US Commercial Service - Johannesburg and Cape Town

The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion unit of the International Trade Administration - US Department of Commerce.

U.S. Commercial Service trade specialists in 107 U.S. cities and in more than 80 countries work with your company to help you get started in exporting or increase your sales to new global markets.

Their services include:

• World class market research
• Trade events that promote your product or service to qualified buyers
• Introductions to qualified buyers and distributors
• Counseling and advocacy through every step of the export process.

The service has a significant staff of trade specialists on the ground in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Information about South Africa and trade opportunities can be accessed on the BuyUSA web site. A good starting point for the South African market is to request the Country Commercial Guide which contains the most relevant information about economical activity.

I talked to Heather Byrnes in Johannesburg to obtain specific information about the hospitality industry. She was knowledgeable about both the potential as well as local activity in the market and willing to provide additional assistance.