exporting

Exporting is the activity of selling goods or services produced in one country to customers in another country. It is a core component of international trade and complements imports.

Exports can include tangible goods, such as manufactured products and agricultural commodities, as well as intangible services like consulting, software, or financial services. Digital products and data can also be exported, subject to applicable laws.

The level of exporting activity affects a country's GDP, employment, and trade balance, and firms participate as direct exporters, selling directly to foreign buyers, or as indirect exporters using intermediaries such as export management companies or distributors.

A typical export process involves market research, product compliance with foreign regulations, obtaining necessary licenses or permits, and preparing export documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, export declaration). Incoterms define responsibilities for shipping, insurance, and risks. Payment methods include letters of credit, documentary collections, and open accounts.

Logistics and risk management are critical, including choosing carriers, arranging freight, handling customs clearance, and complying with sanctions and dual-use controls. Companies must monitor currency risk and adapt to trade agreements, tariffs, and non-tariff barriers in target markets.

Government agencies often offer export promotion programs, market intelligence, and export finance. Starting exporters weigh market size, competition, regulatory barriers, and the cost of compliance against potential returns.

In computing and information technology, exporting refers to converting data or a resource from one format or system to another, such as exporting a database table to CSV or exporting a document to PDF, enabling data sharing and migration, while preserving data integrity.