Assessing International Product Export Viability How to Evaluate Opportunities

The world is getting smaller, and the opportunities for businesses are getting bigger. Global merchandise exports reached a staggering $25.3 trillion in 2022, according to the World Trade Organisation. This vast market potential can be incredibly tempting, but it is not a guaranteed win. In fact, a PwC report found that over 60% of businesses entering international exports face significant setbacks due to poor preparation and a lack of market alignment. This is why assessing international product export viability is the most crucial first step for any business leader. It is the difference between a successful, profitable expansion and a costly, resource-draining failure. Without a structured, data-driven approach, you risk wasting capital, navigating unforeseen regulatory hurdles, and damaging your brand’s reputation in a new region.

Why Assessing International Product Export Viability Matters

Expanding beyond your domestic market offers a clear path to new revenue streams, diversified risk, and long-term resilience. But to succeed, you must move beyond ambition and embrace rigorous due diligence. The complexity of international exports including differences in market demand, competitive landscapes, trade regulations, and logistics demands a thoughtful strategy.

A study from McKinsey highlights that companies with structured export strategies achieve up to 2.3 times higher revenue growth than those that expand reactively. For businesses in the food industry, this is even more critical; a 2025 Reuters report found that 50% of food businesses fail in their first international venture without proper assessment.

Key Steps in Assessing Viability

Conduct a Thorough Market and Consumer Analysis

You must first determine if a sustainable demand exists for your product in the target region. This goes beyond a simple check; it requires a deep dive into local preferences and trends.

• Evaluate Market Demand: Use trade databases and market research tools to identify whether the target region already imports products in your category. For example, the Asia-Pacific food market is projected to grow at a 6.5% CAGR through 2030, driven by demand for premium products (Bloomberg, 2025), which signals a strong opportunity for food exporters.
• Review the Competitive Landscape: Who are the key players in the target market, both local and international? Can you offer a unique value proposition that differentiates you? A McKinsey report notes that benchmarking against local competitors can improve your market entry success by 15%.
• Study Consumer Preferences: Consumer values vary significantly by region. A PwC study found that 60% of EU consumers prioritise organic or sustainable products. Businesses that Customised offerings to these local preferences can improve their success rates by up to 40%, according to BCG.

Assess Regulatory and Compliance Requirements

Every country has its own set of rules, and non-compliance can be a major roadblock. This is a non-negotiable step in assessing international product export viability.

• Understand Food Safety Laws: For food businesses, this is paramount. Compliance with regulations like the EU’s FSMA reduces legal risks by 20% (Deloitte, 2025).
• Secure Necessary Certifications: Certifications like organic, fair trade, or specific regional quality marks can boost market acceptance by 18%, as Statista found in 2025.
• Account for Tariffs and Duties: High tariffs can significantly reduce profit margins by 10-15% (PwC, 2025), so you must factor these into your financial projections from the start.

Analyse Logistics and Supply Chain Feasibility

A seamless supply chain is essential for successful international exports. You need to ensure your products can reach their destination efficiently and cost-effectively.

• Calculate Shipping Costs: International shipping can account for up to 15% of your total export costs (BCG, 2025). Get quotes from reliable logistics providers early on.
• Assess Cold Chain Needs: If you handle perishable goods, you must evaluate whether your products can survive the journey. Proper refrigeration can reduce waste by 12% (Statista, 2025).
• Partner with Reliable Providers: A case study of Greggs’ US expansion showed that by partnering with efficient shipping providers, the company achieved a 10% cost saving on logistics, ensuring their products arrived fresh (Bloomberg, 2024).

Evaluate Financial Viability

Ultimately, the numbers must add up. Assessing international product export viability requires a meticulous financial model that accounts for all costs and potential risks.

• Estimate ROI: Be realistic about your return on investment. According to Deloitte, successful food exports can yield a 15-20% ROI within three years.
• Account for All Costs: Go beyond production and shipping. Factor in market research, legal fees, product localisation, and marketing costs. A Reuters report from 2025 noted that initial export investments for SMEs average £50,000, a figure that requires careful budgeting.
• Stress-Test Your Projections: Run scenarios for currency fluctuations and unexpected delays. This helps you build a more resilient financial plan.

Expert Insight

“Businesses often underestimate the complexity of entering international markets. Assessing international product export viability requires balancing ambition with rigorous due diligence,” says a senior consultant at LawCrust Global Consulting. “A holistic risk-reward analysis is non-negotiable for anyone serious about global success.”

The Future of International Exports

The landscape for international exports is constantly evolving, driven by technology and changing consumer values.

• Digital Trade Platforms: Online B2B marketplaces will democratise exporting, lowering entry barriers for SMEs and making up 25% of food exports by 2030 (Bloomberg, 2025).
• AI and Analytics: AI will enhance market selection accuracy by 30% by 2030 (McKinsey, 2025), providing a deeper, more accurate understanding of new geographies.
• Sustainability as a Core Strategy: As consumers become more eco-conscious, products that meet sustainability standards will have a significant competitive advantage. 70% of global consumers will prioritise eco-friendly products by 2028 (Statista, 2025).

Actionable Takeaways

• Conduct deep market research and a feasibility study to identify real opportunities.
• Prepare compliance strategies early to avoid legal and regulatory setbacks.
• Build a flexible supply chain that can handle the complexities of international exports.
• Adjust your products for cultural and regional preferences.
• Stress-test your financial projections against global risks.

Conclusion

Expanding globally is a high-potential move, but it all begins with assessing international product export viability. By taking a structured, methodical approach, you can reduce risks, optimise resources, and confidently capture growth opportunities in a competitive world. Leaders who lay this groundwork today will be the ones who thrive in the global markets of tomorrow.

About LawCrust

LawCrust Global Consulting Ltd. delivers cutting-edge Hybrid Consulting Solutions in Management, Finance, Technology, and Legal Consulting to ambitious businesses worldwide. Recognised for our cross-functional expertise and hybrid consulting approach, we empower startups, SMEs, and enterprises to scale efficiently, innovate boldly, and navigate complexity with confidence. Our services span key areas such as Investment Banking, Fundraising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Placement, and Debt Restructuring & Transformation, positioning us as a strategic partner for growth and resilience. With an integrated consulting model, fixed-cost engagements, and a virtual delivery framework, we make business transformation accessible, agile, and impactful.

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