How to become an Importer and Exporter

Duties & Tasks of an Importer and Exporter

Importers and exporters:

• Supervise and coordinate the marketing activities of overseas distributors/agents and assist with administrative, sales and marketing functions
• Investigate and assess overseas demand for goods produced in Australia or local demand for goods produced overseas
• Research and comply with legal requirements affecting import and export of goods to and from Australia
• Discuss orders and arrange for the production of goods with suppliers and distributors/agents
• Arrange the shipment of goods, ensuring that all customs barrier control procedures and other documentation requirements are satisfied
• Arrange payment for goods, ensuring these payments meet financial regulations in Australia and overseas
• Liaise with freight forwarders and customs brokers, who make freight and space bookings with airline or shipping companies and arrange for the movement of cargo from airports and wharves
• Monitor the performance of the business and prepare financial statements, and report on import/export operations
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with end buyers/sellers and with distributors and agents
• Ensure product intellectual property (brand name, design or patents) is registered and protected in the countries where they are sold.

Tasks

• Liaises with local and overseas suppliers and distributors about orders and products.
• Monitors business performance and prepares the estimates, financial statements and reports of operations.
• Researches regulatory and statutory requirements affecting the importing, exporting, wholesaling and distribution of goods.
• Determines the mix of products and services to be provided and negotiates conditions of trade.
• Develops and implements business plans, as well as the policies and procedures for marketing, operating, human resource, pricing and credit.
• Identifies local and overseas business opportunities.

Employment Opportunities for an Importer and Exporter

Importers and exporters are mainly self-employed in small businesses, although some may work for larger companies. Staff with specialist import/export knowledge and skills are also employed by banks and government departments. People with relevant formal qualifications may have greater opportunity for employment. New entrants usually commence in the distribution or sales area of the firm. Training varies according to the size of the firm and the products traded. Most people need five years of experience in less complex areas such as distribution or sales in order to develop basic knowledge and skills.

Specializations

Import/Export (Administration) Manager

An import/export (administration) manager is usually based in the company's head office. Their main role is to supervise the receipt, recording and progress of import/export orders through the company in an efficient manner. This involves liaising with company departments, customers and external organisations.

Import/Export (Distribution) Manager

An import/export (distribution) manager coordinates the movement of goods in and out of the country, ensures compliance with customs barrier control matters, and negotiates freight rates and delivery schedules.

Import/Export (Sales/Marketing) Manager

An import/export (sales/marketing) manager travels overseas to obtain orders or source supplies from overseas customers, attends trade shows and exhibitions, and demonstrates products or acquires product knowledge.

Importer and Exporter

Importers and exporters sell and buy goods, such as raw materials, foodstuffs and manufactured goods, produced in Australia for export to overseas markets, or procure products made overseas for import to Australian markets.

• 

  Average age

  48

• 

  Future Growth

  N/A

• 

  Gender Share

  35% female

• 

  Average full-time

  44 hours

• 

  Weekly Pay

  N/A

• 

  Skill level rating

  Very high skill

• 

  Unemployment

  Lower unemployment

• 

  Full-Time Share

  67%

• 

  Employment Size

  3,200

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  Employment by state

  ACT: 0.7%
  NSW: 36.8%
  NT: 0.1%
  QLD: 15.7%
  SA: 5.4%
  TAS: 0.6%
  VIC: 33.5%
  WA: 7.0%
  
• 

  Age brackets

  15-19: 0.2%
  20-24: 2.4%
  25-34: 19.4%
  35-44: 24.5%
  45-54: 25.7%
  55-59: 9.6%
  60-64: 8.4%
  65 and Over: 9.9%
  
• 

  Education level

  Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 12.2%
  Bachelor degree: 28.1%
  Certificate III/IV: 9.7%
  Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 13.6%
  Year 10 and below: 9.1%
  Year 11: 3.6%
  Year 12: 23.7%