Expanding Internationally

Updated: 27 July 2022

Growing your sales through import and export

The development of new technologies now means businesses, both big and small, can import and export abroad more effectively to grow their sales. To help you take advantage of the international marketplace, a variety of options are available if you're looking to expand your business.

Helping more businesses import and export

If you want to improve your cost base and become more competitive, importing goods from overseas can make commercial sense. If you're looking to grow sales then exporting to overseas markets can provide exciting new opportunities.

What to consider before importing

The first thing to do before you start to import is research. Our useful guide to importing includes what research you should undertake and the import documentation you’ll require.

Some of the key points you need to consider when importing include:

  • Is there a need for your product? Take the time to understand who your target customers are and what they require or find out if sourcing goods are cheaper offshore
  • Spend time getting to know potential suppliers and where possible, visit them directly so you can see who provides the best product and quality
  • Research the countries you'll be importing from, because it can make a considerable difference to your costs
  • Look at the currency you’ll be charged and if there will be any impact from currency fluctuations
  • Determine the minimum quantities to order and what the production time will be
  • Get a clear understanding of the restrictions and regulations that may affect goods when they arrive
  • Minimise trade disputes and misunderstandings by reading up on the Incoterms rules
  • Look at the duties for what you’re importing and where you’re importing goods from

What to consider before exporting

If you’re looking to operate beyond your domestic market, then there can be differences you’ll need to consider. To get a good understanding of the markets you want to expand into, it’s important to undertake some preliminary work first to increase your chances of success. There are a number of considerations that will have an impact on how you grow and operate your business, so we’ve created a useful guide to exporting to help you minimise the risks.

You should:

  • Make an export plan that looks at the potential risks and benefits
  • Only consider markets where there is a customer need and growth potential
  • Decide on the currency you’ll charge for your products or services and any impact that currency fluctuations may make
  • Get familiar with the regulations and requirements you’ll need to follow to operate overseas
  • Before you make any serious investment, prove that export can be profitable
  • Set aside budget for market development while you test your level of success in the international market
  • Have in place the right skillset and a financially stable position to establish yourself from

How to minimise the risks

Any businesses should always balance the potential rewards from importing and exporting against the risks whenever making decisions. A key aspect to consider is exchange rate fluctuations, particularly as our Global Business Monitor report shows that a key barrier to importing and exporting for SMEs is the impact fluctuation can have on profitability and cashflow.

To help you minimise the risks of importing and exporting:

  • Take a structured approach that involves using the services of a one-stop shop of experts
  • Make a decision on how to price your goods or services and if this will be in the local currency
  • With some currencies more volatile than others because of their unstable economies or inflation, always build currency fluctuations into your margins
  • Protect yourself against foreign exchange risk if you’re trading in a foreign currency by hedging against exchange rate movements
  • Consider Export Finance or Trade Finance solutions, which can help you grow your business