Useful Sources of information

The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) publication “Overseas Trade Statistics” helps to identify counties which export the goods or services which you wish to import. The “Trade and Navigation Accounts” and other individual country statistics enable you to identify the levels of imports and exports of products by individual country. These are very good guides to the main supplying counties. In turn you can look at individual country trade directories to identify suppliers of the products required. All this information is available in the DTI’s Export Market Information Centre (EMIC) library at the DTI’s offices in Victoria Street, London; other libraries such as those in the larger Chamber of Commerce will also hold some of this information. Some trade associations, particularly those whose members are engaged in international trade, should be able to supply details of overseas suppliers of materials and products which are not available in the UK but which may be used by their members. International trade magazines in the UK and foreign trade magazines will be a valuable source of information provided they specialize in the type of products in which you are interested. Copies of a country’s various trade magazines may be available in the commercial sections of overseas embassies. Such sections are usually very helpful in providing information on exporters form their own country and many will advise these exporters of your interests in their products. A number of countries, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, have trade development organizations with branches in the UK which provide trade directories and more detailed information on supplier’s products and services. A number of countries such as the USA also publish buyer’s guides which are updated annually or more frequently. If you are looking for new products not yet introduced to the UK market, these guides can be a useful source of information.

Many International trade fairs are held in the UK and overseas where leading manufactures display their goods. Information on international trade fairs is available from the DTI, Export services Directory, although they primarily server UK exporters. There is also a Directory of international trade fairs and exhibitions which potential importers may find useful. However, before visiting a fair, it is sensible to make enquires within the trade to ensure that it is well established and supported by major suppliers. Attending a trade fair or exhibition is one very good way of meeting potential suppliers; it also enables you to compare similar products from different manufactures.

British chamber of commerce and the American chamber of commerce (UK) are valuable sources of information on suppliers’, trade fairs and other trade matters relating to business within the country they represent; In general if you wish to do business with any of their members they will supply initial information without charge, However, if you wish to import regularly from a particular country, you may find it beneficial to join their Chamber of Commerce in the UK.
Should you be interested in buying goods produced by small industries and craftsmen in developing countries, advice should be sought from the Developing Countries Trade Agency known as DECTA.

The Internet is an increasingly important source of information on potential suppliers and goods and services, particularly from developed countries, Goods can be bought and paid for via the internet