Trade Knowledge: Tools & Resources The Oklahoma Department of Commerce--through its Global Business Services division--offers a variety of free services, resources, and tools to keep you informed about specific markets, your competitors, potential partners and suppliers, major events, contract opportunities, and regulation. Click here to access these tools and resources for global trade.
Successful exporters know their markets inside and out. And before venturing into new markets, companies turn to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for detailed analysis on the economic, political, and social conditions that may affect a company's ability to conduct business.
Here you'll find research reports that track the state's export activity, trade statistics and in-depth market surveys from domestic and international sources, toll-free information hotlines, websites, free downloads, free resource guides, and more.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce compiles a variety of reports and publications that track the state's export activity and give you the information needed to trade internationally. The newest report -- Oklahoma's Exports for 2008 -- is available through the link below or click on the archives link for additional reports.
General Export Research Top Many sources of domestic and international market information--ranging from simple trade statistics to in-depth market surveys--exist.
Trade statistics indicate total exports or imports by country and by product. You can compare the size of the market for your products and services in various countries. Some statistics also reflect the U.S. share of the total country market so you can gauge the overall competitiveness of U.S. producers. By looking at statistics over several years, exporters determine which markets are growing and which are shrinking.
Market surveys provide a narrative description and assessment of particular markets along with relevant statistics. The reports are often based on original research conducted in the countries studied and may include specific information on both buyers and competitors.
Personal interviews with the experts at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and with our many federal and international private and public sector contacts represent one of the best sources of information. Either in face-to-face interviews or by telephone, these individuals can provide a wealth of market research information.
The following sources of market research provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce fall into two broad categories: general information resources and industry and country specific resources. Each category also contains several subgroups.
Business America: This monthly publication contains country-by-country marketing reports, economic analysis, worldwide trade leads, advance notice of planned expos worldwide, and success stories of export marketing. Contact the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 202-512-1800.
Commerce Business Daily (CBD): This daily publication lists government procurement invitations over $25,000, contract awards, subcontracting leads, sales of surplus property, foreign business opportunities, and foreign government procurements. For a print subscription, contact the U.S. Government Printing Office, 202-512-1800. For electronic delivery, visit the Trade Information Center.
The National Trade Data Bank (NTDB): Gathers trade information from over 20 different government agencies, providing market research reports, Country Commercial Guides, contacts overseas, trade statistics, policy and trade practices, legal ramifications of exporting, an export promotion calendar, and publications.
UN Statistical Yearbook: Published by the United Nations (UN), this yearbook represents one of the most complete statistical reference books available. It provides international trade information on products, including information on importing countries useful in assessing import competition. The yearbook contains data for 220 countries and territories on economic and social subjects, including population, agriculture, manufacturing, commodity, and export-import trade. Contact United Nations Publications, Room DC2-0853, New York, NY 10017; 212-963-8302.
World Bank Atlas: Provides demographics, gross domestic product, and average growth rates for every country. Contact World Bank Publications, P.O. Box 7247-8169, Philadelphia, PA 19170-8169; 202-473-1155.
International Financial Statistics (IFS): Published by the International Monetary Fund, IFS presents statistics on exchange rates, money and banking, production, government finance, interest rates, and other subjects. It is available by subscription in hard copy , on CD-ROM, or online. For a free five-day on-line trial, follow this link. For a hard copy or CD-ROM, contact the IMF, Publication Services, 700 19th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20431; 202-623-7430.
U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Trade Assistance and Promotion Office (TAPO): Provides basic export counseling and direction to the appropriate USDA offices to answer specific questions on exporting. The staff also provides country and commodity specific Foreign Market Information Reports, which focus on best market prospects and contain contact information on distributors and importers.
Trade Information Center (TIC): TIC trade specialists can answer questions on import tariffs/taxes and customs procedures; standards, intellectual property rights, government procurement, and other commercial laws, regulations, and practices; distribution channels, business travel, and other market information; and opportunities and best prospects for U.S. companies in individual markets.
Country Commercial Guides (CCG): CCGs are prepared annually by U.S. embassies covering 115 countries. Each CCG analyzes an individual country's business and economic climate, emphasizing marketing and trade statistics, development, and other issues. CCGs are available through the National Technical Information Service.
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs Automated Fax System: The Consular Affairs automated fax system offers all of the bureau's Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, Public Announcements, Tips for Travelers brochures, and Visa Bulletins. To access, dial -202-647-3000. Callers must use the receiver on their fax machines to dial into the automated fax service.
Congressional Presentations of the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID): Provides country-by-country data on nations to which AID will provide funds in the coming year, as well as detailed information on past funding activities in each country. Since these projects require U.S. goods and services, these presentations give U.S. exporters an early look at potential projects.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Surveys: Cover each of the 29-member OECD countries individually. Each survey presents a detailed analysis of recent developments in market demand, production, employment, and prices and wages. Short-term forecasts and analyses of medium-term problems relevant to economic policies are provided.
Industry and Country-Specific Information Resources Top
Industry Sector Analyses (ISAs): Provide a basis for quickly evaluating a commercial or industrial market in a particular country. ISAs present market demand, market size, competitive analysis, end-user analysis, and market access criteria, as well as industry contacts and marketing opportunities. ISAs are available through NTIS.
International Market Insights (IMIs): Prepared on an ad hoc basis by the economic and commercial sections of U.S. embassies and consulates for the Commercial Service, IMIs help to identify unique market situations and marketing opportunities for U.S. business. IMIs are available through the NTIS.
Customized Market Analyses (CMAs): Produced by the Commercial Service on request, CMAs provide companies with detailed market information on a selected single product in a selected market. They answer basic questions about the marketability of the product, key competitors, comparative prices, customary distribution and promotion practices, trade barriers, and other factors. Contact the U.S. Export Assistance Center for this region, 2000 East Lamar Boulevard, Suite 430, Arlington, Texas, 76006, 817-310-3749.
Textile and Apparel Database: A database prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), it provides information on overseas markets and rules and regulations affecting U.S. exports. The database contains specific country profiles, which include information on marketing and distribution, market entry requirements, shipment and entry procedures, and trade policy.
Contacts:
Tulsa Office Dessie Apostolova
Director, International Trade Offices
918-594-8412
Oklahoma City Office Jesse Garcia
International Trade Officer
405-815-5213
