Good logistics agents will also do more than simply provide the means for your shipments to be delivered; they will offer you additional services to make the process easier. Some of the leading companies provide shipment cost (including duties, taxes and other import fees), time calculators, comprehensive country trade and customs information and automated processing. A good way to review your logistics agent is to ensure they have been certified by the Transported Asset Protection Association.

4. Secure financing: Expansion typically requires additional funds, but fortunately, because of the NEI and the country’s general push towards globalization, capital is generally available for business owners interested in expanding overseas.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s 7(a) program offers financing through its special loans and export loans programs. The U.S. Export and Import (Ex-Im) Bank provides working capital guarantees (pre-export financing), export credit insurance, loan guarantees and direct loans (buyer financing). On average, 85 percent of Ex-Im’s transactions directly benefit U.S. small businesses.