FINDING FOREIGN SUPPLIERS
As with finding a domestic supplier, careful research is key to identifying foreign suppliers. You will have to identify countries to trade with, as well as individual suppliers within those countries.
Identifying suitable countries
For most goods and materials you can choose to import from a wide range of countries. Expect a trade-off between prices and levels of regulation and protection.
Suppliers in developing countries may be cheaper but it may be more difficult to resolve any problems. Factors that should influence your decision include:
familiarity with the country - knowing your target country and having contacts within your sector there makes doing business easier
communication - if you (or your employees) don't speak the local language, check that English is widely spoken by businesses, or whether there are translators and interpreters available
level of development - it's generally easier to trade with developed countries than with developing ones
how far away the country is - this affects shipping costs, the length of your trading cycle, and the ease of visiting suppliers if necessary
levels of existing trade with Canada - high volumes suggest other businesses have successfully chosen the route you're considering
Identifying suitable suppliers
There are many sources of information about potential suppliers, including:
our Strategic Information Centre
trade associations for your sector
other importers in your sector
banks' trade services departments
overseas trade visits and exhibitions
your target countries' embassy in Canada
membership organisations for businesses trading between Canada and your source countries
Trade-services suppliers
Remember you may need secondary suppliers to help with the trading process, such as freight forwarders or import agents to handle shipping and customs-related formalities and documentation.