The quickest and best way to enter the Portuguese market is to work with a local partner. Both small and large U.S. exporters can benefit from finding the right person or group in Portugal to provide advice and contacts. The U.S. Commercial Service in Portugal, located at the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon, offers various services to help U.S. firms find the information they need about the market, identify potential agents, distributors, and sales representatives for their products or services, and find strategic business partners. Adapting products to meet Portuguese preferences — especially with pricing in mind — and ensuring compliance with EU standards will further smooth entry. Portugal’s role as a gateway economy makes it an ideal testbed for broader international expansion.
First-time American exporters are urged to contact the nearest U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEAC). These USEACs are part of the worldwide network of U.S. Department of Commerce offices that support U.S. exporters.
The U.S. Commercial Service in Portugal recommends that U.S. firms become acquainted with the Portuguese market through the standard market research reports we publish, which are publicly available through the USEACs and the Internet.