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Providing Quality Export Assistance to US Business

The Commercial Service of the US Department of Commerce is committed to assisting US firms in realizing their export potential by providing export counseling, information on foreign markets, international contacts, and advocacy services. Around the world, the 1,400 men and women of the Commercial Service in our embassies, consulates, commercial centers, and domestic offices promote US business interests abroad.

International Market Research

The National Trade Data Bank (NTDB)

This database, on CD-ROM and on the Internet, contains a vast amount of market research, foreign commercial contacts, trade data, and much more. It is available on the Web at http://www.stat-usa.gov/ and on CD for a fee. To order, call 202-482-1986. It is also available free at many libraries, and portions are featured on the Web at http://tradeport.org/.

Customized Market Analysis (CMA)

A low-cost market research report custom-tailored to a US company’s product or service. The report provides essential marketing facts, including key competitors; comparative prices; distribution channels; promotion practices; trade barriers; and potential representatives, distributors, licensees, or joint-ventures partners.

Locating & Evaluating Buyers for American Products

Trade Missions/Trade Shows

Trade missions or trade shows are organized to “match” you with potential business partners in foreign countries. We will assist your participation in officially recognized overseas trade events, ranging from low-cost catalog exhibitions to trade missions and USA pavilions in foreign trade fairs. See also http://www.export.gov/eac/trade_events.asp.

Commercial News USA (CNUSA)

An export marketing catalog for US products and services, disseminated through US embassies and consulates to over 140,000 business readers plus two million Internet and online service users. The basic ad consists of a photo and text — no artwork necessary! Display ads are available. Listings start at just $445.

Agent/Distributor Service (ADS)

The ADS assists US firms in identifying reps, wholesale customers, major buyers, and potential partners in foreign markets. A bargain at $250 per market.

Gold Key Service (GKS)

The Gold Key Service is a custom-tailored “individual trade mission” for representatives of US firms planning to visit a particular country. Prices range from $200 to $1,200 per day. One or two-day schedules are standard.

International Company Profile

A report on a foreign firm in markets where standard private-sector credit reporting is not available. The cost is only $100 per firm.

Duty-Free Customs Clearance

What is an ATA Carnet?

An international customs document, the Merchandise Passport that facilitates temporary imports into foreign countries. (The ATA Carnet only covers goods returning to the US within 12 months.)

What are its benefits?

Reduces costs to the exporter. Eliminates value-added taxes (VAT), duties, and the posting of security normally required at the time of importation.

Simplifies customs procedures. Allows exporters to use a single document for all customs transactions, make arrangements for many countries in advance, and do so at a predetermined cost.

Facilitates reentry to the US. Eliminates the need to register goods with US Customs at the time of departure.

What merchandise is covered by the ATA Carnet?

Virtually all goods, including commercial samples, professional equipment, and items for tradeshows and exhibitions, including display booths. Ordinary goods such as computers, repair tools, photography and sound equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles, jewelry, wearing apparel, and diagnostic equipment. Extraordinary items, e.g., human skulls, Olympic horses, rare gems and jewels, Philharmonic orchestras, and vintage race cars.

For how long is an ATA Carnet valid?

Typically up to one year. It may be used for unlimited exits from the US and entries into foreign countries.

How long does it take to get an ATA Carnet?

Processing time for paper applications is five working days. Application software, ATACAS, provides next-day service. Expedited service is available for an extra charge.

Where may an ATA Carnet be used?

In over 50 nations:
Algeria, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom
(This is a partial list. Call Carnet HQ for a complete list.)

History & Application

What are the origins of the ATA Carnet system?

To encourage world trade by reducing the obstacles caused by varying national customs regulations, the Customs Co-operation Council, now the World Customs Organization (WCO), adopted in December 1961, the Customs Convention on the ATA Carnet for the Temporary Admission of Goods. The initials ATA are an acronym of the French and English words admission temporaire/temporary admission.

Carnets are issued and guaranteed by nationals groups, which manage the ATA system under a set of conditions established by the International Bureau of Chambers of Commerce (IBCC), a division of the International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) in Paris.

The US Council for International Business was appointed by the Treasury Departments in 1968 to operate the ATA Carnet system in the United States. The Council issues over 13,000 Carnets a year covering goods valued at over one and one-half billion dollars.

How long does it take to get an ATA Carnet?

Processing time for paper applications is five working days. Application software, ATACAS, provides next-day service. Expedited service is available for an extra charge.

How do I apply for an ATA Carnet?

Contact Carnet Headquarters or dial the Carnet Application Hotline, 1-800-5-DUTYFREE.

The United States Council for International Business

• Advancing the global interest of American companies doing business internationally
• Administering the ATA Carnet system
• US affiliate of the
  • International Chamber of Commerce
  • Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD
  • International Organization of Employers

Portuguese in the United States

Population by State	Amount
Total	1,177,176
Source: US Census 2000
Alabama	1,529
Alaska	2,128
Arizona	11,600
Arkansas	1,472
California	330,974
Colorado	7,051
Connecticut	44,695
Delaware	1,001
District of Columbia	682
Florida	48,974
Georgia	7,544
Hawaii	48,527
Idaho	4,197
Illinois	7,593
Indiana	2,846
Iowa	1,114
Kansas	1,805
Kentucky	1,611
Louisiana	2,550
Maine	5,351
Maryland	8,396
Massachusetts	279,722
Michigan	4,993
Minnesota	2,487
Mississippi	1,059
Missouri	3,800
Montana	1,434
Nebraska	1,226
Nevada	11,218
New Hampshire	13,095
New Jersey	72,196
New Mexico	2,225
New York	43,893
North Carolina	7,294
North Dakota	348
Ohio	6,002
Oklahoma	2,842
Oregon	14,674
Pennsylvania	13,566
Rhode Island	91,445
South Carolina	3,099
South Dakota	343
Tennessee	3,144
Texas	16,552
Utah	4,031
Vermont	2,044
Virginia	12,031
Washington	17,200
West Virginia	550
Wisconsin	2,250
Wyoming	773

Related Links

Related Links

Domestic Chambers of Commerce

Based in New York, we are one of several chambers in the United States actively working to promote American interests in Portugal. The links below will guide you to our domestic counterparts.

Links to Domestic Chambers

International Chambers of Commerce

Portuguese chambers of commerce can be found worldwide. Collectively, they succeed in connecting individuals and businesses of diverse backgrounds and trades to Portugal.

Links to International Chambers

Listings/Links to US Government Agencies

Visas

No visa is required for a visit up to ninety (90) days for American citizens holding a valid passport.

A stay over ninety days requires a visa, which should be obtained from your nearest Portuguese consulate before leaving for Portugal.

Locations of Portuguese consulates in the United States >

Alternatively, an extension of the ninety-day stay may be obtained when in Portugal from the Serviçio de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras.

Portuguese Goverment

For more information about the Portuguese government, visit www.portugal.gov.pt.

Cross-Cultural Organizations

Social Clubs in Portugal

Intending residents interested in social life in Portugal can avail themselves of the facilities of the folowing clubs located in Lisbon and suburbs, where English is spoken:

American/English Schools

Portuguese-Language Schools

Universities for Foreign Students

Several prominent universities in Portugal offer accelerated Portuguese language courses for you to learn to speak Portuguese. Coursework and intensity will vary by university, allowing you to choose a program that best suits your needs. 

Total US investment in Portugal

What was the total amount of US investment in Portugal in the years listed below? (million US dollars)

1997	$1,498
1998	$1,474
1999	NA

Which three countries are the largest sources of investment in Po