Guide
Export market research and selection
How to research overseas markets, assess demand, understand competition, and evaluate market entry costs.
Choosing the right export markets determines your success. Systematic research across demand, competition, regulations, costs, and risks enables informed market selection decisions.
Department for Business and Trade support
The UK has a global network of trade experts in 100+ countries who can provide market intelligence, regulatory advice, and connections to local specialists.
Assessing political and economic risk
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office publishes Overseas Business Risk assessments for major markets, covering political/economic issues, corruption, human rights, terrorism/security, and intellectual property protection.
Understanding costs and barriers
Research what tariffs your customers will pay (affects your competitiveness), logistics costs for your shipping method and destination, agent or distributor margins (20-40% typical), IP protection costs (registration and enforcement), and product certification or testing requirements.
Cultural and business practice research
Beyond regulations, understand business culture: negotiation styles, relationship importance, decision-making processes, payment term expectations, and timing considerations (religious holidays, fiscal years, weather patterns).