Export Essentials Online

Our newly improved Export Essentials Online provides end-to-end instruction on how to become a successful exporter. Start with the basics or move to more advanced topics.

Export Essentials Online

Whether you’re new to exporting or need to refresh your skills, Export Essentials Online provides a comprehensive, flexible approach to learning the fundamentals and logistics of exporting. You can learn at your own pace on any computer, tablet or smartphone. Supplemental companion guides are useful reference resources for export industry trends and statistics that you can access after completing the course.

Opportunities Abound: Access and Resources for Success

Classifying Your Products for Export

Using Market Research for Competitive Advantage

Understand the processes involved in exporting consumer-oriented, value-added food products.

Learn about classifying products using Harmonized System (HS) Codes, commonly used throughout the export process for goods.

Discover how to identify target markets and new market segments for your export goods.

Taking Advantage of Free Trade Agreements

Pricing Your Products for Export Markets

Using International Terms of Sale and Trade

Understand how U.S. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Trade Promotion Agreements (TPAs) impact U.S. food and agricultural exports.

Examine common export pricing strategies for value-added food products, including key concepts like ‘landed cost’ to the buyer.

Understand the use of pro forma invoices in the quotation process when responding to buyers’ inquiries.

International Shipping and Logistics

Navigating Food Export Regulations

Commercial Export Documentation and Procedures

Learn about various distribution systems available to exporters, international shipping documents, packaging goods for export, consolidation, and marine cargo insurance.

Analyze the regulatory systems and documentation requirements for exporting food and agricultural products.

Learn how to accurately prepare required documentation, including shippers’ letters of instruction, customs and consular invoices, certificates of origin, bills of lading and packing lists.

Getting Paid for Your Export Sales

Your Export Toolbox

Examine how companies are paid for and finance their exports, including developing payment policies and procedures and understanding government-supported export financing.

Discover resources for preparing to meet with international buyers, including best practices for how to select the right buyers, realistic meeting expectations and following up on leads.

*A Food Export account is required to access Export Essentials Online. New to Food Export? Follow this link for New User Registration.