Am I ready to export?

You may be exporting already. Join Canadian businesses of all sizes that are finding success by growing their customer base and finding new opportunities internationally.

Quick tips 

• Since 2017, Canadian exports to overseas markets have grown by an average of 5.5% per year.

• You don't have to be a huge corporation—size isn’t related to success abroad. 

• Understand that you’ll require thorough preparation and logistical planning. 
  

Want the latest? The TradeInsights tab on the EDC website will bring you leading-edge articles, commentary, webinars, and other tools designed to keep you up to date. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find there to help Canadian exporters navigate the global market. 

Build an export plan

Your export plan is an extension of your business plan. Discover how to map a strategy to find new customers and partners internationally, be competitive and access the skilled talent you need to grow your business.

Quick tips 

• Ensure your domestic business plan is already effective. 

• Cover elements such as financing arrangements, major competitors and market risks. 

• Consider staffing plans, competitive advantages and disadvantages and how you might need to adapt your product. 
  

Want the latest? The TradeInsights tab on the EDC website will bring you leading-edge articles, commentary, webinars, and other tools designed to keep you up to date. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find there to help Canadian exporters navigate the global market. 

Identify target markets

Conduct market research to pinpoint the best country for your business by identifying opportunities, highlighting trade barriers and understanding where your product or service is in demand.

Quick tips 

• Do you offer something niche to a specific market?

• Identify which countries have a Free Trade Agreement with Canada and focus on them first. 

• Figure out how you will get your product to that market and what it will cost you. 
  

Want the latest? The TradeInsights tab on the EDC website will bring you leading-edge articles, commentary, webinars, and other tools designed to keep you up to date. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find there to help Canadian exporters navigate the global market. 

Finding customers

Consult with government agencies, trade associations, subject matter experts, brokers and other exporters to help you determine what your international customers need.

Quick tips 

• Partner with like-minded businesses to expand your network. 

• Open a foreign affiliate to sell goods and services. 

• Attend trade shows and conferences specific to your industry. 
  

Want the latest? The TradeInsights tab on the EDC website will bring you leading-edge articles, commentary, webinars, and other tools designed to keep you up to date. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find there to help Canadian exporters navigate the global market. 

Entering target markets

Finding your place in a new market is about selecting the best timing and the right partners. Determine the best market-entry options for your business. Should you sell directly, use a distribution network or set up an international office?

Quick tips 

• If thinking about exporting directly to foreign consumers, consider how you might have to adapt your product.

• Intermediaries can help with cultural differences and language barriers. 

• Partnering with a local company can help you with on-the-ground knowledge.

Want the latest? The TradeInsights tab on the EDC website will bring you leading-edge articles, commentary, webinars, and other tools designed to keep you up to date. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find there to help Canadian exporters navigate the global market. 

Identify finance requirements

Financial products fuel your international growth. Discover how to find government loans and grants, get financial information on partners, negotiate competitive payment terms with new customers, and why leveraging your accounts receivable and insuring your sales can put you in a more competitive position.

Quick tips 

• The Government of Canada offers tax incentives, like the SR&ED program. 

• Accounts receivable insurance can be used to leverage more working capital from your bank. 

• Having enough cash flow allows you to take on international contracts as they come your way.

Want the latest? The TradeInsights tab on the EDC website will bring you leading-edge articles, commentary, webinars, and other tools designed to keep you up to date. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find there to help Canadian exporters navigate the global market. 

Managing risk

Get insights into political, financial, economic and business risk so you can take steps to protect yourself from non-payment and create a robust risk management strategy.

Quick tips 

• Protect your intellectual property by registering your IP in Canada and in the international market.

• Ask each new customer to complete a credit application.

• Protect against non-payment with credit insurance. 
  

Want the latest? The TradeInsights tab on the EDC website will bring you leading-edge articles, commentary, webinars, and other tools designed to keep you up to date. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find there to help Canadian exporters navigate the global market. 

Sustaining growth

Understand how you can build on your exporting success to grow your business through direct investment, establish an in-market presence and develop a solid international network.

Quick tips 

• Expand your reach online through e-commerce and social media.

• Make your business environment more innovative.

• Partner with like-minded companies in international markets.

Want the latest? The TradeInsights tab on the EDC website will bring you leading-edge articles, commentary, webinars, and other tools designed to keep you up to date. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find there to help Canadian exporters navigate the global market.