Entering overseas markets

It's essential to research overseas markets before you start to market, promote and sell your product or service within them. By thoroughly researching your potential customers, competitors and the trading environment in each overseas market you will greatly increase your chance of success. You should also investigate practical issues such as route to market, logistics, regulation and local suppliers in your chosen market.

Deciding how to enter an overseas market will be a crucial part of your export strategy. Once you have identified your market, there are various ways of entering overseas markets. You can manage the process yourself - selling directly from the UK or setting up an operation in the target country. Alternatively, you can use an intermediary such as an agent or a distributor.

This guide contains information on researching customers and markets abroad and the different ways to enter overseas markets.