Exportateur

Exportateur is a French term for a person or company that sells goods or services to buyers located outside its domestic market. The exportateur is typically the party responsible for arranging delivery to the foreign purchaser and for fulfilling export formalities. Exporters can be manufacturers who sell abroad, trading houses that source products for foreign customers, or distributors operating in multiple markets.

Common responsibilities include market research, pricing and contract negotiation, and the selection of transportation terms such as Incoterms. Exporters must ensure compliance with export controls and sanctions, obtain any required licenses for controlled goods, and complete customs declarations. They coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, banks, and insurers to move goods efficiently and manage risk.

Typical documentation encompasses the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, export declaration, and the bill of lading or airway bill, along with any certificates of quality or compliance. Payment terms may involve letters of credit, documentary collections, or open accounts, and exporters often manage currency risk through hedging or invoicing in a stable currency.

In the economic context, exporters contribute to trade balance and growth and may benefit from government programs that promote exports, export credits, or tax advantages on international sales. The term exportateur in French-speaking contexts corresponds to the English term exporter, and is contrasted with importateur, the party that brings goods into the country.