Import/Export Businesses

The import/export field has long been a fertile area for new venture creation. Even in the case of large economies such as the United States, international trade is vital to find markets for goods and services and to satisfy local demand. Whereas much international trade is carried out by large organizations, opportunities for niche traders abound. With modern communications decreasing the impediments to building and maintaining business relationships across international borders, along with improvements in international transport, entrepreneurial opportunities for import/export ventures are growing.

Opportunities for international trade exist for three main reasons: availability, status, and price. Some things cannot be grown or made in a country, or at least not using conventional methods. Even where they can, the country of origin may denote a particular ...