List of access keys Homepage Site Map ContactUs Skip to main content

How to do market research on the United States

The United States is New Zealand’s second largest export market. For New Zealand exporters, it is a good market for a wide range of quality imported product. However, exporters should not approach the United States as a single market - different regions have different tastes (the difference is particularly pronounced between east and west and north and south).

It is often easier and more effective to segment the market by region and assess which region has the best consumer profile for your product or service.

This guide covers a range of practical and efficient tools you can use to find the information quickly and at little cost. It includes a practical introduction to using internet research and online search engines, and links to online resources specifically relevant to exporting.

Get the full report

Researching export opportunities tips

  • Examining a country’s trade statistics helps you to find out what products a country imports, where products are being imported from and whether the market for a particular product is growing or shrinking.
  • Demographic information can provide valuable information about potential customers and their spending patterns. Another issue worth investigating is the number of competitors selling similar products or services in the market you are interested in.
  • It is important to try and find more detailed information about your potential competitors, not just how many there are and who they are. The United States is an extremely competitive marketplace.
  • As well as researching your potential competitors, it is just as important to research any companies you are considering doing business with to ensure that they are reliable.
  • Exporting to the United States means that you will have to become familiar with a new set of business laws. The United States has two different levels of tax jurisdiction   federal and state.
  • Customs authorities are extremely vigilant about import documentation being complete and accurate. Inaccurate and incomplete documentation may result in delays or even seizure of your goods.
  • The United States is much more litigious than New Zealand and the cost of defending your product in court is often higher than settling out of court.
  • Protecting your intellectual property can be expensive and companies should take specialist advice.

Related Articles

Back to Top

Use your access keys with your browser:
0
Go to list of Access of Keys
1
Go to Homepage
2
Go to Site Map
3
Skip to search
9
Go to Contact Us
[
Skip to main content