10 Highly Profitable Import/Export Business Ideas

Thinking of starting up your own import/export business? It's a highly profitable venture when you go at it in the right way. One of the most important thing you need to do is find a business idea that works in this sector. Whether you're dealing with bulk liquid transportation directly, or acting as an agent, there will be a niche you can carve out in this sector. Here are some ideas for you to get started. 

1. Import/Export Sourcing Agent

This is a very good way to get started in the industry, as you don't need to have a supplier or buyers yourself to do this. As a sourcing agent, you'll be acting as the go between for other companies. You'll help them find a product, supplier or buyer for their business, and be paid a one time fee for doing so. 

You don't need a lot of experience to get started, and that work you do helping bulk liquid transportation companies find the right supplier will be highly useful to you, once you decide to branch out. 

2. Import/Export Broker

Here's another role where you will be a middle man, and be able to use the knowledge you gain here to succeed elsewhere. You'll be a 'matchmaker', helping companies find each other. For example, if you're working with bulk liquid food grade transportation company, you'll help them find buyers for their product. You'll get a percentage of the final value of the shipment as commission. 

3. Direct Exporting

This idea is one of the most risky out there, but it's one that can make you the most money if you know how to go about it. This works best if you can export something cheaply from your country, and sell it at a profit elsewhere. Research what's in demand from your area, and which countries are buying it. That way, you can get started in export. 

3. Direct Importing

This is a similar idea, just the other way around. This is considered to be easier than exporting, as you already have an idea about what people want in your home country. Again, you'll need to do your research to see which countries have a demand for the product you have, but this can be very lucrative.

4. Dropshipping

This is a newer form of import/export that doesn't mean you have to deal with physical stock yourself. If you don't want to think about handling your own bulk liquid transportation or crates, this could be for you. 

Essentially you'll be handling the marketing and selling of products online. Once an order comes in you forward it to the supplier, who package and send it to the buyer. That way, you never have to handle the actual stock yourself. 

5. Warehouse Rental

Here's another option where you don't actually have to be involved in importing/exporting yourself, but still make money from the industry. There are plenty of bulk liquid transportation companies that need warehouse space. If you have property near a port, airport or railway, then you can rent it out to them. It gives you good ROI and you can build your company from there. 

6. Online Exporting

Rather than going for bulk export shipping, such as bulk liquid food grade transportation, you have the option of online exporting. You can create an account on popular shopping sites like Amazon, and buy in stock that matches current trends. Anything small and light that can be shipped by air will work well this way. 

7. Freight Forwarding

This is a good option for those that have experience in logistics, as you can bring that to other bulk liquid transportation companies with freight forwarding services. This means you'll help organize bulk liquid food grade transportation, and get the best prices for these companies in the process. There's no handling stock yourself, as you're simply trading on your knowledge of logistics. 

8. Custom Warehousing

This is another good idea for anyone who has property near transport links, and wants to make money on it. You can rent out your warehouse space for any containers that have come to the border, and need to be inspected. These are strictly controlled by customs authorities, and you will need a license in order to offer this service to bulk liquid transportation companies. 

9. Export/Import Directory

Here's another online service you can offer in the import/export field. You'll be creating an online directory of of companies who are exporting or importing. You make money by charging companies a one off fee to be listed on it. You'll need to promote the directory, as the more people who are listed on it, the more valuable it will be to them. 

10. Road Transport Provider

Finally, this is an idea that does require some free cash to get off the ground, but is very profitable. If you're able to, you can buy trucks and lorries and have them available to export and import companies, to help them with their bulk liquid transportation.

These companies don't often have their own transport, so you can make money by hiring out drivers and trucks to help them ship their goods.  

With all these ideas, you can see there's lots of ways you can get into the import/export industry. You don't need to have a lot to get started, so you can get going right away and make a name for yourself in the industry.