Introduction to Export Awareness

The purpose of Section 2 is to Build Export Awareness.  It does so by reviewing or adding to the user’s broad knowledge of global market structures and dynamics, and competitive factors.  It helps a user to identify potential advantages of exporting, as well as challenges and perceived roadblocks.  It also raises issues related to doing business overseas, including cultural, regulatory, and legal, plus investment risks and protections. 
 

Pros & Cons of Exporting 

Each enterprise has its own reasons for considering or for addressing export markets.  Some look for increased volume, some for more profitable niches.  We've identified nine fairly typical factors that attract many firms. 

On the other hand, companies often have explicit or implicit reasons for avoiding or limiting exposure to international markets.  We list just six, but they can be persuasive to some prospective exporters. 

The question is, how do the pros and cons balance out? 
Click here for details.
 

Arkansas Export Markets: 
Statistics, and Trends

A Department of Commerce report titled “Opening World Markets for Arkansas Exporters”  demonstrates clearly that Arkansas’ economy - both service and manufacturing sectors - benefits mightily from exports. 

We have updated destination and sector charts with 2003 data, and included time-series tables. 
 

Please click here for details, including charts and tables.

 

Doing Business Overseas

Global Competition
Competition is strong in most fields, and some areas of the world have various cost advantages over the US.   As an example, the EU has Free Trade Agreements with many more countries than does the US

Business Climate
Countries differ in many ways.  Is Country A likely to be a place where an Arkansas SME can do business successfully? Is Country B likely to be better, or worse? How do cost structures compare? How well do laws and  cost structures harmonize with those of US? 

Cultural Differences
Business executives who hope to profit from their travel should learn about the history, culture, and customs of the countries they wish to visit.  Fortunately, there are convenient resources to facilitate preparedness.