Updated December 2022

Walk into any store (online or in-person), and chances are, you'll find products from all over the world.

Whether you're looking at food, clothing, car parts, or electronics, many of the things we buy here in Canada were brought in from foreign markets, by import/export specialists.

Globalization and international transportation networks have made it easier than ever to move products across borders and overseas.

The import/export business in Canada is worth billions of dollars annually. And the latest data from the Government of Canada Job Bank shows steady-to-good demand for import/export professionals across the country. Every province (except PEI) gets at least three out of five stars for employment outlook in this field.

If you've noticed opportunities in this sector and are considering starting your own import/export career, what should you know about breaking into the business?

Here's a look at your employment options, and available training programs, in the field of international commerce.

Updated December 2022

Import/export clerks play a key role in managing the movement of products to and from foreign countries. They work for air, sea, and road shipping companies, retail businesses, and industrial companies.

They're also employed by export management companies who help other enterprises sell goods abroad.

Any organization that buys products from overseas, or wants to sell goods in foreign markets, needs the help of an import/export clerk to coordinate the shipping and delivery process.

Products may include everything from clothing and electronics, to cement and other raw materials. The marketplace is truly vast.

Precisely what role does an import/export clerk play within the sphere of international commerce? What's it like to work in this field?

Updated December 2022

Imagine navigating in the dark without GPS, booking a hotel without first checking reviews, or making a major purchase without comparing prices or product features. You might get lucky, but it's far more likely that you'll end up lost, disappointed, and way over budget!

Every day, we use advance planning and research tools to get the best deals, avoid financial risk, and make smarter consumer decisions.  

Similarly, for import/export companies, the research process is absolutely crucial for making informed business decisions within the global marketplace.

Without international trade research, importer/exporters operate in the dark, taking enormous risks and ignoring the many variables that can undermine their business.