Trading with the United States can be a successful opportunity, but it can also be very costly if done hastily. When starting out, it is absolutely imperative that you have a local representative in the United States who can properly obtain and file for all appropriate documentation required by the US government.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) advisory statement
As of 12 January 2009, the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is now required by the US Department of Homeland Security for citizens of Visa Waiver Programs (including Australia) before entering the USA. Further information is available.

Fortunately, trade between these two allied countries is a lot easier than trading with many other countries. The United States even has their own special visa for Australians called the E-3 visa which allows you entry into the country at all times.

In addition, the AUSFTA, or Australian-United States Free Trade Agreement ratified in 2005, means that Australian businesses have unlimited access to American resources.

Here are some useful resources when choosing to export to the United States:
• American Embassy
• Shipping/Logistics Contractors
• Australian government officials
• Australian Trade Commission – www.austrade.com.au

The United States is Australia's second largest export destination. Here are the statistics from the Department of Foreign Affairs:

Major Australian exports to USA (2007-08):
 Beef – A$949 million
 Crude petroleum – A$842 million
 Alcoholic beverages – A$737 million
 Passenger motor vehicles– A$678 million

Major Australian imports from USA (2007-08):
 Aircraft, spacecraft and parts – A$2,110 million
 Civil engineering equipment and parts – A$1,145 million
 Passenger motor vehicles – A$930 million
 Measuring and analysing instruments – A$902 million

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