Exports and international markets
International markets
International markets
Each international market has its own characteristics, and it’s vital to make sure that your business, services or products are a good match. Our free research, access to opportunities and market guides are here to help you explore new countries and routes to selling internationally.
International market research
Our free market research service can help you find out about new markets and sectors, producing tailored analysis in just five days.
Sector and market opportunities
We can help your company access international opportunities best suited to your capabilities, preparing you to target the right buyers and markets around the world.
International market guidance
Trade barriers are issues that can affect companies that want to export goods or services or invest in overseas markets. They could be anything from over-complicated customs procedures to potential risks to intellectual property.
The UK Government has published guidance on trade barriers, including specific details for businesses exporting goods or services.
They also publish a list of current and resolved trade barriers, searchable by location or sector, which can give you up-to-date information on factors that could slow down, stop or raise the cost of exporting.
Despite the UK's withdrawal from the EU, its member states are still among Scotland's top exports markets.
If you're considering exporting to the EU for the first time, read our guide on expanding into new European markets.
Support for operating after Brexit
The most up-to-date advice and support from Scotland’s enterprise and skills agencies has been collated in our Operate after Brexit section, which contains information on:
- Advice for the new trading environment with the EU, specific to exporting and importing
- Key dates and helplines offering dedicated support to businesses
- Trading with Northern Ireland
- Support for export and customs documentation: Read guidance on changes to customs processes
- Looking after your people, workforce and skills and continuing to travel and do business in the EU
- Free virtual events, webinars, recordings and relevant videos, including opportunities for networking with like-minded companies for essential information and advice: Browse and register for events and webinars
Markets further afield also offer plenty of new opportunities for Scottish businesses.
GOV.UK's directory of export destinations provides detailed exporting information on over 150 key markets and is searchable by market. It provides information on getting your goods into these key markets and is tailored to specific market requirements. Find details on customs documentation, import procedures, customs regulations, labelling requirements, preferential treatment, free trade zones and more.
Search the export destinations directory on GOV.UK
We’ve also produced guidance for tackling some of the world’s larger established and emerging markets.
- Trade with third countries: Find out about existing UK trade agreements with non-EU countries
- Selling into the USA: Spanning four time zones, 50 states and vast cultural differences across regions, the USA should be treated as a series of regional markets, with different characteristics and business practices. Learn more about exporting to the USA
- China, India and the Middle East: International economic activity is shifting towards emerging and fast-growing markets such as China, India and the Middle East. Demand is out there for suppliers of quality Scottish products, services and expertise. Explore these emerging markets
Find the latest statistics on trade and investment between the UK and individual overseas partners. Produced by the Department for International Trade (DIT), the factsheets show statistics between the UK and its partners on:
- Exports, imports, and total trade
- Trade by commodity and service type
- Regional trade in the UK for goods
- UK market share for trading partners
- VAT-registered businesses trading goods
- Foreign direct investment (FDI)
- ‘Ease of doing business’ rankings
- Summary trade and investment data as reported by each partner
- Economic data and projections