How to find buyers in the USA for your product
A step-by-step way for small exporters to find US companies that already import their product, using US Customs records.
Start from who already imports, not who might
- Why a company already importing your product is a warmer lead than a directory listing.
- What US Customs import manifests record, and what they do not (no HS code, no contacts).
Find your HS code
- Link to the HS code guide.
- Why four digits (the heading) is the right level to search.
Build and filter the list
- Searching by HS code and keyword; filtering by state and port of entry.
- Reading shipment counts: a frequent importer versus a one-off.
- Why freight forwarders are removed from a buyer list.
From a company name to a conversation
- Finding the buying or sourcing team from the company name and address.
- Link to the guide on emailing a US importer.