International trade involves exporting goods you produce and importing materials or products you need. Florida proximity to the Caribbean and Latin America creates natural trade advantages for small businesses.

Every imported product is classified with an HS code that determines the tariff (tax) rate. Tariffs range from 0% to over 25% depending on the product and country of origin. Understanding classification saves money.

Exporting sells your products abroad. Importing brings foreign goods into the US. Each direction has different licensing, documentation, and compliance requirements. Start with one direction before doing both.

Evaluate whether your product has international demand, can survive shipping, meets foreign regulations, and has competitive pricing after tariffs. Not every product is suitable for international trade.