How To Prevail Over International Trade Barriers

When selling your goods or services overseas you may encounter international trade barriers which impede your progress or impact upon your sales figures.
The language and cultural differences associated with each market are amongst the most common international trade barriers as they can make communicating with foreign language speakers a difficult and lengthy process. This is why, when planning your export strategy you should seek international trade information.
International trade information, such as market-specific language and cultural advice, can be found from organisations such as the Regional Language Network and could be vital in helping you overcome those international trade barriers.
Imagine the ease with which you could negotiate with new foreign contacts if you could speak the same language and show that you understand and respect their culture? Or, how you could break the ice with visitors to your stand at an international trade fair if you had translated your marketing materials in advance?
At a time when the pound is weak and we are encouraging more businesses to export, it is important that we also make these businesses aware of the international trade barriers they may face when selling overseas. It is a big step to take, expanding into new markets and it will only work if you are equipped with the right knowledge beforehand.
Other common international trade barriers include quotas, tariffs and regulation and your International Trade Advisor, Chambers of Commerce or export forum will be able to advise you on and provide resources to help you overcome these barriers.
To sum up, the best way to prepare yourself for the international trade barriers you will face when selling your products or services in other countries is to seek the right information before you enter these markets and spend time devising an export strategy that allows for differences in regulations, tariffs, language and culture and allocates time and resources to overcoming these.