International trade promotion in Oceania encompasses a range of countries and industries. The United States has historically been involved in trade agreements in Asia and the Pacific, and currently trades with a large number of Asian, South Asian and Pacific island nations.

Oceania trade promotion varies by country, with some countries more highly regulated than others. While Australian trade is fairly open, for example, exports to New Zealand are strictly regulated by New Zealand customs. Trade with any island nation is governed by more stringent customs regulations for health and security reasons.

If you want to get involved with Oceania trade, do the following:

1. Learn about existing trade agreements with Asian and Pacific countries.

2. Get up-to-date trade policies for US-Oceania trade relations.

3. Use lead investigators that promote trade with Oceania to make business-to-business connections there.

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

Find the agreements governing international trade promotion in Oceania

United States regulations and policies on international trade are publicized on the Internet for public use. If you are interested in trading with countries in Oceania, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand and other countries in the Pacific, you can found information on trade agreements with those countries on government and nongovernmental websites.

I recommend: TradeAgreements.gov is an inter-agency effort by the U.S. government to provide the public with a comprehensive resource on international trade. Documentation is available for existing trade agreements, as well as information on any Oceania trade promotion efforts. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation also offers a number of ways for businesses to get involved in trade promotion through membership and events.

Stay current on Oceania trade promotion policy

Because Oceania encompass a diverse range of countries that trade with the United States, current information on U.S. trade policies is vital. There are a number of business resources for staying up-to-date on the policies and agreements for trade promotion. Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific nations are well represented in U.S. trade policy and global business media.

I recommend: Check both government and corporate news to stay current on international trade with Oceania. Info USA is a site run by the U.S. State Department offering region-specific trade information, where you can get a comprehensive look at current Oceania trade policies. RAND Corporation's Center for Asia Pacific Policy offers a newsletter for trade in Oceania and publishes relevant documents on their site.

Use import/export sites to get your business involved in Oceania trade

Both the U.S. government and private business associations offer opportunities to internationalize trade promotion. Australia is the most common partner for U.S. business, but your business can easily form contacts for business promotion elsewhere in Asia and the Pacific if you want to look beyond Australian trade.

I recommend: The U.S. Commercial Service offers a search for regional trade specialists to help your business promote Oceania trade and act as a kind of Oceania trade consultant. Another Oceania trade web option is the Asia Trade Promotion Forum, which offers trade statistics and policies as well as a list of member sites for trade promotion in specific countries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be aware that even existing Oceania trade promotion agreements may change industry-specific import and export regulations from time to time. Some, like the Bangkok Agreement, may have their names revised to stay current. Always make sure that you find the most recent version of an agreement or policy before you get involved in international trade with any country or region.