An Intelligent Choice: Grow Your Exports with Market Research from the U.S. Commercial Service
August 7, 2025
Curt Cultice is a Senior Communications Specialist with the U.S. Commercial Service
John Foley, director of sales & procurement for STARFIRE Premium Products, is always on the lookout for new international markets. And why not? His Hamilton, Ohio-based company manufactures and distributes lubricants and chemicals for a variety of industries and sees great potential for growing the bottom line through exports.
Curious about the potential for selling to the Dominican Republic, Mr. Foley contacted the U.S. Commercial Service (CS) in Ohio for assistance and—through research conducted by CS Santo Domingo—the company received both positive and insightful feedback via an Initial Market Check (IMC). The IMC is a service that provides a U.S. exporter with an initial on-the-ground, in-country assessment by CS trade experts on the market potential of the company’s product or service in a targeted market. Within six months, STARFIRE Premium Products found a partner and shipped their first container of branded lubricants and chemicals for distribution in the Dominican Republic. In 2025, the firm expects to exceed $1 million in total export sales to Latin America, with the Dominican Republic among its key markets.
STARFIRE’s story is just one example of how the U.S. Commercial Service, with its global network of trade professionals, is working to help companies—and particularly small- and medium-sized businesses—unlock new export opportunities. In addition to the IMC, CS trade experts produce a range of market intelligence and research products to meet the information needs of both new and experienced exporters.
Market Research at Your Fingertips
Many U.S. businesses start their export journey by tapping our Country Commercial Guides for answers to questions like:
• What are the leading industry prospects in Mexico?
• What are some successful market entry strategies for Singapore?
• What is the best way to navigate market barriers in Turkey?
Covering market opportunities, the business environment, business customs, and more—in some 120 markets—the Guides provide broad guidance on market conditions and tips on doing business in each market, making them indispensable for new exporters and those looking to identify potential markets. The Guides are prepared by trade professionals at U.S. Embassies worldwide.
We also offer other resources, including a short video, to walk exporters through the process of conducting market research.
And through the Market Intelligence Program, our trade professionals in 80 international markets provide time-sensitive updates on new international projects and demand trends such as UK defense procurement, Mozambique energy initiatives, and Saudi Arabia infrastructure growth. These updates, searchable by industry and country, can help U.S. exporters seize new global opportunities.
Tailored to Your Business Needs: Customized Market Intelligence and Research
As noted in STARFIRE’s story, our customized market research and intelligence portfolio of services include the Initial Market Check, a preliminary assessment to gauge market potential for a product or service. As another example, a manufacturer of computer hardware could evaluate the pricing and service offering of potential competitors in Canada or another market. Based on the information, the service provides recommendations the U.S. company can consider when deciding whether to pursue the intended market.
Another service, Customized Market Research, typically conducted after the early stages of research, provides more detailed, in-depth information tailored to a U.S. business’ specific product or service in a particular market. For example, a U.S. manufacturer of automotive combustion engines and parts, having decided to focus on Mexico, will be able to discern information on the country’s market structure, trends and size, customary distribution and promotion practices, and key competitors, agents, distributors, or strategic partners.
Lastly, rural-based companies often have challenges accessing key export resources due to their location. Our ten Rural Export Centers are strategically located across the U.S. to help bridge this gap by providing rural businesses with a unique portfolio of research services, including actionable, industry-specific market insights and contacts.
Ready to start researching your next opportunity? Reach out to your nearest CS office today or visit our Trade.gov website for more information on how we can assist your company.
As for STARFIRE, Mr. Foley appreciates the time and resources he saved by leveraging U.S. Commercial Service market intelligence to deliver results:
“The initial on-the-ground, in-country market assessment and format for the IMC you provided was extremely helpful; it allowed me to focus my time on companies that we could realistically partner with. The services provided by the U.S. Commercial Service are the cornerstone of our export development strategy.”