Start Exporting

If you're ready to enter your business in global markets, our team of international trade managers can provide you with export assistance.

Take Your Business Global

Over 95% of the world’s population, and 80% of the world’s buying power, lies outside the United States. That means if you want to take your business to the next level, then exporting needs to be a key part of your plan.

That’s why we’re dedicated to helping North Carolina companies–large and small–enter global markets. Each year, hundreds of North Carolina businesses turn to us for export assistance such as navigating trade agreements and barriers, attending trade shows, filing the right paperwork, and more.

The EDPNC has experts located around the world to help North Carolina companies prosper by growing internationally. Serving more than 40 markets, the EDPNC’s international trade team provides expert assistance to North Carolina firms seeking overseas market opportunities. In addition to our North Carolina office, we also maintain offices in Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

Export Assistance By The Numbers

Helping North Carolina businesses reach global markets and achieve their business goals.

$42.8B in Revenue by NC Exports in 2024

Read the 2024 Annual Report

120+

Trade Shows Attended in 2024

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100

Companies Supported By STEP 11

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WHY NC

Tidewater Grain Partners with the EDPNC in Global Expansion

Tidewater Grain Co., a specialty heirloom small grain producer in Eastern North Carolina, speaks on how the EDPNC’s international trade team encouraged them to export their products to new markets.

No matter the size of a business, the EDPNC provides ongoing support to address new challenges and opportunities, all while seamlessly connecting businesses with the right resources to help them achieve their goals. For any North Carolina company looking to expand globally, the EDPNC is the ideal partner to navigate the journey.

Services

Our team of international trade managers provides international trade and export assistance through trade show assistance; e-commerce and digital marketing; market entry strategy; finding agents, distributors, and buyers; market research; export assistance; and much more, most free of cost.

Trade Show Assistance

Prepare to enter new foreign markets by attending industry-specific events.

Export Accelerator Program

Program is designed to help businesses expand in global markets with strategy, speed, and hands-on support.

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Foreign Trade Zones

Learn how to navigate duties as an international exporter.

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Market Entry Strategy

Identify distribution channels for your products and approach a new market.

Finding Distributors and Buyers

Connect with local distributors, resellers, and prospective buyers in your key markets.

Market Intelligence

Assess international market climates including economic, social, and political data.

Digital Marketing

Learn about resources to boost your online presence and reach international sale goals.

Advocacy

Find support with trade regulations, policies, standards, and trade barriers.

Product Review

Review product standards required for entering specific markets and analyze competitors.

Export Finance Assistance

Discover programs through trade finance organizations that help you reduce risk and stay competitive.

Pricing Evaluation

Determine appropriate pricing for your product in foreign markets to help ensure profitability.

Certificate of Free Sale

Get help attaining a Certificate of Free Sale, which is sometimes required in foreign markets.

I return [from the Finland Trade Mission with EDPNC] not only with new connections, but also a renewed appreciation for the role North Carolina can play in global defense and technology partnerships. This was time well spent, and I look forward to building on the momentum.

Nguyen Trinh

President of MSI Defense Solutions

Export Resources

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Article

North Carolina Export Success: Growing Global Sales in the Life Sciences Sector

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) provides international trade services to North Carolina companies,...

Publication

Duty Mitigation Strategies

A review of options to eliminate, reduce or recover duties from exporting.

News

North Carolina Companies Recognized for Trade Excellence by Governor Stein, EDPNC

Seven North Carolina companies – making everything from aircraft wings to whipped cream – were recognized...

Event

Online Webinar

Export Education | Incoterms® 2020

April 16, 2026 With the latest version of Incoterms® that went into effect on January 1, 2020, has your company been using them correctly? Learn more in this...