The Treasurer’s Guide to Trade Finance

United States of America

Trade information

Key trading partners

Imports by origin

China 18.4%

EU 16.6%

Canada 14.1%

Mexico 11.7%

Japan 5.9%

Other 33.3%

Source: WTO, September 2012

Exports by destination

Canada 19.0%

EU 18.2%

Mexico 13.4%

China 7.0%

Japan 4.5%

Other 37.9%

USA imports exports

Bank accounts

ƒ Resident companies can hold local currency
(USD) bank accounts outside the USA.

ƒ Resident companies can hold foreign
currency bank accounts within and outside
the USA. However, foreign currency accounts
are not widely available in the USA.

ƒ Non-resident companies can hold local

currency bank accounts within and outside

the USA.

ƒ Non-resident companies can hold foreign

currency bank accounts in the USA.

Principal exports

Transistors, aircraft, motor vehicle and parts,
computers, telecommunications and defence
equipment, organic chemicals, cars, medicines
and grains.

Import/Export Documentation

ƒ Commercial invoice (with complete
description of goods to be imported),
customs declaration, bill of lading, packing
list and, sometimes, a certificate of origin
and consular invoice.

Licences

Imports

ƒ Animals and animal products, plants,

alcoholic beverages, fruits, vegetables, meat

and dairy products.

ƒ Licences with quotas: textiles, clothing,

tobacco, wheat, animal feed and sugar-

based products.

Exports

ƒ Livestock, poultry, dairy products, software

and technology.

ƒ Exports of ammunition for military use

require a licence issued by the Office of

Defence Trade Controls in the Department

of State.