No matter how rich a country is, how small or big it is, no nation is self-sufficient. It will never be totally independent from the rest and have everything it needs. Every country, no matter how powerful it is, needs raw materials from other countries to produce products that it needs or that is needed by other countries. In short, every country is involved in import export transactions.

Hundreds of years ago, Europe, the Far East and the United States were already importing and exporting goods between themselves and other countries. It had already set up a simple system of trading and global sourcing, albeit on a smaller scale. Today, import and export has become a very important part of the economy. This business has flourished into a more sophisticated but convenient, smoother and safer business. Risks are minimized with more international trading laws that aim to protect both importers and exporters. Regulating and governing bodies such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) has streamlined the export import system. Trade agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) have greatly contributed to the growth of the industry.

It is also now highly possible for small countries to go beyond the borders of their countries and reach out to a wider marketplace that can bring in products and supplies that they need. The businesses in these countries can benefit from having lower product costs and have a competitive edge over bigger countries. The demand for more imported products is growing exponentially and businesses are taking these import export opportunities seriously. There are new international markets open for both importers and exporters that have brought in a lot of opportunities for companies to lower production or buying costs and make higher profits.

Because of global sourcing, businesses have access to more product and technology choices that are up to international standards that are otherwise not available in that particular place. Importing products offers an alternative source of supply so there is reduced dependence on local suppliers for products that may have a limited supply. Exporting products give countries a chance to expand its market outside its territories.

With more information available to the businessmen following the advent of the internet and advancement of technology, all types of businesses can take advantage of the many import export business opportunities available. It is not so surprising for a processor to be exported from the Philippines to Taiwan for assembly into laptops.

Singapore then imports the laptop for Asian distribution then re-exports it back to other countries within its Asian sales territory.

Advanced trade systems have given businesses the assurance that transactions can flow smoothly and securely. Several companies have seamlessly integrated its import export business transactions with its operations by bringing in professional manpower that understands the intricacies of the business and who have undergone import export training courses.

With enough information and assistance from knowledgeable personnel, businesses are able to take advantage of the many import export business opportunities for both purchasing and marketing as well as make use of business systems that can help the company achieve maximum advantage in the international market.