International Trade

Take your business global!

2025 has been full of changes in the world of International Trade! The US decision to manage its supply chain risk has re-focused companies to manufacture critical goods domestically (US). This has resulted in shifting the former importing process from suppliers in Asia to suppliers located domestically as well as suppliers located in countries with favorable tariffs.

The SC SBDC trade consultants are aware of these changes and know how to advise business owners on the best trade paths available based on specific products or services, operational and financial considerations.

The SC SBDC offers specialized consulting to small business owners who are:

New-to-Export or Early-Stage
Existing Exporters
Indirect Exporters
Importers

The SC SBDC international trade specialists specifically assist small business owners with their:

Assessment of International Trade Readiness
- Product/service readiness
- Strategy readiness: supply chain, foreign market development, pricing, distribution
- Financial readiness
International Trade Business Plan Development
- Management Commitment
- Target Markets/Suppliers
- Import/Export Operations
- Trade Finance
Loans and Grants
- SBA export loan programs
- EXIM Bank loan programs
- EXIM Bank credit insurance
- STEP or SUSTA grants
Partner Referrals
- Strategic Introductions to SCITC partners and their services
  (SBA, EXIM Bank, SC Department of Commerce, SC Department of Forestry, SC Department of Agriculture, SC Maritime, SC MEP, The Citadel, College of Charleston, University of South Carolina Moore School of Business)
- Strategic Introductions to private sector suppliers, such as 3PLs, international law attorneys, international CPAs, foreign Chambers of Commerce, in-country cultural experts

The SC SBDC Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) consultants are located throughout South Carolina. Depending on where the business owner is located there is a SC SBDC trade professional located nearby.