40 Money-Making Export Business Ideas
Interested to start an export business but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and build an innovative product/service in this line of work.
If you're looking to start your own export business, there are several low-investment options you can choose from.
We put a list together below of the most profitable export business ideas you can start today!
Here they are:
1. Start an amazon business
Looking for a lucrative way to leverage the power of ecommerce? Consider starting an Amazon business. An Amazon business allows you to sell products directly on the world’s largest online marketplace.
You'll need to source or create products to sell, manage inventory, and handle customer service. It's not just a plug-and-play operation—meticulous product research and competitive pricing strategies are essential to stand out.
Amazon offers programs like FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), which handles storage, shipping, and even customer returns, allowing you to scale with less hassle. The upfront work involves choosing products that meet market demand, optimizing listings with compelling content, and preparing for logistics.
Intrigued by the potential? An Amazon business offers a substantial opportunity to generate income with access to a global customer base. If properly managed, it’s a business model that could transform your financial future.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Felony Case, a Toronto-based company designing unique iPhone cases, started as a small shop on Etsy and has grown to become an internationally recognized fashion iPhone case brand sold in top tier retailers like Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew, Indigo, Urban Outfitters, Revolve, Free People, and made over half a million dollars in revenue last year.
2. Start a dropshipping business
Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products to customers without holding inventory.
Instead, when a customer makes a purchase, you buy the product from a third-party supplier, who then ships it directly to the customer.
To start a dropshipping business on a budget, choose a niche or category of products you want to sell.
Next, set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Then, find reliable suppliers from platforms like AliExpress, list their products on your store, and focus on marketing and customer service to grow your business.
Remember to carefully manage your expenses and monitor your profit margins to ensure profitability.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
3. Start a clothing exports business
Thinking about breaking into the global market? Starting a clothing export business could be your pathway. Simply put, this business revolves around sourcing apparel from local manufacturers and selling it to international buyers.
The concept is straightforward, but it carries plenty of promise. The fashion industry is vast and always in demand, and by tapping into it, you expose yourself to a global customer base. You’ll be engaging with manufacturers, navigating logistics, and adhering to international regulations—all of which require diligence and strategy.
While the work entails a meticulous understanding of sourcing, quality control, and shipping logistics, the potential for growth and significant profit margins is compelling. A clothing export business provides the opportunity to build a brand recognized worldwide, making this an enticing venture for the ambitious entrepreneur.
How much you can make: $1,333,333/month
NG Apparels is a garment export unit based in Ludhiana that caters to the clothing segments worldwide, boasting a turnover of $1,581,547 without loans or credit card limits.
4. Start a timber exportation business
5. Start a meat exports business
6. Start an export brokerage business
7. Start a rice exports business
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
8. Start a beauty products exports business
Are you passionate about beauty products and intrigued by global markets? Starting a beauty products export business could be your next venture. This business involves sourcing high-quality beauty products and distributing them to international markets where demand is burgeoning.
You'll need to establish relationships with reliable suppliers and navigate international trade regulations. Market research will be crucial to understand preferences and trends in your target regions. This requires a keen eye on logistics and impeccable packaging to ensure product safety during transit.
Diversifying your product line to include skincare, cosmetics, and organic options can capture various market segments. By leveraging social media and e-commerce platforms, you can create a compelling brand story that resonates globally. An export business in beauty products is not just about selling items; it’s about connecting global consumers with products that elevate their personal care.
9. Start a construction exports business
10. Start a tech accessories exports business
11. Start a custom brokerage business
12. Start a coal exports business
13. Start an used product exports business
14. Start a seafood exportation business
15. Start an electric equipment exports business
16. Start a smatphone exports business
17. Start an agro-products exportation business
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
18. Start a vehicle exports business
The vehicle exports business is a potentially lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs with a passion for the automotive industry and a desire to work internationally. This business involves purchasing vehicles from domestic manufacturers or dealerships and exporting them to foreign markets.
To run a successful vehicle export business, you must understand the global automotive market and the regulations and requirements for exporting vehicles to different countries. You will also need to establish relationships with manufacturers and dealerships to source your vehicles and with shipping companies to transport them overseas.
The benefits of running a vehicle exports business include the potential for high profits, as vehicles can often be purchased at a lower price domestically and sold for a higher price in a foreign market. Additionally, the global demand for vehicles is consistently high, providing a steady stream of potential customers.
Overall, the vehicle exports business is a challenging but rewarding venture for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to research and understand the global automotive market. With the proper knowledge and connections, this business can offer a fulfilling career in the exciting world of international trade.
How much you can make: $2,300,000/month
Learn how one entrepreneur, without a college degree, built a vehicle exporting business from his bedroom to $26 million in gross sales his first year and went on to net an impressive $2.3M per month through agile team management, technology integration, and cultivating relationships with global auto dealers and brokers.
19. Start a cashew nut exportation business
Consider cashew nuts if you are considering venturing into a nuts production business. Cashew nuts feature many health benefits, making them a popular edible snack.
According to recent statistics, global production of cashew nuts ranges between 720 and 790 thousand metric tons annually.
To state cashew nuts exportation business, research the global market and target the highest cashew nut consuming countries.
20. Start an engineering exports business
21. Start a computer exports business
A computer export business involves selling computers and related products to international markets.
To start this business, first, research and identify reliable computer suppliers or manufacturers.
Then, establish an export plan, considering shipping logistics, regulations, and potential markets.
Finally, create an online platform to showcase your products, build relationships with international buyers, and gradually expand your business globally.
22. Start a leather goods exportation business
In a world full of mass-produced goods, a leather goods exportation business offers a unique opportunity to stand out.
This business involves sourcing high-quality leather products and exporting them to international markets hungry for craftsmanship and durability. Picture yourself curating a selection of exquisite leather goods—from handbags to belts and wallets—each with its own story of meticulous artisanship.
You'll need to establish relationships with reliable suppliers and understand global trade regulations. It's a venture suited for those with an eye for quality and a knack for navigating supply chains and export documents.
This business offers not just profit but also the satisfaction of promoting skilled craftsmanship on a global stage, making it a compelling option for aspiring entrepreneurs.
How much you can make: $100,000/month
American Bench Craft, a Veteran-owned leather goods manufacturer, shares their success story, with an annual revenue of over $1 million, due to their unique designs, sustainable sourcing, and reliable American craftsmanship, as well as their use of Klaviyo and local PR for marketing, and their focus on direct-to-consumer sales and corporate gifts.
23. Start a paper exports business
24. Start a plastic exports business
25. Start a collectible exports business
26. Start a machinery exports business
Hundreds of manufacturers are looking for platforms where they can buy the latest machinery in a hassle-free manner. Whether you are assembling machinery or an entrepreneur interested in starting your machinery exports, an online business can be a profitable venture.
You can start a new or used machinery business and sell the equipment at the best price, such that you are maximizing the profit margins.
How much you can make: $142,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 65 days (?)
Machinery Partner's founder Ciaran made almost $500k in machinery sales last month targeting small to medium-sized contracting businesses in the US and aims to become the go-to digital dealership for heavy equipment, with its standout quality being accessible remotely, delivered directly from manufacturers.
27. Start an auto parts exports business
Looking to tap into the global market for automotive parts? Consider starting an auto parts exports business. This venture centers around sourcing and shipping high-demand car components to markets where they're needed most.
The auto parts industry has a vast range of products, from engines and transmissions to smaller items like filters and brake pads. By identifying key markets and forming relationships with reliable suppliers, you can carve out a lucrative niche.
Running an auto parts exports business demands a keen eye on logistics, customs regulations, and quality control. The work involved includes researching market trends, negotiating with suppliers, and managing shipping processes.
However, the payoff can be significant. The growing global car market means there’s continual demand for parts, offering steady business opportunities. This idea appeals to those interested in international trade and the intricacies of the automotive industry.
How much you can make: $45,000 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Panther RV Products generates an average monthly revenue of $400K by selling a variety of campervan parts to outdoor enthusiasts and small businesses outfitting cargo vans, with a focus on hard-to-find parts for campervans, while providing technical knowledge to customers that their competitors lack and using Google Ads and SEO to drive sales, and the company has plans to start manufacturing their own products for campervan customers.
28. Start a beverages exportation business
How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)
29. Start a chemical exports business
30. Start a home goods exports business
31. Start an art exports business
32. Start a gem exports business
33. Start an export insurance service business
34. Start an animal feed exports business
The animal feed export industry involves the production and distribution of nutritious food for livestock, namely cattle, poultry, and pigs, to markets outside the country of origin.
The process entails the formulation of feeds that cater to the specific nutritional requirements of different animals.
In this industry, entrepreneurs source high-quality raw materials, manufacture the feed, and then export the final products to countries where there is a demand for quality animal nutrition.
This business opportunity is highly lucrative due to the increasing global demand for meat and dairy products.
The growing demand is driving the need for efficient and high-quality animal feed to support the rapid expansion of the livestock industry.
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
35. Start an export directory business
Publishing an electronic copy of export businesses can make you rich. Millions of entrepreneurs globally are looking for income and business opportunities through online directories.
You can start by creating a simple import/export directory that features information about global manufacturers, wholesalers, and agents seeking to expand their product lines.
36. Start a packaged food exports business
37. Start a pharmaceutical exports business
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
38. Start a medical equipment exports business
39. Start a livestock exports business
40. Start a metal exports business
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
