U.S. and international trade assistance organizations

U.S. Export Assistance Organizations

At the Federal level, many different U.S. agencies offer information or services of value to exporters. However, two U.S. agencies have primary responsibility for U.S. export assistance:

• The Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA) for exporters of manufactures and services.
• The Agriculture Department’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) for exporters of food and agricultural products.
• The U.S. Export-Import Bank for export financing and credit insurance.

ITA has export assistance centers throughout the U.S., and both ITA and FAS have a network of overseas commercial and agricultural officers typically located in American embassies and consulates. Many states also have overseas offices. Other U.S. export assistance sources include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), World Trade Centers, and trade assistance centers often affiliated with local community colleges and universities.

Export Assistance Resource Directories

The Directory of USCS Trade Specialist in U.S. and Abroad lists all the major federal and state export assistance organizations. Use the NED to find an agency, office or counselor near you, or contact each source directly (see list below). For a comprehensive list and description of U.S. Government programs and services, see Export Programs Guide.

The California CITD Website provides extensive links to U.S. and international trade assistance organizations in the following categories:

• USG Trade Organizations
• U.S., State & Local Trade Organizations
• Trade & Industry Associations
• Foreign Trade Offices
• International Trade Organizations
• Academic Trade Organizations
• Chambers of Commerce