International Trade Consulting: The Key to Entering Foreign Markets with Minimal Risk

In the context of global economic integration, entering foreign markets has become a key strategy for Vietnamese businesses to scale up and increase revenue. However, many Vietnamese enterprises still face difficulties in accessing international markets due to the lack of structured strategies, limited information about partners, and poor control over logistics or legal costs. In this context, leveraging international trade consulting services plays an increasingly important role, helping businesses minimize risks and increase their chances of success when expanding abroad.

This article shares practical strategies to help businesses enter international markets effectively, safely, and sustainably.

International Trade Consulting: A Lever to Conquer the Global Market

International trade consulting provides strategies, solutions, and expertise to support businesses in expanding to foreign markets. This service helps companies overcome legal, cultural, and market barriers while optimizing opportunities from free trade agreements (FTAs) such as the CPTPP or EVFTA.

Challenges When Entering Foreign Markets

While international markets offer great opportunities, they also pose many risks:

• Legal Barriers: Customs regulations, tariffs, and product standards (e.g., FSC for wood, HACCP for food) can be difficult to navigate without proper knowledge.

  
  

• Profit-Eating Costs: Transportation, warehousing, and international advertising costs can consume 30–50% of revenue if not optimized.

• Unreliable Partners: Many companies have lost tens to hundreds of thousands of USD due to deals with untrustworthy partners, vague contracts, or lack of due diligence.

  
  

• Lack of Branding Strategy: Businesses often focus on shipping quickly while neglecting brand image and value, leading to loss of market share or stagnant sales after 1–2 years.

  
  

• Fierce Competition: International markets demand high quality, competitive pricing, and quick response times, which can pressure young enterprises.

Analysis: These challenges require businesses to adopt structured strategies and leverage consulting expertise to reduce risks and enhance efficiency.

6 Steps to Effectively Enter International Markets and Minimize Risks

To export successfully with low risk, businesses should follow this 6-step process based on practical experience and W&A’s consulting approach:

1. Conduct Target Market Research

Analyze demand, consumer trends, competitors, and legal regulations in the target market. Use reports from organizations such as VCCI or ITC to identify opportunities.

Tip: Focus on markets with FTAs with Vietnam (e.g., EU, Japan) to benefit from 0–5% tax incentives.

2. Build a Branding Strategy

Design a brand that aligns with local culture and preferences, emphasizing sustainable values (e.g., organic, eco-friendly products).

Tip: Register intellectual property rights in the target market to avoid disputes.

3. Optimize the Supply Chain

Plan logistics, transportation, and warehousing to cut costs. Partner with reputable logistics providers (e.g., DHL, Maersk) to ensure timely delivery.

Tip: Use supply chain management technology (e.g., ERP) to monitor inventory, orders, and reduce waste.

4. Verify International Partners

Check partner credibility through credit reports, past contracts, and customer feedback. Hire legal consultants to review contracts and avoid “ghost partners.”

Tip: Request a Letter of Intent (LOI) before signing the official contract.

5. Comply with Legal and Tariff Regulations

Understand customs laws, product standards, and tax obligations in the target market. Utilize FTA benefits to reduce costs.

Tip: Work with customs experts to complete required documentation.

6. Monitor and Adjust Strategy

Use a management dashboard to track revenue, costs, and customer feedback. Adjust your strategy based on real-time data to maintain growth.

Tip: Evaluate effectiveness every 6 months.

Analysis: This 6-step process helps businesses reduce most financial and legal risks while maximizing opportunities in global markets. Professional consulting plays a crucial role in guiding and executing the strategy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Entering Foreign Markets

To succeed in foreign markets, businesses must avoid common pitfalls:

• Lack of Market Research: Ignoring local preferences leads to mismatched products.

  
  

• Neglecting Legal Compliance: Failing to follow customs or IP rules can result in fines or brand loss.

  
  

• Uncontrolled Costs: Poor logistics planning leads to losses.

  
  

• Blind Partnerships: Failing to verify partners before working together.

  
  

• Short-Term Mindset: Focusing solely on revenue instead of long-term brand building.

  
  

Analysis: Avoiding these mistakes requires thorough preparation and using international trade consulting services to build a sustainable strategy.

Entering foreign markets is a golden opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to go global, but success only comes to those who prepare well. With W&A’s structured 6-step process and support from international trade consultants, businesses can reduce risks, optimize costs, and build sustainable brands. Our experienced experts understand Vietnam’s legal landscape and will assist in market research, strategy development, and effective market expansion.

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☎️ +84 93 594 8688

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