International Trade and Business Resource Guide: Federal Trade Gateways

Billed as the "U.S. Government Export Portal," this site is a gateway to trade information. Categories include country and industry market research, a basic export tutorial, current export news, and tips on pricing, shipping, and documentation. Until recently, all of this information was available for free; now registration (free) is required to access several areas such as the market research, and users must be affiliated with a U.S. company.

The ITA is the primary unit for trade within the Department of Commerce. Its mission is to promote U.S. exports of manufactured goods, nonagricultural commodities, and services. A good starting point for locating statistical, legal, and market access information.

This site, from the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of International Trade, offers many downloadable publications and information on all aspects of small business finance, including export finance programs.

"Provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, USA Trade Online is a dynamic data tool that gives users access to current and cumulative U.S. export and import data. [...]On October 15, 2015, access to USA Trade Online will be FREE to all customers." To make use of the database, users will need to register for an account.