Your online export self-help desk
ExportHelp is a portal which helps South African firms – both small and large – take greater advantage of the opportunities available on the global front. Its aim is to assist companies – like yours – to enter the export arena and to grow their exports to the point of becoming successful global competitors.
Export checklists
Export readiness
Are you ready to export?
Export SWOT analyser
Current strengths and weaknesses within a firm
Political risk
Political risk can cause loss of business and investment.
Marketing research agency
What to look for in a marketing research agency.
What are export codes?
Exporting relies on many global codes—HS, SIC, TARIC, transport, country and telephone codes—used to communicate effectively with international traders worldwide.
Trade fairs marketing
Trade fairs bring supply and demand together, supporting market development through product exchange, information sharing, and promotion of goods and organisations.
Data Mapper®
Previously, trade data was hard to analyse; Data Mapper enables exporters and researchers to access datasets and view data perspectives.
Export acronyms
An alphabetical list of export acronyms can be found here, providing clear explanations to help exporters understand most trade terminology.
Exchange control
Access useful information on exchange control requirements, regulations, procedures, and compliance guidance essential for exporters operating in international trade.
Political risk
Political stability in export markets is vital; exporters must monitor foreign policies, adapt marketing strategies, and protect business investments.
Proforma invoices
A Pro Forma invoice outlines pricing, terms, and product details, enabling buyers, banks, and customs to assess transactions before shipment.
Freight forwarders
Freight forwarders coordinate transport, documentation, customs clearance, and logistics, ensuring efficient, compliant movement of export goods worldwide for international trade.
ITRISA import/export training
Training in costing, logistics, documentation, customs and risk as well as many other subjects in the international trade field.
Trading words and phrases
A 450-page reference work including 2020 Incoterms, over 200 authoritative trade definitions and more.
Translation services
A comprehensive list of both local and overseas translators can be found here
Related organisations
Browse through AssociationFinder’s collection of over 2,500 South african societies, federations, guilds, chambers, councils and trusts.
COUNTRY NATIONAL DAYS…
Bear these national day dates in mind when dealing with the following countries
| Antigua & Barbadu | 1 Nov |
| Dominica | 3 Nov |
| Micronesia | 3 Nov |
| Panama | 3 Nov |
| Cambodia | 9 Nov |
| Angola | 11 Nov |
| Poland | 11 Nov |
| Albania | 18 Nov |
| Latvia | 18 Nov |
| Oman | 18 Nov |
| Monaco | 19 Nov |
| Lebanon | 22 Nov |
| Suriname | 25 Nov |
| Mauritania | 28 Nov |
| Palestine | 29 Nov |
| Barbados | 30 Nov |
Would you like to subscribe to the dtic‘s Trade Lead Bulletin?
the dtic’s Trade Lead Bulletin is a weekly roundup of international business opportunities received from the dtic‘s network of foreign economic representatives and other reliable sources for distribution and matching to South African small and medium-sized export-ready firms.
If you would like to subscribe to the dtic’s Trade Lead Bulletin mailing list, please complete the subscription form.
News
- Record harvest keeps maize exports on a high
- High winds batter stone fruit exporters
- Top 5 vehicle exporters in SA – December 2025
- Iata forecasts global air freight risks
- SA’s grape industry prepares for strong 2026 season
- Cape Town exports: Navigating US tariffs with new market growth
- Strengthening trade ties: SA must evolve beyond a market for Chinese products
- MSC adjusts service from Gqeberha to Cape Town
- Agri industry urge land reform, biosecurity and crime crackdown to secure growth in 2026
- Joburg entrepreneurs Go global as 65 SMMEs graduate export programme
- Tariffs take a toll on SME exports
STEPS TO EXPORT SUCCESS
PLANNING & PREPARING
Make sure that exporting is what you want to do and that your company is ready for exporting.
MARKETING RESEARCH
Researching your market before exporting is essential.
THE EXPORT PLAN
Success in exporting requires careful planning.
MARKETING & PROMOTION
Now you are ready to begin promoting your exports!
NEGOTIATING & QUOTING
Convince your customers to buy from you, negotiate a deal and price that you both find acceptable, and present them with a quote.
THE EXPORT ORDER
You’ve sent out quotes and they’ve been accepted. What now?
PRODUCING THE GOODS
Your export product and what to consider.
OUTBOUND LOGISTICS
How do you transport your goods to the customer?
PAYMENT TERMS
Here your hard work pays off. Learn about payment terms.