Founder & CEO Mr. Roosevelt Roby "The World Business Exchange Network supports International Trade" Click here for video.

President George W. Bush "Trade with America will be done in a free and fair way" Click here for audio

Former President Bill Clinton "Today record high exports account for fully 1/3 of our economic growth." Click here for video

As an export agent, you can become a "finder" of products for foreign firms which want to purchase American goods. An export agent working as a private contractor that represents US manufacturers to potential distributors overseas. Other professional positions that exist in the field of International Trade include: Freight Forwarder, Expeditor, Documentation Clerk, Customer Service Representative and Entrepreneur.

What can be exported

You may already have a product in mind that you want to export, or knowledge of a certain market you want to supply. It would be to your advantage to work with items and geographical areas that you understand. There is, however, unlimited opportunity in the fascinating world of trade.

Just about anything that you can think of, can be exported to the international marketplace. You can choose to develop a market and export just one item, or you can diversify and trade a number of products that have international appeal. The only limitation is for items that are subject to governmental regulation such as military hardware and certain electronic components.

Which approach to use

Another consideration is whether to take the direct approach, or the indirect approach to international buying and selling.

• With the direct approach, you are responsible for shipping the product overseas.
• With the indirect approach, you can deal through another US or foreign firm that acts as a sales intermediary and that will normally assume the responsibility for moving the products overseas.

Shipping Concerns

For small shipments, you may choose to ship the product yourself. You have a number of options that virtually eliminate the red tape involved in export declarations and documentation.


Major International shipping companies such as United Parcel Service, Federal Express and DHL handle all the customs regulations for you. You simply supply them with a document stating the package contents, country of origin, declared value and three copies of a commercial invoice.


Or, your can send your package via US Express International Mail. The Post Office requires only a statement of package contents and value and whether it is a gift, business papers or merchandise.


Large shipments may require more time and attention to customs requirements, insurance, packing and documentation. In that case, you can engage the services of a freight forwarding or shipping company that handles such details on a regular basis.