International Trade
Export Assistance
The International Trade program of the South Carolina Department of Commerce is committed to helping the state’s companies – no matter how large or small – export their goods and services. The primary role of the trade program is to identify prospective distributors and buyers for South Carolina’s companies. This is accomplished largely by coordinating a variety of overseas business missions and participation in international trade fairs, at minimal cost, that are geared to both the beginning exporter and even those established exporters wishing to explore new markets.
These types of international events bring together the South Carolina seller and the overseas buyer so as to negotiate future relationships and export sales transactions. The program’s team of global export market specialists provides assistance designed to guide companies from the beginning stages of market research to export sales leads. These global trade managers are readily available to provide on-site assistance and referrals to other export assistance providers. South Carolina’s overseas offices in Munich and Shanghai expand the program’s ability to help South Carolina identify potential partners.
Additional information can be found at http://sccommerce.com/small-existing-business-services/grow-your-business/export-services, or by contacting the S.C. Department of Commerce, 1201 Main St. Suite 1600, Columbia, SC 29201. Phone: (803) 737-0400.
Southeastern Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (SETAAC)
The Southeastern Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (SETAAC) serves the eight-state region of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Based at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, SETAAC is a non-profit organization that is not part of any federal agency. Center staff, including specialist in marketing, business planning, finance and manufacturing, have considerable experience in helping companies improve their productivity and competitiveness. They can also draw on additional public/private resources, including expertise at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
The SE Trade Adjustment Assistance Center is located at 151 6th Street, Room 145 O’Keefe, Atlanta, GA 30332. For more information contact Tracy Cole, 770.531.4550 or tracy.cole@innovate.gatech.edu. Website: www.industry.gatech.edu/setaac.
Additional Contacts for International Trade include:
Greenville U.S. Export Asssistance Center
Buck Mickel Center, Greenville Technical College
216 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Suite 243
Greenville, SC 29607
Phone: 864.250.8429
denis.csizmadia@trade.gov
http://export.gov/southcarolina
ECI Find New Markets
ECI, PO Box 12186
Fred Monk, President
803.255.2623
Foreign Trade Zones
Susan Carroll-Ramsey
SC Ports Authority
P.O. Box 22287
Charleston, SC 29413
Phone: (843)577-8144
http://www.scspa.com/Cargo/Logistics/ftzs/ftz.asp
scarroll-ramsey@scspa.com