Are you interested in expanding your business? The U.S. Commercial Service helps U.S. companies find new international business partners in worldwide markets. The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Every year, they help thousands of companies export goods and services worth billions of dollars. U.S. Commercial Service trade professionals in over 100 U.S. cities and in more than 75 countries help U.S. companies get started in exporting or increase sales to new global markets. The nearest Export Assistance Center in Iowa is located in Des Moines, IA.

For export assistance in this region, please contact:

Brittany Bauer
International Trade Specialists

E-Mail: brittany.bauer@trade.gov
Phone: (515) 284-4591
Fax : (515) 284-4232

U.S. Commercial Office in Iowa
210 Walnut Street
749 Federal Building
Des Moines, IA 50309

E-Mail: Office.Desmoines@trade.gov

Phone: (515) 284-4590
Fax: (51) 284-4232

The Export Trade Assistance Program (ETAP) may reimburse eligible Iowa companies for up to 75 percent of defined international marketing expenditures in a qualifying trade show or IEDA trade mission held outside the U.S., to explore new markets or provide support to expand current markets.

The Domestic Trade Assistance Program (DTAP) may reimburse eligible Iowa companies for up to 75 percent of defined international marketing expenditures in a qualifying international trade show held in the United States, to explore new international markets or provide support to expand current markets.

Export Counseling & Training

Trade missions are cost-effective means to meet potential international customers and representatives. Working with representatives in each targeted country, the International Trade Office arranges a full schedule of business appointments for each mission member with a detailed planning and screening process to ensure the best use of your time. With an experienced team leading this effort, we confidently help Iowa companies with direct sales, distributor agreements, licensing arrangements and joint ventures through successful trade missions.

The trade show is another classic marketing tool Iowa companies can use to effectively introduce products into a new market, or expand visibility in an existing market. Trade shows may provide an opportunity to meet potential buyers, test market interest and evaluate the competition. The International Trade Office consults with Iowa companies to help them select appropriate international trade fairs, and assist with show planning and follow-up. At designated shows, companies may share a State of Iowa booth or participate in an Iowa pavilion.

Contact:
Kathy Hill
International Trade Office Team Leader & Marketing Manager

E-Mail: Kathy.Hill@iowa.gov
Phone: (515) 725-3141

The International Office at the Iowa Economic Development Authority offers individual consultation with staff with over 100 years of international experience (including private sector). This one-on-one export counseling provides Iowa businesses with invaluable resources to identify such issues as product suitability, best markets, appropriate trade shows, qualified contacts, distribution channels, trade barriers, export requirements, logistics, documentation assistance and so much more. The global offices and representatives also help Iowa companies to identify prospective international business partners, perform essential introductions and arrange business appointments with potential customers, agents and distributors. They can also conduct product specific research, pre- and post-show promotion and follow-up assistance.

The International Trade Office coordinates a variety of educational seminars and customized training for Iowa companies each year. Covering a wide range of topics, these international business training opportunities and seminars may include: Exporting 101, Export compliance, Finance, International banking, International finance, responding to trade leads, product classification, Logistics, Transportation, and Free trade agreements. These seminars are a tremendous tool for local developers, chambers of commerce and other business organizations that seek to help their businesses succeed domestically and abroad.

To learn more:
Phone: (515) 725.3000
Email: international@iowa.gov