Today, an over supply state of products is prevalent, and keen business rivalries are developing into a marketing war in capitalist countries. Becoming a winner or a loser depends not on how to produce a large number of commodities but on how to anticipate a market demand and produce items in meeting market needs. Consumer demand should be the center and the starting point of our business activities in foreign markets. Information on foreign markets include that on market prices, data, charts, regulations, systems, rules, customs, religions, etc. which are reflecting changes, features and trends of foreign markets. Information on foreign markets is divided into information on political environments, economic and social environments, and scientific, technological and ecological environments.
Political environment is a decisive factor for trade activities.
In general, trade business maintains balance in international payments and is promoted with a view to protection and development of a domestic industry. The degree of state intervention and interference in trade business differs. Therefore, in order to select an export item, the political environment of a country concerned should be studied. Information on the political environment of a country includes its social character, political system, state system, activities of political parties, its policies and laws, foreign policy, military moves, election situation and labor movement. The basic causes of a political crisis include a change of political system, social unrest, armed conflicts, war, international relations, etc.