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.

Module 1 – Opportunities Abound: Access and Resources for Success

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

Module 2 - Classifying Your Products for Export

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

Module 3 - Using Market Research for Competitive Advantage

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

Module 4 – Taking Advantage of Free Trade Agreements

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

Module 5 - Pricing Your Products for Export Markets

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

Module 6 - Using International Terms of Sale and Trade

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

Module 7 - International Shipping and Logistics

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

Module 8 - Navigating Food Export Regulations

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

Module 9 - Commercial Export Documentation and Procedures

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.

Module 10 - Getting Paid for Your Export Sales

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

Module 11 - Your Export Toolbox

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.