If your business has ever shipped a product beyond U.S. borders—or even thought about it—you already know international trade can feel like navigating a maze with shifting walls. Regulations change. Tariffs fluctuate. Supply chain issues pop up without warning. And then there’s the red tape. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to get lost in it all. That’s where international trade monitoring comes in—and why it’s not just smart business, it’s essential business.
What Is International Trade Monitoring?
At its core, trade monitoring means keeping a close eye on everything that affects how goods move between countries. We’re talking about:
- Import/export regulations
- Tariffs and duties
- Trade agreements
- Sanctions and embargoes
- Customs documentation
- Currency fluctuations
- Logistics and shipping trends
Monitoring these elements helps businesses stay compliant, avoid costly fines, and identify new market opportunities. It also allows you to act quickly when geopolitical or economic changes affect your supply chain. Because let’s face it—global trade is more volatile than it used to be. In just the last few years, we’ve seen sudden tariff wars, pandemic-related port closures, ongoing supply chain disruptions, shifting trade alliances, and an increased enforcement of export control laws.
Businesses that weren’t paying attention often found themselves scrambling. But those with solid monitoring systems in place? They adapted faster, stayed compliant, and often came out ahead.
Think of trade monitoring like having radar on a ship. You might not avoid every storm, but you’ll see it coming—and steer clear of the worst of it.
How to Monitor Trade
So how do you actually do this monitoring? You don’t need a huge team or a government-sized budget. Here are some practical ways to stay on top of your export strategy:
- Use Trade Management Software
Tools like SAP Global Trade Services, Descartes, or even smaller platforms like Shipping Solutions can automate much of the tracking and compliance work for you. These tools monitor changes in tariffs, export controls, and denied party lists.
- Subscribe to Government and Industry Updates
Agencies like the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the International Trade Administration (ITA) publish regular updates on regulations, enforcement actions, and export compliance news. Set up email alerts or RSS feeds.
- Follow Economic and Political News
International trade is influenced heavily by geopolitics. Sanctions, embargoes, and new trade agreements often come from shifting political tides. Set Google Alerts for key trade partners or emerging markets you’re interested in.
- Partner with a Trade Compliance Expert
For small and medium-sized businesses, hiring a part-time consultant or trade compliance expert can provide peace of mind. These professionals stay on top of shifting regulations so you don’t have to.
- Educate Your Team
Internal training goes a long way. Make sure your logistics, finance, and sales teams understand the basics of trade compliance. Even one mistake in documentation can delay shipments or result in fines.
North Dakota Exporters
Now, if you’re based in North Dakota, you might be thinking: Do I really need to worry about all this?
Absolutely. In fact, international trade remains a growing part of North Dakota’s economy. Our state exports billions worth of goods annually, including agricultural products and machinery, mineral fuels and oil, and processed foods.
Canada and Mexico are our top partners, but emerging markets in Asia and Europe are also gaining traction. That means North Dakota businesses need to think beyond our borders and plan strategically.
Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Leverage State Resources
The North Dakota Trade Office (NDTO) is your most powerful ally. We offer market research, export assistance programs, international business training, grant and reimbursement programs, and much, much more. Whether you’re exploring new markets or dealing with customs headaches, you can count on us to ease the burden.
- Watch Ag-Specific Trade Issues
Agricultural exports are particularly sensitive to international trade policy. Sanitary and phytosanitary rules, changing EU regulations, and biotech labeling requirements can complicate things. Stay in the loop on trade agreements affecting agriculture.
- Use Free Trade Zones and FTAs
North Dakota companies can benefit from Free Trade Agreements like USMCA (formerly NAFTA), which simplifies exports to Canada and Mexico. It reduces tariffs and streamlines documentation, but only if you meet the requirements and keep good records.
- Be Prepared for Weather-Related Delays
You know it, we know it… ND winters can wreak havoc on shipping. Monitoring weather impacts on transport routes—especially if you rely on rail or cross-border trucking—is part of smart trade monitoring.
Whether you’re exporting grain from Grand Forks, heavy machinery from Fargo, or biotech from Bismarck, trade monitoring isn’t just for the big players. It’s for anyone who wants to stay competitive, compliant, and profitable in a global economy that never stops changing.
You don’t need to do everything at once. Start small. Set up alerts. Explore the tools. Talk to the NDTO. With the right monitoring habits in place, you’ll make better decisions, avoid nasty surprises, and find new paths to grow.
After all, international trade shouldn’t be a gamble—it should be a strategy.