Whether you are new to exporting or expanding to new markets, the U.S. Commercial Service (CS), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, offers companies a full range of expertise in international trade. You will learn about the following services available to small businesses that are ready to engage in international trading

Customized Market Research

Provides U.S. companies with answers to questions specific to the client’s products/services in a market, including market structure, trends and size, customary distribution and promotion practices and key competitors and agents, distributors, or strategic partners in the market.

Initial Market Check

Determine your market potential! Our industry specialists overseas can analyze your product/service’s potential in a targeted market through their connections with key industry participants.

International Company Profile

Need a background check on a foreign company? We provide in-depth or basic background check information on a specific foreign company to help determine its suitability as a potential business partner.

International Partner Search

Provides U.S. companies with a list of up to five partners/distributors that have expressed an interest in the client’s goods/services.

Single Company or Location Promotion

Provides a U.S. firm or locality with a promotional event (such as a technical seminar, press conference, luncheon, dinner, cocktail reception, etc.) to help increase awareness of their locality or existing/new products/services in a specific market, including organizing the event logistics/venue; conducting a targeted direct mail or e-mail campaigns; managing the promotional campaign and event-related logistics; providing logistical and promotional support on-site during the event; and providing a post-event de-briefing to discuss next steps.

Trade Show Representation

Provides U.S. companies and economic development organizations with the ability to increase their marketing exposure at an overseas trade show when they are unable to attend in-person.

Virtual Fairs

Provides a group of U.S. entities with an opportunity to promote their products/services to potential partners in a foreign market live via a webinar platform.

Virtual Introductions

Provides U.S. companies with a virtual introduction via conference call or email to a foreign buyer/partner that they have pre-identified.

You will learn how to find trade opportunities within your industry sector and how to identify and connect with pre-vetted overseas buyers.

Tricia McLain

Senior Trade Specialist, U.S Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce

Tricia McLain has 14+ years as a Senior International Trade Specialist for the export promotion arm of the U.S. federal government, the U.S. Commercial Service. This is a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. This federal government agency has staff in 80+ embassies and consulates overseas to help U.S. companies grow internationally. Services to companies include export counseling, business matchmaking, due diligence, market research and trade event support.

Mrs. McLain received her BS in International Business and Economics from Marist College in 2008, and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Marist College in 2010. She is a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) and completed a Harvard Business School Online Global Business Certificate program in October 2020.