While the United States has many regulations governing international trade promotion, North America provides a somewhat more open market for American businesses to get involved. The U.S. government heavily assists trade promotion in America through both regulations and incentives.

Canadian international trade promotion helps ensure that Canada and the United States are both involved in international trade. In recent decades, Canada has taken on an increasingly larger role in international trade as well as foreign aid.

If your business wants to get involved with U.S. international trade promotion, do all of the following:

1. Use the trade incentives government bodies offer.

2. Learn about the agreements made between North American and other governments for international trade.

3. Observe North American import and export controls.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about government support of international trade promotion in North America

The United States and Canadian governments are both very involved in North American trade promotion. While the United States has more regulations governing trade, both the U.S. and Canada offer specific incentives for international trade in North America.

I recommend: The Trade Facilitation Office Canada, or TFO Canada, is designed to encourage import and export relationships with developing countries as an effort toward Canadian international trade promotion as well as global economic development. The U.S. Commercial Service, a branch of the International Trade Administration, also offers incentives for U.S. businesses to internationalize. The Mexico Solidarity Network promotes trade with its North American partners.

Learn about negotiations and agreements for international trade in North America

Both Canada and the United States have a number of trade agreements with other countries that govern international trade practices. Trade sanctions heavily dictate the bounds of international trade promotion in North America, as well as agreements made with specific countries concerning certain industries and exports.

I recommend: The White House publishes information on existing agreements as well as planned efforts toward U.S. international trade promotion. You can submit questions and read discussions about issues on the website. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada also publishes trade negotiations and agreements for the public to be informed about Canada trade promotion efforts.

Abide by federal controls on international trade in North America

Despite active efforts in trade promotion, North America is heavily regulated. While few barriers to trade between Canada and the United States exist, depending on the country there may be heavy restrictions to importing or exporting internationally in both the United States and Canada.

I recommend: Get the export and import controls from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada to make sure you follow the regulations involved in Canadian international trade promotion. In the United States, the Bureau of Industry and Security, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, publishes relevant import and export information.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While most policies for international trade in North America pertain to the United States and Canada, don't overlook Mexico and Central American countries as players in the North American market. Border restrictions may be tighter between the United States and Mexico, but trade is relatively open in relation to countries outside of North America.