ALL THE TEA IN CHINA. HOW TO BUY, SELL, AND MAKE MONEY ON THE MAINLAND.

Government Resources

The following is a list of U.S. government, foreign government, and non-governmental organizations that can assist you while you think about beginning or expanding your business with China. The list provides a brief description of services for each organization and contact information.

U.S. Government Resources

In an effort to promote U.S. exports, create jobs, and improve the domestic economy, the U.S. government provides a wide variety of services—both free and for a fee—for American businesses just beginning to think about China to those who have been in the country for decades. These services are a good place to get information on market access, U.S. regulations, and basic trade statistics.

Export.gov is a service of the U.S. government combining the expertise of 19 U.S. agencies, including the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Export-Import Bank, the Small Business Administration, and the USDA. Working together, export.gov provides market research, trade leads, export finance information, and agricultural export assistance to American companies. Export.gov even has an entire section of their website dedicated to helping American firms export to China (export.gov/china). The website—offering a subscription service and free information—is a good place to start for basic research.

The China page of Export.gov—The China Business Information Center (BIC)—offers the following services for companies new to the market:

The advocacy center at export.gov (part of the Department of Commerce) works on requests for advocacy for specific export opportunities in China. “Team China” was launched in 2003 and consists of two regional managers. For more information, see http://www.export.gov/advocacy/index.html.

Export.gov also provides a listing of local agencies able to help American companies. Look up the nearest agency to you at http://www.export.gov/eac/index.asp. The site provides a list by state & city, giving companies direct contact information for local staff.

BuyUSA.gov (U.S. Commercial Service)
The China page of BuyUSA.gov (http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en/) is part of the U.S. Commercial Service in the American embassy (Beijing) and consulates (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenyang) in China. Offering assistance to U.S. businesses exporting goods and services to China, U.S. trade specialists help identify trade opportunities and local partners. BuyUSA.gov can help you with:

The website offers some free services along with fee-based services.

  • US Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center
    Tel: 1-800-USA-TRADE
  • Chengdu
    4 Lingshiguan Lu
    Renmin Nanlu Section 4
    Chengdu, Sichuan 610041
    Tel: 86-28-8558-3992/9642
    Fax: 86-28-8558-9221/3520
    E-mail: chengdu.office.box@mail.doc.gov
    www.buyusa.gov/china/en/chengdu.html
  • Beijing
    31st Floor, North Tower
    Beijing Kerry Center
    1 Guanghua Lu
    Beijing 100020
    Tel: 86-10-8529-6655
    Fax: 86-10-8529-6558/9
    E-mail: beijing.office.box@mail.doc.gov
    http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en/beijing.html
  • Shanghai
    Shanghai Center, Suite 631
    1376 Nanjing Xilu
    Shanghai 200040
    Tel: 86-21-6279-7630
    Fax: 86-21-6279-7639
    E-mail: shanghai.office.box@mail.doc.gov
    http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en/shanghai.html
  • Guangzhou
    14/F China Hotel Office Tower
    Room 1461
    Liu Hua Lu
    Guangzhou 510015
    Tel: 86-20-8667-4011
    Fax: 86-20-8666-6409
    E-mail: guangzhou.office.box@mail.doc.gov
    www.buyusa.gov/china/en/guangzhou.html
  • Shenyang
    52 Shi Si Wei Lu
    Heping District
    Shenyang, Liaoning 110003
    Tel: 86-24-2322-1198
    Fax: 86-24-2322-2206
    E-mail: shenyang.office.box@mail.doc.gov
    http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en/shenyang.html

Export-Import Bank
The Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) http://www.exim.gov/ is the official export credit agency for the U.S. Providing U.S. companies—both large and small—with financing to export American goods, the Ex-Im Bank services to strengthen the U.S. economy.

For the Ex-Im Bank’s brochure on China, see http://www.exim.gov/products/chinaexp-en.pdf.

International Trade Administration, U.S.
Another government agency with specific information on China, visit http://www.mac.doc.gov/china/chinagateway.html.

The Library of Congress
 For legislative information (via the Thomas Register), see http://www.loc.gov/rr/international/asian/china/resources/china-business.html. For the Library of Congress, Business Reference Services—not China specific— see http://www.loc.gov/rr/business/BERA/issue7/government.html.

United States Trade Representative (USTR)
The U.S. government has prioritized trade relations with China. While not providing services for individual businesses, the USTR negotiates on behalf of American business interests overseas. The website has useful information with a portion of their site dedicated to China-related issues (http://www.ustr.gov/World_Regions/North_Asia/China/Section_Index.html).

Business Gateway (Business.gov)
For general information on importing and exporting (laws & regulations of the U.S. government), see http://www.business.gov/topic/International_Trade

Foreign Government Resources

The U.S. government is not the only one promoting exports to China—the Chinese themselves are making it easier for American businesses to buy, sell, and trade. From city profiles and trade statistics to finding a Chinese partner, these resources should help you gain a better understanding of the risks and opportunities your business faces.

A wealth of information from the Chinese on trade, cities, etc: http://china.tdctrade.com/

Government — PRC, National

Government — PRC, Regional

Non-governmental Resources

A number of private—both profit and non profit—organizations help foster increased trade between the U.S. and China. Many organizations provide networking opportunities as well as regular business publications on China.

The American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham) has chapters in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Taipei. The membership association provides networking opportunities, business information, and other services.

The U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC) http://www.uschina.org/, with offices in Washington, D.C., Beijing, and Shanghai, provides publications and other services for American companies doing business with China.

The U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce http://www.usccc.org/ is a bi-national organization serving to expand U.S.-China trade.

Non-government site (similar to Wikipedia) with links to numerous sources of information and services for China/Asia: http://www.dmoz.org/Business/International_Business_and_Trade/Services/Information/

Local Agencies

While contacting U.S. agencies in Washington, D.C. is a great start and may prove helpful enough to get you on your way to exporting to China, often there are local level agencies providing similar services.

Dealing with your local government agency to find the best market strategy might prove useful. Often, state and city governments organize trade delegations to China, inviting local businesses with interest in China to come along. These trips can introduce businesses to leaders in sister cities as well as provide a network back home of other businesses facing similar challenges.

Find your local trade representative at http://export.gov/eac/index.asp.