International Trade FAQ

International Trade FAQs

• Where can I find information on foreign markets?
  • USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service offers reports categorized by topics, commodities and countries.
  • USDA FAS Trade Data and Analysis allows access to various databases, quarterly export sales forecasts, attaché reports and international agricultural trade reports.
  • USDA Economic Research Service offers reports on various topics such as food safety, global food markets, global food security and trade policy.
  • Euromonitor International is the world's leading independent provider of strategic market research. It generates data and analysis on thousands of products and services around the world.
  • Export.gov offers market research, trade events and leads for U.S. agribusiness companies.
  • Euler Hermes USA prepares country and business risk reports for U.S. companies, analyzing the country risk rating, strengths and weaknesses, economic overview, trade structure and collection complexity.
  • United States Trade Representative’s Office of Agricultural Affairs is responsible for U.S. government trade negotiations (free trade agreements) as well as policy development and coordination regarding agriculture.
• What state and federal programs are there to assist U.S. exporters with international trade events and marketing financial assistance?

  A host of programs exist to help U.S. exporters succeed internationally, including the Market Access Program, the Export Enhancement Program and the Emerging Markets Program. Click on the following links for information about these and more federal and state assistance programs:

  • USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
  • Food Export Association of the Midwest
  • United States Livestock Genetics Export, Inc.
  • INSTEP
• Where can I find assistance with export financing?
  • Export-Import Bank
  • Small Business Administration (SBA)
• What is a freight forwarder, and how can they assist me in exporting my products?

  A freight forwarder is responsible for the coordination of logistics for a shipment. They are simply an intermediary between the shipper and the transportation services involved in getting the shipment to its destination. Freight forwarders provide a variety of services for their clients including packing and storage of goods, customs clearance, insurance, international export and import documentation, and inventory management.

  Freight forwarders can be advantageous to your company as they use their knowledge and expertise to ensure that your shipment will arrive at the correct destination on time and save you money in the process. If you are interested in hiring a freight forwarder to help you export your products, here are a few freight forwarders:

  • Laufer Group International
  • Scarbrough Group of Companies
  • Savino Del Bene
  • UniGroup Logistics
• Where can I meet legitimate foreign buyers of agriculture products?
  • Domestic and International Trade Shows – industry specific exhibitions can serve as a great opportunity to meet prospective buyers. ISDA’s Economic Development team will provide you with a list of shows for your consideration, or you can join a department-led delegation to a show.
  • Trade Missions – learning journeys to foreign countries allow you to meet one-on-one with reputable foreign buyers interested in your agricultural products, gain market and cultural insight into a new market, and network with key government and industry leaders.
  • Buyers’ Missions – coordinated visits where foreign buyers visit Indiana for the purpose of procuring agricultural products is another great way to meet vetted foreign buyers.
• Are there virtual services available to help my company learn about exporting, gain insight knowledge about a foreign market and help me export my products?

  Yes, the department’s various partners and memberships provide a variety of virtual services for your company. The following programs and services offer virtual experiences that your company can take advantage of and receive the export insight you need:

  • Alibaba
    • Online Platform for Meeting Buyers and Sellers
  • Amazon
    • Online Platform for Meeting Buyers and Sellers
  • Food Export Association of the Midwest
    • Market Builder
    • Export Advisor Program
    • Virtual Consultations with In-Market Representatives
    • Lead Qualification Service Food Export Helpline™
    • Food Export Product Catalog
    • Export Essentials Online
    • Webinars
  • Small Business Development Centers
    • Export Counseling
    • Webinars
  • U.S. Commercial Service
    • Market Intelligence
    • Agent/Distributor Search
    • Matchmaking Services
    • Ecommerce
    • Due Diligence on Foreign Partners
    • In-Country Promotion of Products or Services
    • Additional Services
    • Webinars
• I have received a request to export my product to an unknown foreign buyer, and I am unsure of whether or not they are legitimate. Is there anything I can do to be sure?

  Yes, through our network of partners at the USDA- Foreign Ag Service, in-market representatives at our national associations and the ISDA Economic Development Division, we are often able to confirm or deny legitimacy of foreign trade requests.

• How can I get information about requirements for exporting meat (poultry, pork, beef, goat, etc.) to specific countries?

  USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service maintains a Library of Export Requirements that provides a country-by-country explanation of requirements for exporting most U.S. meat products. In general, meat products for export must come from a USDA-inspected processing facility.

  The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is a nonprofit trade association working to create new opportunities and develop existing international markets for U.S. beef, pork, lamb and veal. Headquartered in Denver, USMEF has offices in Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Mexico City, Monterrey and Brussels. USMEF also has special market representatives covering China, the Middle East, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

• What is a phytosanitary certificate, and do I need one to export my plant-based commodity?

  Many foreign countries require a phytosanitary certificate to accompany shipments of raw or unprocessed plant products being imported. A phytosanitary certificate is a certificate of health certifying that the product in the shipment meets the importing country’s criteria. These criteria are established by the importing country as a means of preventing the introduction or spread of harmful pest organisms. The requirements vary from country to country and may be different for each commodity shipped. Plant-based commodities that typically require a phytosanitary certificate include various grains and seeds such as corn, soybeans, popcorn and rice; cotton bales; oak lumber; barrel staves; red cedar cants; and nursery stock.

  For more information or to schedule a phytosanitary inspection, please contact the Indiana Department of Natural Resources or USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in Indiana.