There is a technique that you can use to operate an Export-Import business without making any direct investment in products. Find a world importer who is interested in buying a product. Identify a source of supply, either U.S. or foreign, for the product the importer is seeking to buy.
Most libraries have directories of U.S. manufacturers listing the specific products.
Locating a foreign supplier is a little more difficult. Writing for samples of overseas trade publications should help you in locating a suitable foreign supplier of just about any product. Contact the seller of the product, request a firm price quotation for the exact product that is being sought. Prepare your price quotation on your printed letterhead to send to the potential buyer. This allows you to keep your commission and assign or transfer the remainder to the supplier once the specifications within the LOC have been met.