses to protect their intellectual property at home and abroad. The STOP! 

hotline gives businesses the information they need to leverage the resources of the U.S. 

government to lock down and enforce their trademarks, patents, and copyrights overseas, 

both in individual countries and in multiple countries through international treaties.

Contact: For more information, or if you have concerns, call the hotline at 866-999-HALT 

(866-999-4258) or check the Web site at www.stopfakes.gov.
Chapter 6. Special Market Access and Technical Assistance 31

Antidumping/Countervailing Duty Petition Counseling and Analysis Unit, Import 

Administration, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

The Import Administration’s Antidumping (AD)/Countervailing Duty (CVD) Petition Counseling 

and Analysis Unit has a dedicated staff of professionals who can offer guidance to U.S. 

companies regarding the provisions of U.S. unfair trade laws. Their vast experience extends 

to all aspects of antidumping and countervailing duty investigations, including

• Helping U.S. businesses understand U.S. unfair trade laws dealing with dumping and 

unfair foreign government subsidies

• Assisting U.S. companies that want to file petitions requesting the initiation of an 

investigation

• Helping potential petitioners to determine the types of information that will be required to 

pursue action against an industry suspected of unfair trade practices

• Assisting potential petitioners in ensuring that their petition complies with statutory 

initiation standards

• Providing small businesses with publicly available tariff and trade data from the U.S. 

Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. International 

Trade Commission

Contact: For further information and assistance from a petition counselor, call the AD/CVD 

Petition Information Resource Center at (202) 482-1255, or e-mail Petition_Counseling@

ita.doc.gov. For a prerecorded message of the most recent petitions filed, call the Petition 

Hotline at (202) 482-0430. Visit the AD/CVD Petition Counseling and Analysis Unit’s Web site 

at http://ia.ita.doc.gov/pcp/pcp-index.html.

Export Trade Certificate of Review Program, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

Under the Export Trade Certificate of Review Program, U.S. firms can team up to gain 

economies of scale and share export costs and risks. The Certificate of Review offers 

antitrust preclearance on virtually any export activity, including joint negotiation with 

providers of export services regarding issues such as reduced shipping rates, agreements 

to sell together in export markets, agreements to form coalitions to avoid rivalry in export 

markets, coordination of export prices such as joint pricing, joint bidding on projects, and 

cost sharing on developing or expanding new export markets. This program provides firms 

with virtual immunity from antitrust liability at state and federal levels and significantly 

reduces their antitrust exposure at the private level. 

Contact: To learn more about the program, call Export Trading Company Affairs at (202) 482-

5131, or visit www.ita.doc.gov/oetca. To locate prospective U.S. export partners and export 

service firms, visit www.myexports.com.
32 Export Programs Guide

ATA Carnet, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of 

Homeland Security

The ATA Carnet is a special international customs document that may be used for temporary 

imports and exports—particularly professional equipment and commercial samples that are 

sent out of the country for less than one year. The ATA Carnet is issued in lieu of the usual 

customs documents and eliminates value added taxes, duties, and temporary import bonds. 

Seventy-five participating countries or territories accept the ATA Carnet as a guarantee 

against the payment of customs duties. 

Contact: To contact the issuing authority, write to the United States Council for International 

Business, ATA Carnet Department, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036; call 

(866) 786-5625 or (212) 703-5078; fax (212) 944-0012; e-mail atacarnet@uscib.org; or visit 

www.uscib.org. For additional information, write to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 

Office of Field Operations, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20229; call (202) 

344-1620; or visit www.cbp.gov.

Office of the United States Trade Representative 

Staff members at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) can provide 

information to exporters confronted with problems involving the implementation of 

international trade agreements. Offices are organized according to sectoral, functional, and 

geographic responsibilities. 

Contact: For more information, contact the following USTR personnel by phone: James 

Murphy, Agricultural Affairs, (202) 395-6127; Florizelle Liser, Office of Industry, (202) 395-

5656; Joseph Papovich, Services, Investment, and Intellectual Property Rights, (202) 395-

4510; Gail Strickler, Office of Textiles, (202) 395-3026; and Daniel Brinza, Monitoring and 

Enforcement, (202) 395-3582. The fax for all offices is (202) 395-3911. The USTR home page is 

www.ustr.gov.

Section 301 Relief, Office of the General Counsel, Office of the United States Trade 

Representative

The USTR is responsible for administering trade cases that provide relief from unfair trade 

practices under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Individual exporters should contact the 

USTR concerning procedures for filing a complaint and defending U.S. interests and rights 

through the dispute settlement procedures of the WTO. 

Contact: For section 301 assistance, call Daniel Brinza, assistant U.S. trade representative 

for monitoring and enforcement, at (202) 395-3582, or call William Busis, chairman, Section 

301 Committee, at (202) 395-3150. You can also fax (202) 395-3639.
Chapter 6. Special Market Access and Technical Assistance 33

National Center for Standards and Certification Information, National Institute of 

Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce

The National Center for Standards and Certification Information (NCSCI) of the National 

Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides electronic resources on U.S. and 

foreign standards and standards-related information, technical regulations, and conformity 

assessment requirements. The NCSCI provides the “Notify U.S.” electronic service to 

inform interested parties (through e-mail notifications and customized Web sites) of new 

regulations or changes to existing regulations for 41 specific industry sectors in all WTO 

member countries. The NCSCI also assists U.S. exporters in identifying standards and 

directives for products to be marketed internationally. The center is the U.S. Inquiry Point 

for the WTO’s Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, for the North American Free Trade 

Agreement, and for the International Organization for Standardization Information Network. 

The NCSCI is also the U.S. national standards information center.

Contact: For more information about the NCSCI, call (301) 975-4040, fax (301) 926-1559, 

e-mail ncsci@nist.gov, or visit www.nist.gov/ncsci/. Registration for “Notify U.S.” can be 

done online at www.nist.gov/notifyus/.

Manufacturing Extension Partnership, NIST, U.S. Department of Commerce

NIST’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a national network with hundreds of 

specialists who understand the needs of manufacturers. For the past 20 years, they have 

worked with thousands of manufacturers, delivering $1.3 billion in cost savings annually.

MEP provides companies with services and access to public and private resources 

that enhance growth, improve productivity, and expand capacity. MEP specialists work 

with companies willing to invest in their future, to make improvements in the short term, 

and to position themselves to be stronger long-term competitors, both domestically and 

internationally.

Contact: For more information about MEP, access the NIST Web site at www.mep.nist.gov,

call (301) 975-5020, or fax (301) 963-6556.
34 Export Programs Guide

CE Mark Information for U.S. Manufacturers, NIST, U.S. Department of Commerce

NIST has published a pamphlet titled “To U.S. Manufacturers: Alert—Product ‘Mark’ 

Required for U.S. Exports to Europe.” The pamphlet describes the steps involved in 

obtaining a CE mark, the mark required to sell many products in the European Union. 

The pamphlet includes a table showing conformity assessment procedures, a flowchart 

illustrating the European Declaration of Conformity, and a list of information resources so 

that U.S. manufacturers will know where to get copies of the applicable directives and 

where to obtain a list of standards. 

Contact: To obtain a free copy of the pamphlet, call NIST at (301) 975-4040, or email ncsci@

nist.gov. The pamphlet is also available over the Internet at www.export.gov/wcm/groups/

exportgov/documents/web_content/ce_mark_brochure.pdf.

Laws and Metric Group, NIST, U.S. Department of Commerce

NIST’s Laws and Metric Group provides guidance related to packaging and labeling 

requirements, net content requirements, and use of the metric system of measurement 

with the goal of making U.S. packaged goods more competitive in the export market and 

eliminating technical barriers to trade. The group also furnishes sources of information on 

metric standards and requirements in export markets.

Contact: To learn more about the group, call Elizabeth Gentry, group leader, at (301) 975-

3690; fax (301) 975-8091; e-mail TheSI@nist.gov; or visit www.nist.gov/metric.
Chapter 6. Special Market Access and Technical Assistance 35

Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, U.S. Department of State 

The Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs integrates high-level economic 

expertise in areas such as international trade and investment policy, finance, 

telecommunications and information technology, energy and sanctions, international 

transportation issues, agriculture, and intellectual property rights with up-to-date information 

about economic and other developments around the world to advance U.S. interests.

The Office of Commercial and Business Affairs, which is part of the Bureau of Economic, 

Energy, and Business Affairs, works directly with the U.S. business community to help 

American companies tap into the worldwide resources of the U.S. Department of State. 

The office also champions U.S. business interests overseas with outreach, advocacy, 

investment climate information, and market access support. Under the April 20, 2008, 

memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Commercial Service, it leads State Department 

efforts to enhance delivery of commercial services and products in more than 100 countries 

that do not have U.S. Department of Commerce operations. The office also engages 

business leaders on a variety of competitiveness issues that affect them (such as business 

travel, visas, and export controls licenses). 

Contact: For more information, call the Office of Commercial and Business Affairs at (202) 

647-1625, fax (202) 647-3953, or visit www.state.gov/travelandbusiness.
36 Export Programs Guide

Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs recognizes that business travel 

to the United States by foreign employees, customers, and potential clients of U.S. firms is 

critical to the success of U.S. businesses. Realizing that a vibrant business relationship with 

all nations contributes to progress toward a more secure and prosperous world, the State 

Department has developed several initiatives to assist international business travelers. For 

instance, in January 2006, the secretary of state and the secretary of homeland security 

announced the Rice–Chertoff Joint Vision Initiative, which is designed to facilitate the visa 

process for the foreign employees, partners, and customers of U.S. businesses. Building on 

the use of the electronic nonimmigrant visa application, the State Department is currently 

piloting a paperless visa system, just one of several measures that will allow business and 

other travelers to enter the United States more efficiently. The State Department works with 

countries to increase visa reciprocity, which allows travelers to receive visas that are valid 

for a longer period of time.

All U.S. embassies and consulates have established procedures to expedite the processing 

of business visas. U.S. officials also work closely with American chambers of commerce in 

more than 100 countries to expedite the visa process for legitimate business travelers.

The U.S. Department of State’s Business Visa Center in Washington, D.C., facilitates visa 

application procedures for U.S. companies and convention organizers who invite employees 

or current and prospective business clients to the United States. The center handled more 

than 5,000 requests from American businesses for information and assistance in cases 

involving more than 311,000 business travelers in fiscal year 2007.

Contact: For more information on visas and appointments, visit www.travel.state.gov. To 

contact the Business Visa Center, call (202) 663-3198, or e-mail BusinessVisa@state.gov. 

Workshops and Conferences, U.S. Trade and Development Agency 

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) organizes workshops, conferences, and 

technical symposia worldwide. These events are sector or project oriented and are aimed 

at connecting overseas project sponsors with U.S. firms and entities that supply project 

finance, technology, and industry expertise that may be useful in project implementation. 

USTDA contracts with prequalified professional conference specialists to organize these 

activities.

Contact: For more information, call the USTDA Information Resource Center at (703) 875-

4357, fax (703) 875-4009, e-mail info@ustda.gov, or visit www.ustda.gov.
Chapter 7. Export Finance, Insurance, and Grants (Non-agricultural) 37

EXPORT FINANCE

Trade Finance Guide, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of 

Commerce

In 2007, the Office of Finance of the International Trade Administration (ITA) issued the 

first edition of the Trade Finance Guide: A Quick Reference for U.S. Exporters. With the 

guide in high demand by the exporting community, a second edition was published in April 

2008. The guide is targeted to small and medium-sized enterprises, with concise, twopage chapters that offer the basics of numerous financing techniques and the specific 

situations for considering each. The latest edition includes a chapter on foreign exchange 

risk management as well as updates to all of the other chapters. The guide was created 

in partnership with the Association of Executives in Finance, Credit, and International 

Business (FCIB) and with the cooperation of the U.S. Small Business Administration 

(SBA), the Export–Import Bank, and various other private trade associations. For a printed 

copy, call the Trade Information Center at 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723) or U.S. Export 

Assistance Centers (USEACs) nationwide. For the PDF format, visit www.ita.doc.gov/media/

Publications/abstract/trade_finance_guide2008desc.html. 

Export–Import Bank of the United States

The Export−Import (Ex–Im) Bank provides a variety of export finance assistance, including 

export credit insurance, preexport financing through working capital guaranteed loans to 

exporters, and medium- and long-term loans and guarantees to overseas buyers. Ex–Im 

Bank offers various programs to the business community, including regular seminars and 

group briefings at several locations around the country. Specific Ex–Im Bank programs are 

described in this chapter.

Contact: For information on all Ex–Im Bank programs, call the export financing hotline at 

(800) 565-3946. Select option 2 to automatically switch the call to the nearest regional office. 

The Ex–Im Bank home page is www.exim.gov.

EXPORT PROGRAMS GUIDE

CHAPTER 7

EXPORT FINANCE, INSURANCE, AND GRANTS (NON-AGRICULTURAL)
38 Export Programs Guide

City–State Program, Ex–Im Bank of the United States

Ex–Im Bank works with state, county, and local non-profit economic development entities to 

offer marketing support to them and financial assistance to exporters in their jurisdictions. 

Cooperative programs currently operate in more than 50 states and regions, as well as in 

Puerto Rico. 

Contact: To learn more about the City–State Program, call Gus Grace, business development 

officer, at (202) 565-3910; fax (202) 565-3930; or e-mail gus.grace@exim.gov.

Regional Offices, Ex–Im Bank of the United States

Ex–Im Bank’s regional offices provide services and information to businesses. Regional 

offices are in Orange County, California; San Diego, California; San Francisco, California; 

Miami, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; New York, New York; Dallas, Texas; Houston, Texas; and 

Washington, D.C. Ex–Im Bank is also represented at most USEACs. 

Contact: The regional offices are as follows: Orange County, California: call (949) 660-1341, 

or fax (949) 660-9553; San Diego, California: call (619) 557-7091, or fax (619) 557-6176; San 

Francisco, California: call (415) 705-2285, or fax (415) 705-1156; Miami, Florida: call (305) 526-

7436, or fax (305) 526-7435; Chicago, Illinois: call (312) 353-8081, or fax (312) 353-8098; New 

York, New York: call (212) 809-2650, or fax (212) 809-2687; Dallas, Texas: call (214) 551-4959, 

or fax (214) 377-4185; Houston, Texas: call (281) 721-0465, or fax (281) 679-0156; Washington, 

D.C.: call (202) 565-3946, or fax (202) 565-3932. For the addresses and phone numbers of 

USEACs, see Appendix A. 

Working Capital Guarantee Program, Ex–Im Bank of the United States

The Working Capital Guarantee Program helps small and medium-sized businesses obtain 

critical preexport financing from commercial lenders. Ex–Im Bank guarantees 90 percent 

of the principal and interest on transaction-specific loans or revolving lines of credit that 

are extended to eligible exporters. The funds may be used for preexport activities, which 

include the purchase of raw materials, labor, overhead, performance bonds, retainers, and 

warranties.

Contact: For more information about the Working Capital Guarantee Program, call Pamela 

Bowers at (202) 565-3792, fax (202) 565-3793, visit www.exim.gov, or contact an Ex–Im Bank 

regional office.
Chapter 7. Export Finance, Insurance, and Grants (Non-agricultural) 39

Export Credit Insurance, Ex–Im Bank of the United States

Ex–Im Bank offers insurance policies that cover political and commercial risks on export 

receivables:

• Small business policy. This policy is available to firms just beginning to export or with 

average annual export credit sales of less than $5 million for the past two years. These 

businesses must also meet the SBA definition of a small business. The policy offers 

enhanced coverage, a lower premium than usually found in other insurance policies, and 

an enhanced assignment used to discount receivables with a bank. Special features are 

also available for exporters of environmental goods and services.

• Bank letter of credit policy. This policy insures commercial banks against loss on 

irrevocable letters of credit issued by foreign banks on behalf of importers purchasing 

U.S. goods and services.

• Multibuyer policy. This policy insures all of an exporter’s short-term export credit sales 

or a reasonable spread of risk.

• Financial institution buyer credit policy. This policy insures individual short-term export 

credits extended by financial institutions to foreign buyers.

• Short-term single-buyer policy. This policy allows exporters to insure receivables against 

losses attributable to commercial and specified political risks on a selective basis.

Contact: For more information, call Ex–Im Bank’s Business Development Office at (202) 565-

3900, fax (202) 565-3932, visit www.exim.gov, or contact an Ex–Im Bank regional office.

Guarantees, Ex–Im Bank of the United States

This program extends three-to-seven-year term financing in the form of guarantees to 

creditworthy foreign buyers of U.S. capital goods or services. The loans and guarantees 

offered are for 85 percent of the U.S. export value. The guarantee coverage provides 

protection to the source of financing against payment default for political or commercial 

reasons. Interest rates for the guarantees are negotiated between the source of financing 

and the seller and are typically floating rates. Political-only guarantee coverage is 

also available. In addition, Ex–Im Bank is willing to provide support for a broad range 

of environmental exports, including special transaction structures for certain lease 

transactions, industrial design services, architectural or engineering services, and overseas 

operations and maintenance contracts.

Contact: To learn more, call Ex–Im Bank’s Business Development Office at (202) 565-3900, 

fax (202) 565-3932, visit www.exim.gov, or contact an Ex–Im Bank regional office.
40 Export Programs Guide

Limited Recourse Project Finance Program, Ex–Im Bank of the United States

The Limited Recourse Project Finance Program provides financing for projects that 

depend on the cash flows of the project for repayment and not on recourse to a foreign 

government, a financial institution, or an established corporation. Combinations of direct 

loans, political risk–only coverage, or comprehensive guarantees for commercial bank 

loans are available. Ex–Im Bank now offers precompletion comprehensive coverage for 

selected projects. Ex–Im Bank offerings include financing of up to 85 percent of the U.S. 

export value, financing of interest during construction, and financing of local costs in 

the host country of up to 30 percent of the U.S. contract value and up to the maximum 

repayment terms consistent with the guidelines of the Organization for Economic 

Cooperation and Development.

Contact: For more information on the program, call Kristine Wood at (202) 565-3913, fax (202) 

565-3695, or visit www.exim.gov.

U.S. Small Business Administration 

The SBA offers several loan programs that help small and medium-sized enterprises start 

or expand their small business operations in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $4 million. The 

SBA sets the guidelines for the loans while its partners (banks, community development 

organizations, and microlending institutions) make the actual loans. The SBA backs the 

loans with a guarantee that will eliminate some of the risk to the lending partners.

Contact: The Web site for SBA loan programs is www.sba.gov/financing.

Business Loan Guarantee Program, Small Business Administration 

The SBA’s 7(a) program helps qualified small businesses obtain financial assistance 

from banks. The SBA can guarantee 7(a) loans to businesses engaged in manufacturing, 

construction, wholesale, retail, or service industries. The proceeds may be used to acquire 

equipment, facilities, machinery, supplies, or materials; to obtain working capital; to finance 

construction, conversion, or expansion; and to refinance existing debt. 

The maximum loan size is $2.0 million. The maximum dollar amount that SBA will guarantee 

is $1.5 million. The maximum maturity is 25 years. The maturity is based on the useful life 

of the assets being financed. For loans that provide working capital, the maturity can be 

up to 7 years; for equipment loans, up to 10 years; and for real estate loans, up to 25 years. 

Interest rates on SBA guarantee loans are negotiated between the applicant and the lender 

and may not exceed SBA maximums.

Contact: For the nearest SBA district office or USEAC, call 800-U-ASK-SBA (800-827-5722), 

or visit www.sba.gov/financing.
Chapter 7. Export Finance, Insurance, and Grants (Non-agricultural) 41

SBA Export Finance, Small Business Administration

SBA Export Finance programs for small business exporters take the form of loan guarantees 

to participating lenders who provide the capital. Three different programs are offered:

• Export Working Capital Program. The Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) 

provides transaction financing for small exporters. The loans can be structured to 

support financing for single transactions, export contracts, and lines of credit. The loan 

term is typically one year or less. Preshipment financing can cover materials, labor, 

and export-related costs; postshipment financing of the export receivables and standby 

letters of credit used as performance bonds; and payment guarantee or bid bonds. 

With the co-guarantee agreement between the SBA and Ex-Im Bank, EWCP loans can 

be approved for up to $2 million using a single application. Interest rates and fees are 

negotiated between business and lender. The SBA guarantee fee is one-quarter of 1 

percent for EWCPs with a maturity of 12 months or fewer. Application information is 

available from USEACs. 

• International Trade Loan Program. International trade loans can be used to finance 

equipment and facilities and to refinance loans originally used for these purposes. 

Companies that are new to export, exporters needing to expand, or companies adversely 

affected by import competition are eligible to apply. Loan maturity can be up to 25 years. 

Application is made through SBA lenders. Interest rates and fees are negotiated between 

business and lender. 

• Export Express Program. Export Express loans can finance a variety of export-related 

costs: market development (for trade shows, translation of product literature, and so 

forth); transaction costs; equipment for the production of goods to be exported; and 

standby letters of credit for bid and performance bonds or payment guarantees. The 

maximum loan amount is $250,000. Application for this loan is through SBA Express 

lenders, who are able to use their own forms, documentation, and approval process. 

The SBA provides approvals within 24 hours or less. To be eligible, small businesses must 

have been in business for one year and must plan to export. Interest rates and fees are 

negotiated between business and lender.

Contact: For more information on these programs, visit www.sba.gov/international, or 

contact the SBA staff in the USEACs. In September 2008, the SBA’s Office of International 

Trade released the 4th edition of Breaking into the Trade Game: A Small Business Guide to 

Exporting. To access this guide on the basics of exporting, visit the Office of International 

Trade’s Web site at www.sba.gov/international. 
42 Export Programs Guide

Small Business Investment Companies, Small Business Administration

Small business investment companies (SBICs), licensed by the SBA, are privately owned 

and managed venture capital and investment firms. Although SBICs are licensed, are 

regulated, and may receive supplemental funding through SBA guarantees, all investment 

decisions are made by SBICs. SBICs are required to invest domestically; however, they may 

invest in businesses that have an export focus.

Contact: To learn more about SBICs, call the SBA’s Investment Division at (202) 205-6510, or 

visit www.sba.gov/inv.

Untied Aid Initiatives, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce

Untied aid is financing provided by wealthier countries to developing countries and 

emerging markets for development projects. It is primarily provided in the form of 

concessional loans, where procurement is not contingent on the purchase of goods 

and services from the donor country. Untied aid can offer U.S. firms significant business 

opportunities.

U.S. firms interested in pursuing procurement opportunities associated with untied 

aid−funded projects should familiarize themselves with the Organization for Economic 

Cooperation and Development (OECD), which provides information on projects financed 

with bilateral untied aid on two of its Web sites:

• The first Web site is maintained by the OECD’s Export Credit Secretariat and is based 

on a U.S. proposal to open the bidding process for projects in developing countries that 

are financed with untied aid credits. The agreement sets multilateral requirements for 

OECD governments to report publicly on the details of their untied aid–financed projects, 

including the outcome of each bid competition. For information on these projects, visit 

http://webdomino1.oecd.org/COMNET/ECH/xuntied.nsf?Opendatabase.

• The second Web site is the untied aid bulletin board of the OECD’s Development 

Assistance Committee, www.oecd.org/dac/untiedaid. It is based on a 2001 agreement to 

provide untied aid notifications for projects in the least developed countries.

Contact: For more information on untied aid initiatives, contact ITA: call Danius Barzdukas, 

Office of Japan, at (202) 482-1147; fax (202) 482-0469; or e-mail danius_barzdukas@ita.doc.

gov; or call Denise Carpenter, Office of Finance, at (202) 482-4002; fax (202) 482-5702; or 

e-mail denise_carpenter@ita.doc.gov. You can also visit ITA’s Office of Finance Web site at 

www.ita.doc.gov/td/finance/2.html.
Chapter 7. Export Finance, Insurance, and Grants (Non-agricultural) 43

OVERSEAS INVESTMENT FINANCE

Overseas Private Investment Corporation 

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) helps U.S. businesses invest overseas, 

fosters economic development in new and emerging markets, complements the private 

sector in managing risks associated with foreign direct investment, and supports U.S. 

foreign policy. Because OPIC charges market-based fees for its products, it operates on 

a self-sustaining basis at no net cost to taxpayers. OPIC promotes U.S. best practices by 

requiring that projects adhere to international standards on the environment, workers’ 

rights, and human rights. 

Contact: To learn more, call the OPIC InfoLine at (202) 336-8799, fax (202) 408-9859, or 

visit www.opic.gov. Callers with a touchtone phone may listen to brief recorded program 

descriptions and request that printed program information be sent to them by way of mail 

or fax, or any callers may—from 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST—speak with an OPIC information 

officer. 

Investment Insurance, Overseas Private Investment Corporation 

OPIC offers several programs to insure U.S. investments in emerging markets and 

developing countries against the risks of (a) currency inconvertibility (the inability to 

convert profits, debt service, and other investment remittances from local currency into 

U.S. dollars or the inability to transfer funds); (b) expropriation (loss of an investment 

because of expropriation, nationalization, or confiscation by the host government); and 

(c) political violence (loss of assets or income because of war, revolution, insurrection, 

or politically motivated civil strife, terrorism, or sabotage). Coverage is available for new 

ventures, expansion of existing enterprises, privatizations, and acquisitions with positive 

developmental benefits. Coverage is also available for equity investments, parent company 

and third-party loans and loan guarantees, technical assistance agreements, leases, 

consigned inventory or equipment, and other forms of investment. 

Contact: For more information, call the OPIC InfoLine at (202) 336-8799, fax (202) 408-9859, or 

visit www.opic.gov.
44 Export Programs Guide

Finance Programs, Overseas Private Investment Corporation 

OPIC provides financing through direct loans and loan guarantees for medium- and long-term 

private investment. Loans range from $100,000 to $250 million for projects sponsored by U.S. 

companies, and financing can be provided on a project finance or corporate finance basis. 

In most cases, the U.S. sponsor is expected to contribute at least 25 percent of the project 

equity, have a track record in the industry, and have the means to contribute to the financial 

success of the project. For U.S. small businesses with annual revenues under $35 million, 

OPIC’s Small Business Center can provide financing through a streamlined approval process 

and an “insurance wrap” that offers political risk insurance coverage at a reduced rate.

Additionally, to address the lack of sufficient equity investment in emerging markets, OPIC 

has supported the creation of privately owned and managed investment funds that make 

direct equity and equity-related investments in new, expanding, or privatizing companies. 

Contact: To find out about finance programs, call the OPIC InfoLine at (202) 336-8799, fax 

(202) 408-9859, or visit www.opic.gov. 

Enterprise Development Network, Overseas Private Investment Corporation

In June 2007, OPIC launched the Enterprise Development Network (EDN), a strategic 

alliance with the private sector that greatly expands OPIC’s ability to provide financing and 

political risk insurance to U.S. micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) doing 

business in developing countries. Through the support of financial institutions, business 

consultants, associations, law firms, and regional investment promotion agencies, EDN 

eases MSMEs’ access to OPIC products and services. By empowering such private-sector 

service providers, the network delivers services to American businesses more efficiently 

and cost-effectively, thereby improving access to credit that is often difficult to obtain 

for overseas projects. It also unlocks an entirely new niche market for lenders and other 

service providers, offering them a valuable opportunity to expand their client bases into 

emerging markets overseas and a new means to service those clients by decreasing capital 

requirements for their financing.

Contact: For more information, call the OPIC InfoLine at (202) 336-8799, fax (202) 408-9859, or 

visit www.opic.gov.
Chapter 7. Export Finance, Insurance, and Grants (Non-agricultural) 45

GRANTS AND FUNDING FOR FEASIBILITY STUDIES AND OTHER 

EXPORT-RELATED NEEDS

Feasibility Studies, U.S. Trade and Development Agency 

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) provides grants for overseas 

infrastructure project−planning assistance, such as feasibility studies. These studies 

evaluate the technical, financial, environmental, legal, and other critical aspects of 

infrastructure development projects that are of interest to potential lenders and investors. 

Project sponsors in the host countries select the U.S. companies that perform USTDAfunded feasibility studies. Normally, selection is made through open competitions.

Contact: For more information, call the USTDA Information Resource Center at (703) 875-

4357, fax (703) 875-4009, or e-mail info@ustda.gov. A model proposal format can be found on 

USTDA’s Web site at www.ustda.gov.

Technical Assistance Grants, U.S. Trade and Development Agency 

USTDA provides technical assistance to help with the development of sector strategies, 

industry standards, and legal and regulatory regimes. This assistance helps create 

a favorable business and trade environment. Transportation safety and security are 

particularly important sectors for USTDA’s technical assistance work.

Contact: To learn more about technical assistance grants, call the USTDA Information 

Resource Center at (703) 875-4357, fax (703) 875-4009, or e-mail info@ustda.gov. A model 

proposal format can be found on USTDA’s Web site at www.ustda.gov.
46 Export Programs Guide

Desk Studies and Definitional Missions, U.S. Trade and Development Agency 

One of the earliest stages of project planning is the development of terms of reference 

for an activity that will define the technical, environmental, financial, and other factors 

that must be addressed before an investment decision can be made. USTDA helps ensure 

that a project is appropriately conceived by contracting with technical specialists to 

perform definitional missions and desk studies. These independent assessments develop 

the appropriate terms of reference and budget for pertinent project preparation activities. 

Using U.S. private-sector resources and expertise, these activities provide preliminary 

assessments of the economic viability of proposed projects and determine whether they 

meet USTDA’s funding criteria.

Contact: Direct contracting opportunities with USTDA are posted on the Federal Business 

Opportunities Web site at www.fedbizopps.gov. Small businesses interested in providing 

USTDA with consultant services related to project evaluations should register with USTDA’s 

On-Line Consultant Database at www.ustda.gov and with the federal government’s Central 

Contractor Registration Web site at www.ccr.gov. Questions should be directed to USTDA’s 

Information Resource Center: call (703) 875-4357, fax (703) 875-4009, or e-mail info@ustda.gov. 

Training Grants, U.S. Trade and Development Agency 

USTDA provides training for foreign decision-makers in economic sectors where there are 

opportunities for the sale of U.S. equipment and services. The training is normally focused 

on technology or regulatory issues and is designed to give project sponsors a better 

understanding of U.S. experience and capabilities. Training can be conducted in the United 

States or in the host country.

Contact: To learn more about training grants, call the USTDA Information Resource Center 

at (703) 875-4357, fax (703) 875-4009, e-mail info@ustda.gov, or visit www.ustda.gov.

Market Development Cooperator Program Awards, ITA, U.S. Department of 

Commerce 

The Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) is a competitive matching funds 

program operated by ITA. The program builds public−private partnerships by providing federal 

assistance to non-profit export multipliers such as states, trade associations, chambers of 

commerce, and small business development centers. These multipliers can be particularly 

effective in helping small and medium-sized enterprises to be more competitive. Applicants 

use their own creativity to design projects that will help such enterprises enter, expand, or 

maintain market share in targeted markets abroad. MDCP awards help underwrite the start-up 

costs of new foreign market−development ventures. 

Contact: To learn more about the program, call the MDCP program manager at (202) 482-

2969, or visit www.export.gov/mdcp.
Chapter 7. Export Finance, Insurance, and Grants (Non-agricultural) 47

Special American Business Internship Training, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

The Special American Business Internship Training (SABIT) Program is a public−private 

initiative to promote market access and to cultivate economic and civil society development 

in various countries in Eurasia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, 

Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. The SABIT 

Program provides industry-specific group training programs for Eurasian professionals. 

These training programs balance the technical assistance needs of Eurasia’s emerging 

markets with the interests of the U.S. business community. Since 1990, the SABIT Program 

has enabled more than 2,500 U.S. organizations to host more than 4,000 trainees.

Contact: To learn more about the SABIT Program, call (202) 482-0073, fax (202) 482-2443, or 

visit www.mac.doc.gov/sabit.
48 Export Programs Guide

AGRICULTURAL EXPORT PROGRAMS

Foreign Agricultural Service Web Site, U.S. Department of Agriculture

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Web site provides users with information about FAS’s 

efforts to improve foreign market access for U.S. products, to build new markets, to improve 

the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and to provide food 

aid and technical assistance to foreign countries. The Web site provides users access to the 

export credit guarantee and food aid programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 

as well as to updates on USDA efforts to increase income and food availability in developing 

nations by mobilizing expertise for agriculturally led economic growth. 

Contact: Visit the FAS Web site at www.fas.usda.gov.

Export Marketing Services, FAS, U.S. Department of Agriculture 

FAS offers the following export marketing services to assist new and experienced exporters 

in finding customers overseas:

• Foreign Buyers List. This list provides information on more than 25,000 foreign buyers of 

food, farm, fish, seafood, and forest products in more than 80 countries. The fee is $15 

per list (by product for a specific country). For more information, visit www.fas.usda.gov/

agexport/forbuy.html.

• Export Directory of U.S. Food Distribution Companies. This directory provides information 

on U.S. suppliers of mixed containers of grocery and food service products to foreign 

buyers. Registration is free of charge. For more information, visit www.fas.usda.gov/

AgExport/Directory/Main.html.

• U.S. Supplier List. This searchable database provides data for more than 3,500 U.S. 

exporters and their products (more than 500 product categories) and is used by FAS to 

help connect potential buyers with U.S. suppliers. Registration is free of charge. For more 

information, visit http://fas1.agexportservices.org/Apps/StoreFronts/search.asp.

EXPORT PROGRAMS GUIDE

CHAPTER 8

AGRICULTURAL EXPORT AND FINANCE PROGRAMS 
Chapter 8. Agricultural Export and Finance Programs 49

• State Regional Trade Groups. U.S. suppliers who want to inform foreign buyers about 

their products may contact the State Regional Trade Groups (SRTGs) for assistance. 

The SRTGs, which are FAS program participants, offer customized export assistance 

on a wide variety of export-related topics from “connection to collection.” To obtain the 

SRTGs directory, visit www.fas.usda.gov/agx/counseling_advocacy/srtg_directory.asp.

Contact: Questions about any of these services should be directed to USDA’s Foreign 

Agricultural Service at (202) 690-3576.

National Agricultural Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture 

The National Agricultural Library (NAL) is a repository of information on agricultural 

marketing and trade. NAL staff members respond to inquiries with customized assistance 

by combining in-depth knowledge of the library’s resources, state-of-the-art technology, 

and networking. They also assist users in accessing the library’s online catalog and article 

citation database, AGRICOLA (Agricultural Online Access database). 

Contact: To learn more, call the NAL Service Desk at (301) 504-5755, fax (301) 504-6110, or 

e-mail agref@nal.usda.gov. The NAL home page is www.nal.usda.gov, and the AGRICOLA 

home page is http://agricola.nal.usda.gov.

Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture 

The Economic Research Service (ERS) provides in-depth economic analyses on 

agricultural economies, trade policies of foreign countries, world agricultural trade and 

development issues, and their links with the U.S. food and fiber economy. ERS analyzes 

how factors influencing demand (population, income, and tastes); production variables 

(inputs and technology); foreign governments’ commercial policies and programs (price 

controls, environmental and food safety laws, and tariffs); macroeconomic conditions 

(exchange rates and debt); and major events (for example, China’s accession to the World 

Trade Organization) affect countries’ agricultural production, consumption, and trade; 

international food and fiber prices; and U.S. food and fiber competitiveness. ERS widely 

disseminates information and analyses on international agricultural trade, food aid, and 

development through regional and commodity reports, bulletins and updates, periodicals, 

and electronic databases. 

Contact: For more information, call Cheryl Christensen, deputy director, Market and Trade 

Economics Division, at (202) 694-5203; fax (202) 694-5792; or e-mail cherylc@ers.usda.gov. 

The ERS home page is www.ers.usda.gov.
50 Export Programs Guide

Trade Shows, FAS, U.S. Department of Agriculture 

The USDA Overseas Trade Support Branch offers U.S. food and beverage exporters a 

choice of programs to satisfy their marketing needs. Programs include endorsed shows in 

leading and emerging markets worldwide, as well as American Cafés. When USDA links 

its name with a show, you can be assured of high standards at a fair price. USDA will give 

companies marketing services, including reports on the country and its buyers, and even 

limited public relations help. In addition, the USDA Overseas Trade Support Branch provides 

information on the promoters of other international food and beverage shows. 

Contact: For more information, call the USDA Overseas Trade Support Branch at (202) 690-

1182, fax (202) 690-4374, or visit www.fas.usda.gov/agx/trade_events/tsmo.asp.

Business and Cooperative Programs, Rural Development, U.S. Department of 

Agriculture 

USDA’s Rural Development unit offers a number of business and cooperative programs that 

are intended to enhance the quality of life for rural Americans by providing leadership in 

building competitive businesses, including sustainable cooperatives that can prosper in the 

global marketplace. Business programs comprise a number of loan and grant programs, 

including the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, the Intermediary Relending 

Program, the Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program, and the Rural Business Opportunity 

Grant Program. 

The Cooperative Services Program promotes the use of the cooperative form of business 

as a viable organizational option for marketing and distributing agricultural products. The 

program offers technical assistance to those wishing to form new cooperatives. Funding 

opportunities include Rural Cooperative Development Grants, Small Minority Producer 

Grants, and Value-Added Producer Grants. Among the other services provided are a 

directory of cooperatives, a map of state resources, and the monthly publication of Rural 

Cooperative Magazine.

Contact: For more information about the programs, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/. Business 

and cooperative programs are administered by Rural Development field staff members. Field 

office information is available at www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html, or call (800) 670-6553. 
Chapter 8. Agricultural Export and Finance Programs 51

AGRICULTURAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Agricultural Marketing Service, Transportation Services Division, U.S. Department 

of Agriculture

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service administers programs that facilitate the efficient 

and fair marketing of U.S. agricultural products, including food, fiber, and specialty crops. 

Services offered include

• Regulatory representation 

• Economic analysis 

• Technical assistance 

• Outreach 

• Response to inquiries 

Contact: To learn more, call (202) 690-1304, fax (202) 690-3616, or visit www.ams.usda.gov/

AMSv1.0/.

Publications and Resources, Agricultural Marketing Service, Transportation 

Services Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Exporting is more than just locating a buyer and making the sale. Getting the product to your 

overseas customer in the best condition, on time, and at the most reasonable cost is also 

an integral part of the export process and can turn new customers into repeat customers. 

The Agricultural Marketing Service provides transportation market reports, logistics 

publications, and technical assistance for agricultural shippers navigating the complexities 

of the export process. In addition, it provides publications geared specifically to various 

agricultural subsectors.

Contact: For additional information, visit www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ and click on 

“Publications.”
52 Export Programs Guide

AGRICULTURAL FINANCE AND GRANT PROGRAMS

Export Credit Guarantee Programs, FAS, U.S. Department of Agriculture 

The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) administers two export credit guarantee programs 

for commercial financing of U.S. agricultural exports. The Export Credit Guarantee Program 

(GSM-102) encourages exports of U.S. agricultural commodities to buyers in countries 

where credit is necessary to maintain or increase U.S. sales but where commercial 

financing may not be available without CCC guarantees. The Facility Guarantee Program 

encourages exports of capital goods and services from the United States that improve 

transport, storage, and handling of U.S. exported agricultural commodities in emerging 

markets. In both programs, CCC undertakes a significant portion of foreign bank risk. 

Program announcements issued by USDA provide information on specific country and 

commodity allocations, length of credit period, coverage of shipping terms, approved 

countries and banks, and applicable risk-based fees to register the sales. Specific program 

details are as follows:

• The Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) guarantees payment by a foreign bank 

on credit extended by a financial institution in the United States (or, less commonly, by a 

U.S. exporter) to pay for food and agricultural commodities produced in the United States 

and sold to foreign buyers. The related obligations must be repaid in U.S. dollars. The 

program can cover credit terms ranging from 30 days to three years.

• The Facility Guarantee Program (FGP) provides payment guarantees to facilitate the 

financing of manufactured goods and services exported from the United States. FGP 

is designed to improve handling, marketing, processing, storage, and distribution of 

imported agricultural products in emerging markets where it is determined that the FGP 

payment guarantees will promote exports of U.S. agricultural products. FGP requires 

a down payment on the eligible contract value and covers a significant portion of the 

remaining principal balance and a portion of interest. There must, however, be a primary 

benefit to U.S. agricultural products sold overseas. There is no application fee.

Contact: To learn more about these programs, call the Registrations and Operations 

Branch of FAS at (202) 720-3224, e-mail AskGSM@fas.usda.gov, or visit www.fas.usda.gov/

exportprograms.asp.
Chapter 8. Agricultural Export and Finance Programs 53

Export Market Development Programs, FAS, U.S. Department of Agriculture 

FAS offers the following export market development programs:

• The Market Access Program (MAP) uses funds from the USDA’s Commodity Credit 

Corporation to provide cost-share assistance to U.S. trade organizations and small 

entities to help create, expand, and maintain foreign markets for U.S. agricultural 

commodities and products. MAP participants must contribute a minimum of 10 percent 

of the cost of generic marketing and promotion activities and 50 percent for branded 

promotions. 

• The Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program, also known as the Cooperator 

Program, assists non-profit U.S. agricultural trade organizations in developing and 

maintaining foreign markets for U.S. agricultural products through a cost-share program. 

FMD funds are allocated to U.S. trade organizations with the broadest possible producer 

representation. Priority is given to organizations that are nationwide in membership 

and scope. Activities must contribute to the maintenance or growth of demand for 

agricultural commodities and generally address long-term foreign import constraints and 

export growth opportunities.

• The Emerging Markets Program (EMP) assists U.S. public and private organizations in 

improving market opportunities for U.S. agricultural products in low- to middle-income 

countries with market potential. The program can be used for technical assistance, such 

as activities that focus on building trade capacity or addressing technical barriers to 

trade. The EMP has a cost-sharing requirement. 

• The Quality Samples Program provides funding to help U.S. organizations supply samples 

of U.S. commodities to potential foreign buyers and provide technical assistance 

regarding product quality and proper use as a means to encourage new purchases. The 

program supports projects that benefit whole industries rather than individual companies. 

When a project is finished, USDA reimburses the costs of procuring and exporting the 

samples.

• The Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program helps to open, retain, and expand 

markets for U.S. specialty crops. Resources are provided to address barriers, including 

phytosanitary or related technical restrictions that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. 

specialty crops. Specialty crops include all cultivated plants and their products produced 

in the United States except wheat, feed grains, oilseeds, cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar, and 

tobacco.

Contact: For more information, call FAS at (202) 720-4327, or visit www.fas.usda.gov/

exportprograms.asp.
54 Export Programs Guide

U.S.–European Union Safe Harbor Framework for Privacy, Data Protection, and 

Cross Border Data Flows, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of 

Commerce

The Safe Harbor Framework is a voluntary, self-certification system that is designed to help 

U.S. companies avoid interruptions in their business dealings with the European Union (EU) 

or prosecution by European authorities under European privacy laws. The EU Directive 

on Data Protection took effect in 1998 and prohibits the transfer of personally identifiable 

information to non-EU nations that fail to meet the European “adequacy” standard for 

privacy protection. As a result of the differing approaches to privacy established by the 

European Commission and the United States, this EU directive can significantly hamper 

the ability of U.S. companies to engage in many trans-Atlantic transactions, including 

e-commerce. The Safe Harbor Framework was developed by the U.S. Department of 

Commerce, in consultation with the EU, industry, and non-governmental organizations, to 

bridge these different privacy approaches and to provide a streamlined means for U.S. 

organizations to comply with the EU directive. 

Contact: Certification may be submitted on the Internet or to Damon Greer, director, U.S.−EU 

Safe Harbor Framework, Room 2003, International Trade Administration, Department of 

Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230; phone, (202) 482-5023; 

fax, (202) 482-5522; or e-mail, damon.greer@mail.doc.gov. The Safe Harbor home page is 

http://export.gov/safeharbor/.

EXPORT PROGRAMS GUIDE

CHAPTER 9

HEALTH, PERFORMANCE, QUALITY, AND SAFETY INSPECTION AND 

CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS 
Chapter 9. Health, Performance, Quality, and Safety Inspection and Certification Programs 55

Export Certificates for U.S. Products, Food and Drug Administration 

Foreign customers and governments often request that U.S. companies submit an export 

certificate when they ship products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

abroad. FDA export certificates are for export purposes only and may not be used in 

domestic advertising or promotion. The FDA, at the request of U.S. exporters, will issue 

export certificates for human drugs and biological products, animal drugs, and medical 

devices that meet the applicable requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 

Act. The FDA certifies that the products meet domestic U.S. requirements and are 

eligible for sale in the United States. In cases where the product may not be marketed 

in the United States, the FDA certifies that the product may be exported under U.S. law. 

The type of application and information required may differ according to the type of 

certificate requested and the commodity being exported. Exporters are urged to contact 

the appropriate center within the FDA for guidance on requesting procedures and export 

certificate eligibility for their particular country. 

Contact: A general information document, Guidance for Industry—FDA Export Certificates, 

is available at www.fda.gov/cber/gdlns/exprtcert.htm. The FDA home page, www.fda.gov, 

also provides links to FDA centers. For certificates relating to drugs, call the Center for 

Drug Evaluation and Research at (301) 827-8983; for biologics, call the Center for Biologics 

Evaluation and Research at (301) 827-6201; for medical devices, call the Center for Devices 

and Radiological Health, Office of Compliance at (240) 276-0132; and for animal drugs, call 

the Center for Veterinary Medicine at (301) 827-0178.

Inspection Certificates for Food and Agricultural Exports, U.S. Department of 

Agriculture 

Several agencies within U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provide inspection services 

when certificates are required to clear imported products through overseas customs or are 

requested by foreign buyers.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Service (APHIS) provides exporters information on import and export requirements for 

plant and animal products and by-products. Phytosanitary inspections for plant materials 

are offered at ports and interior locations. Animal health certificates for animal products, 

including hides and pet foods, can be obtained from your local APHIS veterinarian. 

Contact: For plant export certification, call (301) 734-8537. For animal health certification, call 

(301) 734-3277. For more information, visit the APHIS home page at www.aphis.usda.gov, and 

click on “Plant Health” and “Animal Health.” 
56 Export Programs Guide

Federal Grain Inspection Service. The Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) provides 

inspections under the U.S. Grain Standards Act and the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. 

FGIS also conducts mandatory inspections for all exported grain. Products examined by 

FGIS include rice, peas, beans, lentils, grains, and grain-based processed products. 

Contact: For more information, call Robert Lijewski, Policies and Procedures Branch, at 

(202) 720-0224; fax (202) 720-1015; e-mail robert.s.lijewski@usda.gov; or visit www.gipsa.

usda.gov.

Food Safety and Inspection Service. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) guarantees that meat and poultry products are properly labeled and U.S. inspected and approved. 

Contact: For more information on the FSIS, call (402) 221-7400, fax (402) 221-7479, or visit 

www.fsis.usda.gov. 

Agricultural Marketing Service. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), in cooperation 

with state agencies, offers official grading, inspection, and certification services; production 

and processing verification services; and chemical and microbiological testing services for 

a variety of agricultural products, including organic products. Grading, inspection, and certification services can be based on U.S. grade standards developed by the USDA for these 

products, or they can be based on applicant specifications and processes. 

Contact: For more information about this voluntary food quality certification service, call 

Kenneth C. Clayton, associate administrator, AMS, at (202) 720-4276; fax (202) 720-8477; or 

e-mail kenneth.clayton@usda.gov. The AMS home page is www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/. AMS 

program areas include cotton, www.ams.usda.gov/cotton; dairy, www.ams.usda.gov/dairy; 

fruits and vegetables, www.ams.usda.gov/fv; poultry, www.ams.usda.gov/poultry; science and 

technology, www.ams.usda.gov/science; and tobacco, www.ams.usda.gov/tobacco. The AMS 

International Services home page is www.ams.usda.gov/international.
Chapter 9. Health, Performance, Quality, and Safety Inspection and Certification Programs 57

Seafood Inspection Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 

U.S. Department of Commerce. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA) Seafood Inspection Program includes consumer safety officers and trade specialists who offer a range of services to assist U.S. fishing industry businesses engaged in the 

export of fish and fishery products. Besides inspecting and certifying products for export, 

staff members advise seafood marketers about foreign regulations and maintain contact 

with foreign government regulatory agencies to resolve sanitary and hygienic issues. NOAA 

also promotes and facilitates the trade of U.S. fishery products internationally. The Seafood 

Inspection Program can verify, through on-site audits, that foreign processors meet U.S. 

Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Commerce regulations governing the 

control of food safety hazards and sanitary hygienic conditions, including the construction 

and maintenance of facilities and equipment, processing techniques, and employee practices in the production of fishery products for human consumption. 

Contact: For more information, call Kimberly Young, Seafood Inspection Program, at (800) 

422-2750 or (301) 713-2355; fax (301) 713-1081; or visit http://seafood.nmfs.noaa.gov.

Environmental Technology Verification Program, U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency. The Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program verifies the performance of innovative technologies that have the potential to improve protection of human 

health and the environment. ETV accelerates the entrance of new environmental technologies into the domestic and international marketplaces. Verified technologies are included 

for all environmental media—air, water, and land. 

Contact: To learn more, visit the ETV home page at www.epa.gov/etv.
58 Export Programs Guide

Wholesaler’s Basic Permit, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, U.S. 

Department of the Treasury. Exporters of wine, beer, and distilled spirits for resale in 

foreign commerce are required to obtain a federal wholesaler’s basic permit from the 

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), the agency that administers regulations 

relating to alcohol beverages and tobacco. A background check may be required before 

issuance of a wholesaler’s basic permit. Producers that are in possession of a distilled 

spirits plant permit, brewer’s notice, or winery permit may export under the authority of 

those documents and are not required to obtain the wholesaler’s basic permit. Note that 

the foreign country may mandate specific documentation or additional permit requirements. 

Specialists at TTB can help companies navigate the application process and determine 

which foreign requirements, if any, apply. 

Contact: To learn how to apply for a permit and to find more information on exporting 

beverage alcohol, call TTB’s International Trade Division at (202) 927-8110, e-mail itd@ttb.

gov, or visit www.ttb.gov/itd. 
Chapter 10. Export Licenses and Controls 59

Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce

The mission of the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is to advance U.S. national 

security, foreign policy, and economic objectives by ensuring an effective export control 

and treaty compliance system and promoting continued U.S. strategic technology leadership. BIS’s activities include regulating the export and reexport of sensitive goods and 

technologies in an effective and efficient manner; enforcing export control, antiboycott, and 

public safety laws; cooperating with and assisting other countries on export control 

and strategic trade issues; helping U.S. industry comply with international arms control 

agreements; and monitoring the viability of the U.S. defense industrial base. BIS has 

an extensive Web site with information on export control policies and procedures. The 

bureau also has a staff available to counsel exporters; conduct export control seminars; 

and respond to inquiries from the exporting community regarding the Export Administration 

Regulations (EAR), export control policy, and licensing procedures. BIS plans, conducts, 

and participates in seminars, Webinars, online training, and other outreach efforts to help 

exporters understand and comply with the EAR.

Contact: For additional export control information and publications and related resources, 

including a new online Training Room, visit www.bis.doc.gov. To speak to an export counselor, 

call the Office of Exporter Services at (202) 482-4811 in Washington, D.C., or one of its two 

California locations at (949) 660-0144 in Newport Beach or at (408) 998-8806 in San Jose.

EXPORT PROGRAMS GUIDE

CHAPTER 10

EXPORT LICENSES AND CONTROLS
60 Export Programs Guide

Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of the Treasury 

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) administers and enforces economic and 

trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries, terrorists, and international narcotics 

traffickers and their agents in accordance with U.S. foreign policy and national security 

goals. OFAC publishes an extensive library of free materials on its Web site to help the 

international trade community comply with U.S. sanctions. The Web site includes summaries 

of sanctions programs by country and provides access to a guide titled Foreign Assets 

Control Regulations for Exporters and Importers. Also available is the “Specially Designated 

Nationals and Blocked Persons” list of entities and individuals with whom U.S. persons 

may not conduct business and whose property must be blocked if under the control of a 

U.S. person. Users can keep current with OFAC updates through a free subscription e-mail 

service. All of the information available on the Web site is also available through OFAC’s 

free fax-on-demand service. OFAC also maintains a hotline staffed by compliance officers 

who are knowledgeable about international trade. They are available Monday through Friday 

(8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST) to provide guidance on sanctions-related matters. The public also 

has the opportunity to provide comments or ask questions on OFAC’s Web site. 

Contact: To learn more, call the OFAC hotline at (800) 540-6322, or fax (202) 622-2426. The 24-

hour fax-on-demand number is (202) 622-0077. The OFAC home page is www.treas.gov/ofac. 

Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, U.S. Department of State

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls administers Section 38 of the Arms Export 

Control Act and its implementing regulations, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. It 

is responsible for regulating the export and brokering of U.S. defense articles, services, and 

related technical data covered by the U.S. Munitions List. The directorate, comprising three 

offices (Licensing, Compliance, and Policy), adjudicates arms export license applications 

and ensures export compliance in furtherance of U.S. national security and foreign policy 

objectives. 

Contact: For more information, call the directorate’s Response Team at (202) 663-1282, or 

visit www.pmddtc.state.gov. 
Appendix A. Export Assistance Center Network 61

ALABAMA

Birmingham

950 22nd St. N., Rm. 707

Birmingham, AL 35203

Phone: (205) 731-1331

Fax: (205) 731-0076

E-mail: office.birmingham@mail.doc.gov

ALASKA

Anchorage

431 W. 7th Ave., Ste. 108

Anchorage, AK 99501

Phone: (907) 271-6237

Fax: (907) 271-6242

E-mail: alaska.office.box@mail.doc.gov

ARIZONA

Phoenix

1700 W. Washington St., Ste. 220

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Phone: (602) 640-2513

Fax: (602) 640-2518

E-mail: phoenix.office.box@mail.doc.gov

Tucson

120 N. Stone Ave., Ste. 200

Tucson, AZ 85701

Phone: (520) 670-5540

Fax: (520) 243-1910

E-mail: tucson.office.box@mail.doc.gov

ARKANSAS

Little Rock

425 W. Capitol Ave., Ste. 425

Little Rock, AR 72201

Phone: (501) 324-5794

Fax: (501) 324-7380

E-mail: little.rock.office.box@mail.doc.gov

CALIFORNIA

Bakersfield (Kern County)

2100 Chester Ave., 1st Fl., Ste. 166

Bakersfield, CA 93301

Phone: (661) 637-0136

Fax: (661) 637-0156

E-mail: bakersfield.office.box@mail.doc.gov

Fresno

550 E. Shaw Ave., Ste. 155

Fresno, CA 93710

Phone: (559) 227-6582

Fax: (559) 227-6509

E-mail: fresno.office.box@mail.doc.gov

Indio/Cabazon

Workforce Development Center

44-199 Monroe St., Ste. B308

Indio, CA 92201

Phone: (760) 342-1310

Fax: (760) 342-1565

E-mail: cabazon.office.box@mail.doc.gov

EXPORT PROGRAMS GUIDE

APPENDIX A

EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTER NETWORK
62 Export Programs Guide

Inland Empire

2940 Inland Empire Blvd., Ste. 121

Ontario, CA 91764

Phone: (909) 466-4134

Fax: (909) 466-4140

E-mail: ontariocal.office.box@mail.doc.gov

Los Angeles (Downtown)

444 S. Flower St., 34th Fl.

Los Angeles, CA 90071

Phone: (213) 894-8784

Fax: (213) 894-8789

E-mail: los.angeles.downtown.office.box@

mail.doc.gov

Los Angeles (West)

11150 Olympic Blvd., Ste. 975

Los Angeles, CA 90064

Phone: (310) 235-7104

Fax: (310) 235-7220

E-mail: los.angeles.office.box@mail.doc.gov

Monterey

411 Pacific St., Ste. 316A

Monterey, CA 93940

Phone: (831) 641-9850

Fax: (831) 641-9849

E-mail: montereyca.office.box@mail.doc.gov

Newport Beach

3300 Irvine Ave., Ste. 305

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Phone: (949) 660-1688

Fax: (949) 660-1338

E-mail: newport.beach.office.box@

mail.doc.gov

Oakland

1301 Clay St., Ste. 630N

Oakland, CA 94612

Phone: (510) 273-7350

Fax: (510) 273-7352

E-mail: oakland.office.box@mail.doc.gov

Sacramento

1410 Ethan Way

Sacramento, CA 95825

Phone: (916) 566-7170

Fax: (916) 566-7123

E-mail: sacramento.office.box@mail.doc.gov

San Diego

6363 Greenwich Dr., Ste. 230

San Diego, CA 92122

Phone: (619) 557-5395

Fax: (619) 557-6176

E-mail: san.diego.office.box@mail.doc.gov

San Francisco

250 Montgomery St., 14th Fl.

San Francisco, CA 94104

Phone: (415) 705-2300

Fax: (415) 705-2299

E-mail: san.francisco.office.box@

mail.doc.gov

San Jose

55 S. Market St., Ste. 1040

San Jose, CA 95113

Phone: (408) 535-2757

Fax: (408) 535-2758

E-mail: silicon.valley.office.box@mail.doc.gov
Appendix A. Export Assistance Center Network 63

San Rafael (North Bay/Novato)

50 Acacia Ave.

San Rafael, CA 94901

Phone: (415) 485-6200

Fax: (415) 485-6219

E-mail: north.bay.office.box@mail.doc.gov

Ventura County

333 Ponoma St.

Port Hueneme, CA 93041

Phone: (805) 488-4844

Fax: (805) 488-7801

E-mail: ventura.office.box@mail.doc.gov

COLORADO

Denver

World Trade Center

1625 Broadway, Ste. 680

Denver, CO 80202

Phone: (303) 844-6623

Fax: (303) 844-5651

E-mail: denver.office.box@mail.doc.gov

CONNECTICUT

Middletown

213 Court St., Ste. 903

Middletown, CT 06457

Phone: (860) 638-6950

Fax: (860) 638-6970

E-mail: office.middletown@mail.doc.gov

DELAWARE 

Served by the Philadelphia, 

Pennsylvania, U.S. Export 

Assistance Center

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 

Served by the Arlington, Virginia, U.S. 

Export Assistance Center

FLORIDA 

Clearwater

13805 58th St. N., Ste. 1-200

Clearwater, FL 33760 

Phone: (727) 893-3738

Fax: (727) 893-3839

E-mail: office.clearwater@mail.doc.gov

Ft. Lauderdale

200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Ste. 1600

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

Phone: (954) 356-6640

Fax: (954) 356-6644

E-mail: office.ftlauderdale@mail.doc.gov

Jacksonville

3 Independent Dr.

Jacksonville, FL 32202 

Phone: (904) 232-1270

Fax: (904) 232-1271

E-mail: jacksonville.office.box@

mail.doc.gov

Miami

5835 Blue Lagoon Dr., Ste. 203

Miami, FL 33126

Phone: (305) 526-7425 

Fax: (305) 526-7434

E-mail: office.miami@mail.doc.gov
64 Export Programs Guide

Orlando

315 E. Robinson St., Ste. 100

Orlando, FL 32801

Phone: (407) 648-6170

Fax: (407) 487-1909

E-mail: office.orlando@mail.doc.gov

Tallahassee 

Atrium Building 

325 John Knox Rd., Ste. 201

Tallahassee, FL 32303

Phone: (850) 942-9635

Fax: (850) 922-9595

E-mail: tallahassee.office.box@

mail.doc.gov

GEORGIA 

Atlanta 

75 5th St. N.W., Ste. 1055

Atlanta, GA 30308

Phone: (404) 897-6090

Fax: (404) 897-6085

E-mail: office.atlanta@mail.doc.gov

Savannah

111 E. Liberty St., Ste. 202

Savannah, GA 31401

Phone: (912) 652-4204

Fax: (912) 652-4241

E-mail: office.savannah@mail.doc.gov

HAWAII AND THE PACIFIC 

ISLANDS 

Honolulu 

521 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm. 214

Honolulu, HI 96813 

Phone: (808) 522-8040

Fax: (808) 522-8045

E-mail: honolulu.office.box@mail.doc.gov

IDAHO 

Boise

700 W. State St., 2nd Fl.

Boise, ID 83720

Phone: (208) 364-7791

Fax: (208) 334-2783

E-mail: boise.office.box@mail.doc.gov

ILLINOIS 

Chicago

200 W. Adams St., Ste. 2450

Chicago, IL 60606

Phone: (312) 353-8040

Fax: (312) 353-8120

E-mail: chicago.office.box@mail.doc.gov

Libertyville

28055 Ashley Cir., Ste. 212

Libertyville, IL 60048

Phone: (847) 327-9082

Fax: (847) 247-0423

E-mail: libertyville.office.box@mail.doc.gov
Appendix A. Export Assistance Center Network 65

Peoria

Bradley University

Jobst Hall, Rm. 141 

922 N. Glenwood Ave.

Peoria, IL 61606 

Phone: (309) 671-7815

Fax: (309) 671-7818

E-mail: peoria.office.box@mail.doc.gov

Rockford

EIGERlab 

605 Fulton Ave., Ste. E103 

Rockford, IL 61103 

Phone: (815) 316-2380

Fax: (888) 628-2571 

E-mail: rockford.office.box@mail.doc.gov

INDIANA 

Indianapolis

11405 N. Pennsylvania St., Ste. 106

Carmel, IN 46032

Phone: (317) 582-2300

Fax: (317) 582-2301

E-mail: office.indianapolis@mail.doc.gov

IOWA 

Des Moines

210 Walnut St., Rm. 749

Des Moines, IA 50309

Phone: (515) 284-4590

Fax: (515) 288-1437

E-mail: des.moines.office.box@mail.doc.gov

KANSAS 

Wichita

150 N. Main St., Ste. 200

Wichita, KS 67202

Phone: (316) 263-4067

Fax: (316) 263-8306

E-mail: wichita.office.box@mail.doc.gov

KENTUCKY 

Lexington

333 W. Vine St., Ste. 1600

Lexington, KY 40507

Phone: (859) 225-7001

Fax: (859) 201-1139

E-mail: sara.moreno@mail.doc.gov

Louisville

601 W. Broadway, Rm. 634B

Louisville, KY 40202

Phone: (502) 582-5066

Fax: (502) 582-6573

E-mail: office.louisville@mail.doc.gov

LOUISIANA 

New Orleans

2 Canal St., Ste. 2710

New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone: (504) 589-6546

Fax: (504) 589-2337

E-mail: new.orleans.office.box@

mail.doc.gov
66 Export Programs Guide

Shreveport

Business Education Building 119H

LSUS-One University Pl.

Shreveport, LA 71115

Phone: (318) 676-3064

Fax: (318) 676-3063

E-mail: shreveport.office.box@mail.doc.gov

MAINE 

Portland

Maine International Trade Center

511 Congress St.

Portland, ME 04101

Phone: (207) 541-7430

Fax: (207) 541-7420

E-mail: office.portlandME@mail.doc.gov

MARYLAND 

Baltimore

300 W. Pratt St., Ste. 300 

Baltimore, MD 21201

Phone: (410) 962-4539

Fax: (410) 962-4529

E-mail: office.baltimoreusec@mail.doc.gov

MASSACHUSETTS 

Boston

JFK Federal Building

55 New Sudbury St., Ste. 1826A

Boston, MA 02203

Phone: (617) 565-4301

Fax: (617) 565-4313

E-mail: office.boston@mail.doc.gov

MICHIGAN 

Detroit

8109 E. Jefferson Ave., Ste. 110

Detroit, MI 48214

Phone: (313) 226-3650

Fax: (313) 226-3657

E-mail: office.detroit@mail.doc.gov

Grand Rapids 

401 W. Fulton St., Ste. 349C

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Phone: (616) 458-3564

Fax: (616) 458-3872

E-mail: office.grandrapids@mail.doc.gov

Pontiac

250 Elizabeth Lake Rd., Ste. 1300 W. 

Pontiac, MI 48341

Phone: (248) 975-9600

Fax: (248) 975-9606

E-mail: office.pontiac@mail.doc.gov

Ypsilanti

Eastern Michigan University

300 W. Michigan Ave., Ste. 306G

Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Phone: (734) 487-0259

Fax: (734) 485-2396

E-mail: ypsilanti.office.box@mail.doc.gov

MINNESOTA 

Minneapolis

100 N. 6th St., Ste. 210-C

Minneapolis, MI 55403

Phone: (612) 348-1638

Fax: (612) 348-1650

E-mail: minneapolis.office.box@mail.doc.gov
Appendix A. Export Assistance Center Network 67

MISSISSIPPI 

Mississippi

175 E. Capitol St., Ste. 255

Jackson, MS 39201 

Phone: (601) 965-4130

Fax: (601) 965-4132

E-mail: jackson.office.box@mail.doc.gov

MISSOURI 

Kansas City 

2509 Commerce Tower

911 Main St.

Kansas City, MO 64105

Phone: (816) 421-1876

Fax: (816) 471-7839

E-mail: kansas.city.office.box@mail.doc.gov

St. Louis

8235 Forsyth Blvd., Ste. 520

St. Louis, MO 63105

Phone: (314) 425-3302

Fax: (314) 425-3381

E-mail: st.louis.office.box@mail.doc.gov

MONTANA 

Missoula

University of Montana

Gallagher Business Building, Ste. 257

Missoula, MT 59812

Phone: (406) 542-6656

Fax: (406) 542-6659

E-mail: montana.office.box@mail.doc.gov

NEBRASKA 

Omaha

13006 W. Center Rd.

Omaha, NE 68144

Phone: (402) 597-0193

Fax: (402) 595-1194

E-mail: omaha.office.box@mail.doc.gov

NEVADA 

Las Vegas

400 S. 4th St., Ste. 250 

Las Vegas, NV 89101

Phone: (702) 388-6694

Fax: (702) 388-6469

E-mail: las.vegas.office.box@mail.doc.gov

Reno

1 E. 1st St., 16th Fl.

Reno, NV 89501

Phone: (775) 784-5203

Fax: (775) 784-5343

E-mail: reno.office.box@mail.doc.gov

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Portsmouth

17 New Hampshire Ave.

Portsmouth, NH 03801

Phone: (603) 334-6074

Fax: (603) 334-6110

E-mail: office.portsmouth@mail.doc.gov
68 Export Programs Guide

NEW JERSEY 

Newark

744 Broad St., Ste. 1505

Newark, NJ 07102

Phone: (973) 645-4682

Fax: (973) 645-4783

E-mail: office.newark@mail.doc.gov

Trenton

20 W. State St.

P.O. Box 820 

Trenton, NJ 08625

Phone: (609) 989-2100

Fax: (609) 989-2395

E-mail: office.trenton@mail.doc.gov

NEW MEXICO 

Santa Fe

New Mexico Dept. of Economic 

Development

P.O. Box 20003

1100 St. Francis Dr. (use for courier service)

Santa Fe, NM 87504

Phone: (505) 231-0075

Fax: (505) 827-0211

E-mail: santa.fe.office.box@mail.doc.gov

NEW YORK 

Buffalo

130 S. Elmwood Ave., Ste. 530

Buffalo, NY 14202

Phone: (716) 551-4191

Fax: (716) 551-5290

E-mail: office.buffalo@mail.doc.gov

Harlem

163 W. 125th St., Ste. 901

New York, NY 10027

Phone: (212) 860-6200

Fax: (212) 860-6203

E-mail: office.harlem@mail.doc.gov

Long Island

Serviced by the New York U.S. Export 

Assistance Center

33 Whitehall St., 22nd Fl.

New York, NY 10004

Phone: (212) 809-2682

Fax: (212) 809-2687

E-mail: office.longisland@mail.doc.gov

New York

33 Whitehall St., 22nd Fl.

New York, NY 10004

Phone: (212) 809-2675

Fax: (212) 809-2687

E-mail: office.newyork@mail.doc.gov

Rochester

400 Andrews St., Ste. 710

Rochester, NY 14604

Phone: (585) 263-6480

Fax: (585) 325-6505

E-mail: erin.cole@mail.doc.gov 

Westchester

707 Westchester Ave., Ste. 209

White Plains, NY 10604

Phone: (914) 682-6712

Fax: (914) 682-6698

E-mail: office.westchester@mail.doc.gov
Appendix A. Export Assistance Center Network 69

NORTH CAROLINA 

Charlotte 

521 E. Morehead St., Ste. 435

Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: (704) 333-4886

Fax: (704) 332-2681

E-mail: office.charlotte@mail.doc.gov

Greensboro

342 N. Elm St.

Greensboro, NC 27401

Phone: (336) 333-5345

Fax: (336) 333-5158

E-mail: office.greensboro@mail.doc.gov

Raleigh

10900 World Trade Blvd., Ste. 110

Raleigh, NC 27617 

Phone: (919) 281-2750

Fax: (919) 281-2754

E-mail: office.raleigh@mail.doc.gov

NORTH DAKOTA

Fargo

51 Broadway, Ste. 505

Fargo, ND 58102

Phone: (701) 239-5080

Fax: (701) 237-9734

E-mail: northdakota.office.box@

mail.doc.gov

OHIO 

Akron

Kent State University, Administrative 

Services Building

Kent, OH 44242

Phone: (330) 678-0695

E-mail: todd.hiser@mail.doc.gov

Cincinnati

36 E. 7th St., Ste. 2650

Cincinnati, OH 45202

Phone: (513) 684-2944

Fax: (513) 684-3227

E-mail: office.cincinnati@mail.doc.gov

Cleveland

600 Superior Ave. E., Ste. 700 

Cleveland, OH 44114

Phone: (216) 522-4750

Fax: (216) 522-2235

E-mail: office.cleveland@mail.doc.gov

Columbus

401 N. Front St., Ste. 200

Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: (614) 365-9510

Fax: (614) 365-9598

E-mail: office.columbus@mail.doc.gov

Toledo

300 Madison Ave., Ste. 270

Toledo, OH 43604

Phone: (419) 241-0683

Fax: (419) 241-0684

E-mail: office.toledo@mail.doc.gov
70 Export Programs Guide

OKLAHOMA 

Oklahoma City

301 N.W. 63rd St., Ste. 330 

Oklahoma City, OK 73116 

Phone: (405) 608-5302

Fax: (405) 608-4211

E-mail: oklahomacity.office.box@

mail.doc.gov

Tulsa

700 N. Greenwood Ave., Ste. 1400

Tulsa, OK 74106

Phone: (918) 581-7650

Fax: (918) 581-6263

E-mail: tulsa.office.box@mail.doc.gov

OREGON

Portland

One World Trade Center

121 S.W. Salmon St., Ste. 242 

Portland, OR 97204

Phone: (503) 326-3001

Fax: (503) 326-6351

E-mail: portlandor.office.box@mail.doc.gov

PENNSYLVANIA 

Harrisburg

Millersville University

Office of International Affairs

2 S. George St., Cumberland House

P.O. Box 40

Millersville, PA 17551

Phone: (717) 872-4386

Fax: (717) 871-2132

E-mail: office.harrisburg@mail.doc.gov

Philadelphia

Curtis Center, Ste. 580 W.

Independence Square W.

601 Walnut St. 

Philadelphia, PA 19106 

Phone: (215) 597-6101

Fax: (215) 597-6123

E-mail: office.philadelphia@mail.doc.gov

Pittsburgh

425 6th Ave., Ste. 2950

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Phone: (412) 644-2800

Fax: (412) 644-2803

E-mail: office.pittsburgh@mail.doc.gov

PUERTO RICO 

San Juan

Centro Internacional de Mercadeo Torre II, 

Ste. 702

Guaynabo, PR 00968

Phone: (787) 775-1992

Fax: (787) 781-7178

E-mail: office.sanjuanpr@mail.doc.gov

RHODE ISLAND 

Providence

315 Iron Horse Way, Ste. 101

Providence, RI 02908

Phone: (401) 528-5104

Fax: (401) 528-5067

E-mail: office.providence@mail.doc.gov
Appendix A. Export Assistance Center Network 71

SOUTH CAROLINA 

Charleston 

1362 McMillan Ave., Ste. 100

N. Charleston, SC 29405

Phone: (843) 746-3404

Fax: (843) 529-0305

E-mail: phil.minard@mail.doc.gov

Columbia

Midlands Technical College

7300 College St., Harbison Hall, 2nd Fl.

Irmo, SC 29063 

Phone: (803) 732-5211

Fax: (803) 732-5241

E-mail: office.columbia@mail.doc.gov

Greenville

Greenville Technical College

Buck Mickel Center

216 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Ste. 243

Greenville, SC 29607

Phone: (864) 250-8429

Fax: (864) 250-6729 

E-mail: office.greenville@mail.doc.gov

SOUTH DAKOTA 

Sioux Falls

Augustana College 

2001 S. Summit Ave., Madsen Center, Rm. 122

Sioux Falls, SD 57197

Phone: (605) 330-4264

Fax: (605) 330-4266

E-mail: sioux.falls.office.box@mail.doc.gov

TENNESSEE 

Knoxville

17 Market Sq., Ste. 201

Knoxville, TN 37902

Phone: (865) 545-4637

Fax: (865) 545-4435

E-mail: knoxville.office.box@mail.doc.gov

Memphis

22 N. Front St., Ste. 200

Memphis, TN 38103

Phone: (901) 544-0930

Fax: (901) 543-3510

E-mail: office.memphis@mail.doc.gov

Nashville

Tennessee Tower

312 8th Ave. N., 10th Fl.

Nashville, TN 37423

Phone: (615) 736-2222

Fax: (615) 736-2226

E-mail: office.nashville@mail.doc.gov

TEXAS 

Austin

221 E. 11th St., 4th Fl.

Austin, TX 78701

Mailing: P.O. Box 12428

Austin, TX 78711

Phone: (512) 916-5939

Fax: (512) 916-5940

E-mail: austin.office.box@mail.doc.gov
72 Export Programs Guide

Ft. Worth

808 Throckmorton St.

Ft. Worth, TX 76102

Phone: (817) 392-2673

Fax: (817) 392-2668

E-mail: fort.worth.office.box@mail.doc.gov

Houston

1919 Smith St., Ste. 1026

Houston, TX 77002

Phone: (713) 209-3104

Fax: (713) 209-3135

E-mail: houston.office.box@mail.doc.gov

North Texas

1450 Hughes Rd., Ste. 220 

Grapevine, TX 76051

Phone: (817) 310-3744

Fax: (817) 310-3757

E-mail: north.texas.office.box@mail.doc.gov

San Antonio

203 S. St. Mary’s St., Ste. 360 

San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: (210) 228-9878

Fax: (210) 228-9874

E-mail: san.antonio.office.box@

mail.doc.gov

South Texas

6401 S. 36th St., Ste. 4

McAllen, TX 78503

Phone: (956) 661-0238

Fax: (956) 661-0239

E-mail: south.texas.office.box@

mail.doc.gov

West Texas

1400 N. FM 1788, Rm. 1303

Midland, TX 79707

Phone: (432) 552-2490

Fax: (432) 552-3490

E-mail: west.texas.office.box@mail.doc.gov

UTAH 

Salt Lake City

9690 S. 300 W., Ste. 201D

Sandy, UT 84070

Phone: (801) 255-1871

Fax: (801) 255-3147

E-mail: salt.lake.city.office.box@mail.doc.gov

VERMONT 

Montpelier

National Life Building, 6th Fl.

Montpelier, VT 05620 

Phone: (802) 828-4508

Fax: (802) 828-3258

E-mail: office.montpelier@mail.doc.gov

VIRGINIA 

Arlington (Northern Virginia) 

1100 N. Glebe Rd., Ste. 1500

Arlington, VA 22201

Phone: (703) 235-0331

Fax: (703) 524-2649

E-mail: office.nova@mail.doc.gov
Appendix A. Export Assistance Center Network 73

Richmond

400 N. 8th St., Ste. 412

P.O. Box 10026 

Richmond, VA 23240

Phone: (804) 771-2246

Fax: (804) 771-2390

E-mail: office.richmond@mail.doc.gov

WASHINGTON 

Seattle

2601 4th Ave., Ste. 320

Seattle, WA 98121

Phone: (206) 553-5615

Fax: (206) 553-7253

E-mail: seattle.office.box@mail.doc.gov

Spokane

Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce

801 W. Riverside, Ste. 100

Spokane, WA 99201

Phone: (509) 353-2625

Fax: (509) 353-2449

E-mail: spokane.office.box@mail.doc.gov

WEST VIRGINIA 

Charleston

1116 Smith St., Ste. 302

Charleston, WV 25301

Phone: (304) 347-5123

Fax: (304) 347-5408

E-mail: charlestonwv.office.box@

mail.doc.gov

Wheeling

Wheeling Jesuit University

316 Washington Ave.

Wheeling, WV 26003

Phone: (304) 243-5493

Fax: (304) 243-5494

E-mail: office.wheeling@mail.doc.gov

WISCONSIN 

Milwaukee

517 E. Wisconsin Ave., Rm. 596 

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Phone: (414) 297-3473

Fax: (414) 297-3470

E-mail: milwaukee.office.box@mail.doc.gov

WYOMING 

Served by the Denver, Colorado, U.S. 

Export Assistance Center
74 Export Programs Guide

U.S. Department of Commerce

1401 Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20230

www.commerce.gov 

U.S. Department of State

2201 C Street, NW

Washington, DC 20520

www.state.gov 

U.S. Department of the Treasury

1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20220

www.treasury.gov 

U.S. Department of Defense

The Pentagon

Washington, DC 20301

www.defense.gov 

U.S. Department of the Interior

1849 C Street, NW

Washington, DC 20240

www.interior.gov 

U.S. Department of Agriculture

14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20250

www.usda.gov 

U.S. Department of Labor

200 Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20210

www.dol.gov 

U.S. Department of Transportation

400 7th Street, SW

Washington, DC 20590

www.transportation.gov 

U.S. Department of Energy

1000 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20585

www.energy.gov 

Office of Management and Budget

New Executive Office Building

725 17th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20503

www.omb.gov 

Office of the United States Trade 

Representative

600 17th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20508

www.ustr.gov 

Council of Economic Advisers

Eisenhower Executive Office Building, 

Room 99

The White House

Washington, DC 20502

www.whitehouse.gov/cea 

EXPORT PROGRAMS GUIDE

APPENDIX B

TRADE PROMOTION COORDINATING COMMITTEE AGENCIES

AND ADDRESSES 
Appendix B. Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee Agencies and Addresses 75

Environmental Protection Agency

Ronald Reagan Building, Room 31237

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20460

www.epa.gov 

U.S. Small Business Administration

409 3rd Street, SW

Washington, DC 20416

www.sba.gov 

U.S. Agency for International Development

State Department Building

320 21st Street, NW

Washington, DC 20523

www.usaid.gov 

Export–Import Bank of the United States

811 Vermont Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20571

www.exim.gov 

Overseas Private Investment Corporation

1100 New York Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20527

www.opic.gov 

U.S. Trade and Development Agency

1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600

Arlington, VA 22209

www.ustda.gov 

National Economic Council

The White House

Washington, DC 20502

www.whitehouse.gov/nec

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Washington, DC 20528

www.dhs.gov
76 Export Programs Guide

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF PROGRAMS

Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Business Loan Guarantee Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Cooperative Services Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

City–State Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Emerging Markets Program (EMP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Enterprise Development Network (EDN). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Export Credit Guarantee Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Export Express Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Export Legal Assistance Network (ELAN). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Export Trade Certificate of Review Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Export Working Capital Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Facility Guarantee Program (FGP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Featured U.S. Exporters (FUSE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Gold Key Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Intermediary Relending Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

International Buyer Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

International Company Profile (ICP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

International Partner Search (IPS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

International Trade Loan Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Limited Recourse Project Finance Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Market Access Program (MAP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Native American Business Enterprise Center (NABEC) Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Office of Fossil Energy, International Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Platinum Key Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Alphabetical List of Programs 77

Quality Samples Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Safe Harbor Framework. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Seafood Inspection Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Special American Business Internship Training (SABIT) Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

STAT-USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy (STOP!). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Trade Fair Certification Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Trade Leads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Trade Mission OnLine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Travel Trade Barometer Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

USA Trade Online. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

U.S. Export Pavilion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

U.S. Promotion Campaign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

U.S. Travel and Tourism Statistical System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Videoconferencing Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Video Gold Key. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Video Market Briefing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Virtual Trade Mission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Working Capital Guarantee Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
78 Export Programs Guide

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

AD antidumping

AGRICOLA Agricultural Online Access database

AMS Agricultural Marketing Service

APHIS Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

BIC Business Information Center

BIS Bureau of Industry and Security

CCC Commodity Credit Corporation

CCG Country Commercial Guide

CMR customized market research

CS U.S. Commercial Service 

CVD countervailing duty

DEC District Export Council

EAR Export Administration Regulations

EDN Enterprise Development Network

ELAN Export Legal Assistance Network

EMP Emerging Markets Program

ERS Economic Research Service

ETV Environmental Technology Verification

EU European Union

EWCP Export Working Capital Program

Ex–Im Export−Import

FAS Foreign Agricultural Service

FCIB Finance, Credit, and International Business

FDA Food and Drug Administration

FGIS Federal Grain Inspection Service

FGP Facility Guarantee Program

FLT Foreign Labor Trends

FMD Foreign Market Development

FSIS Food Safety and Inspection Service

FSO foreign service officer

FUSE Featured U.S. Exporters

IBC India Business Center

ICP International Company Profile

IDB International Data Base

IPS International Partner Search

ITA International Trade Administration

MAC Market Access and Compliance
Acronyms and Abbreviations 79

MAP Market Access Program

MAS Manufacturing and Services

MBDA Minority Business Development Agency

MBEC Minority Business Enterprise Center

MDB multilateral development bank

MDCP Market Development Cooperator Program

MENA Middle East and North Africa

MEP Manufacturing Extension Partnership

MSMEs micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises

NABEC Native American Business Enterprise Center

NAFTA North American Free Trade Agreement

NAL National Agricultural Library

NCSCI National Center for Standards and Certification Information

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NTIS National Technical Information Service

OECD Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

OFAC Office of Foreign Assets Control

OIT Office of International Trade

OPIC Overseas Private Investment Corporation

OTEXA Office of Textiles and Apparel

OTII Office of Trade and Industry Information

SABIT Special American Business Internship Training

SBA U.S. Small Business Administration

SBDC Small Business Development Center

SBIC small business investment company

SCORE Service Corps of Retired Executives

SRTG State Regional Trade Group

STOP! Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy

TCC Trade Compliance Center

TIC Trade Information Center

TTB Tax and Trade Bureau

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USEAC U.S. Export Assistance Center

USTDA U.S. Trade and Development Agency

USTR Office of the United States Trade Representative

WTO World Trade Organization

LET US HELP YOU EXPORT

The U.S. government offers U.S. companies 

a variety of resources for making international 

sales. We can help you

• Research export markets

• Find international buyers

• Comply with export regulations

• Finance international buyers

• Ship products overseas

W W W . E X P O R T . G O V • ( 8 0 0 ) U S A – T R A D ( E )

For further information contact an international trade specialist at 1 (800) USA-TRADE (872-8723) or visit www.export.gov.