
Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Updated
Do you speak Spanish? Do you have connections in Mexico City? Have you lived in Tijuana? Maybe you simply love the Mexican culture.
In the import/export industry, you can use your individual competitive advantages to serve as a matchmaker for companies in Mexico — matching product manufacturers with markets that want and need to purchase the goods they produce.
If businesses in Mexico want to export their goods, you help them find buyers. And if they’re looking for specific merchandise, you help them find sellers.
With dedication and this guide, you can become a part of the estimated $266 billion in goods and services traded between the US and Mexico.
There are three basic types of import/export businesses. Starting out, it’s a good idea to pursue the one that interests you most.
Let’s say a company in Mexico wants to export plastic goods. That’s where an export management company (EMC) can help.
An EMC handles all of the details for the company to ship goods overseas. This could include hiring distributors, creating marketing materials and preparing shipping logistics.
An export trading company (ETC) finds out what foreign buyers want and then locates domestic companies that can export the goods.
Import/export merchants buy merchandise from a manufacturer — foreign or domestic — then resell that merchandise around the world. There’s heavier risk involved in being a free agent — but with fewer middlemen, there is potential for higher profits.
You can start your own import/export business with little upfront costs.
At a minimum, you need a phone and a reliable Internet connection. You’ll also want to invest in business cards, a website and a fax machine. And it doesn’t hurt to hire somebody for your branding, including a unique business logo.
Once you’ve decided on the type of import/export business you want to run and calculated your startup costs, it’s time to narrow your market focus.
By niching down, you can focus your attention on a market you can serve best. Think about:
Take your time to dig deep with your research. The extra time you spend finding profitable niches will pay off in the long run.
Your target customer will be someone who wants to trade globally. They’ll either want to sell goods overseas or buy goods from international sources.
Beyond that, you can choose any type of customer you wish. Maybe you’ll cater to companies that sell Mexico’s No. 1 export, vehicles. Or computers. Or plastic products.
If you can identify a need, you can target a group of companies as customers.
Mexico’s top 10 exports
Mexico’s top 10 imports
To register your import/export business, you need to fill out the US Department of State’s SNAP-R company registration.
After you submit your information, the Department of State will send you an email about how to get a company identification number (CIN). A CIN is used for tax purposes and for registering with the US Department of Commerce.
Typically, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) doesn’t require a license to import or export goods from the United States. However, other government agencies or departments or local governments may require them.
If you’re exporting goods, you can find out which licenses may be required by asking your local port of entry.
Under the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement, you do not pay tariffs on US-made products that meet NAFTA’s origin requirements. To learn more, visit the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration online.
Contact a professional to learn more about registration, tariffs and specific documents you’ll need to conduct business there.
You don’t have to incorporate in the United States in order to start an import/export business.
However, incorporating or creating an LLC can provide key benefits, including:
Import/export business typically charge based on commission or retainer.
With a commission structure, you’re paid a percentage of any trade deal you close — usually around 10%. For example, if you sell a manufacturer’s smartphone for $300, you’ll make a $30 commission. On top of your commission, you’ll also want to charge for expenses like packaging and shipping.
On a retainer model, your client pays you a monthly fee to be on call when they need your services.
To find the right amount for your retainer, consider your costs — these may include labor, supplies and overhead.
Beyond a commission or retainer structure, you can simply buy goods and sell them. In this case, your revenue will come from the profit you make from selling merchandise.
A rule of thumb is to pick a commission model if you think a product will be easy to sell. If you think a product will be difficult to sell, however, price your business based on a retainer.
The thinking is if you sell a lot of product, you want to be paid based on performance. On the other hand, if you believe sales will be slow, using a retainer model could ensure that you’ll be paid even in the downtime.
Finally, if you’re confident in your ability to sell products you acquire, you don’t have to negotiate a payment structure with manufacturers. All you’ll have to negotiate is how much you’ll buy the product for and then find a way to profit from the merchandise.
Your new business will require you to make and receive international payments, which means you’ll make transactions between currencies and across borders.
You can safely and affordably manage your business payments — with lower fees and stronger exchange rates — by comparing the services of a money transfer specialist.
You need to send and receive goods from Mexico, so you’ll need to arrange shipping details.
First, contact a freight forwarder — a company that helps you transport goods safely and efficiently. They will help you handle the logistics of completing shipping documents, finding cargo space and securing cargo insurance.
Find a freight forwarder by looking in state-specific business directories.
After you’ve hired a freight forwarder, read our shipping guides to learn how to ship merchandise.
Needless to say, your success hinges on whether you can ship goods safely and efficiently. If you’re exporting goods, for example, you’re responsible for ensuring they leave your local port and arrive at the correct destination on time.
You’ll also need to account for anything else that could go wrong, such as damage to the cargo. Staying organized and partnering with a reputable freight forwarder will help you ship goods without a hitch.
It’s a good idea to thoroughly research a market before entering into this business, though even that may not be enough.
Consider hiring experts who understand the tastes and cultures of your specific markets. You’ll need to sell products that resonate in a culture you’re unfamiliar with.
Customs rules aren’t uniform throughout the world. Instead, you’ll encounter a mass of different regulations while transporting goods. To avoid drowning in a swamp of border regulations, consider hiring an expert in customs law and trade compliance.
The import/export business is for people who love building relationships in other countries. But it also requires an organized mind that can handle logistics.
If you have those qualities, take the plunge into creating a thriving trading business to and from Mexico.
Ascent guides women entrepreneurs through key steps to starting a business. But its disaster assistance is too little, too late.
Cruise ship stocks are sailing through murky waters, but can they rise?
Transportation stocks can be wise investments. But they can also be very volatile. Learn more.
100+ tips from pet experts for pet owners
Developing a long-term relationship with your local banker can be a great investment for your business.
See how to support local businesses on Small Business Saturday this year, even if you prefer to shop online. Yes — even on Amazon.
Learn more about the YFI cryptocurrency in this beginner’s and buyer’s guide.
Opening a business bank account is easier than you think. Explore our guide on how to do it.
With plans that start at under $20 a month, it’s one of the best website builders available — especially for business owners.
Consider your budget and coding background when choosing between WordPress.org and WordPress.com.
Need a mentor or training on how to import/export with Mexico.
Hi David,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
Though we could not recommend a specific mentor or training for importing/exporting to Mexico, you may check on online guides like the one we are on to see what requirements are necessary to do this. As well there are video tutorials that you could check on the internet specific to this topic. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie