An overview of the services that some state and local governments in the U.S. can provide to exporters. This article is part of "A Basic Guide to Exporting", provided by the U.S. Commercial Service, to assist companies in exporting.
Last Published: 10/20/2016
Most states can provide an array of services to exporters. Many states maintain international offices in major markets; the most common locations are in Western Europe and Japan. Working closely with U.S. Commercial Service offices located at foreign embassies and consulates, state foreign offices can assist exporters in making contacts in foreign markets by providing services such as:
  • Supplying specific trade leads with foreign buyers
  • Offering assistance for trade missions in areas such as itinerary planning, appointment scheduling, travel, and accommodations
  • Arranging promotional activities for goods or services, including representing the state at trade shows
  • Helping with the qualification of potential buyers, agents, or distributors

In addition, some international offices of state development organizations help set up and promote foreign buyer missions to the United States, which can be effective avenues of exporting with little effort. Attracting foreign investment and developing tourism are also very important activities of state foreign offices. More and more cities and counties are providing these services.