Trade Atlas

Trade Atlas: A Practical and Detailed Guide for Small Exporters

A complete and actionable blog, especially written for small exporters.

Chapter 1 – Introduction

🌍 What is Trade Atlas?

Trade Atlas is a global trade database designed to increase transparency between importers and exporters across the world. It is a commercial intelligence tool that provides access to international shipment data and customs records, helping businesspeople discover new buyers, markets, and global opportunities.

🏢 Who Created It?

Trade Atlas was developed by the U.S.-based company Trade Atlas LLC. Its purpose is to make international trade more digital, transparent, and data-driven so import-export decisions can be made more intelligently.

❓ Why Was It Created?

Trade Atlas aims to support both small and large exporters by helping them:

• Identify potential buyers

• Analyze competitive suppliers

• Understand market trends

• Make decisions based on real, actionable data

💵 What Is the Annual Fee?

Trade Atlas is a premium service. Subscription prices vary depending on the user’s needs and data access level, typically:

• Basic Plan: $1200 – $1500/year

• Professional Plan: $3000+/year

🆓 Can It Be Used for Free?

Yes, Trade Atlas offers a Free Preview on its website where users can:

• Conduct limited searches for importers/exporters

• View a few shipment records

• Access basic company information

Full access requires a paid subscription.

🔍 What Can You Search on Trade Atlas?

Trade Atlas offers multiple types of search:

Product-Based Search – Which country is importing a specific product? Company-Based Search – Where has a specific buyer sourced from before? HS Code Search – Shipment data based on specific Harmonized System codes Country-Wise Importers – Who is buying what, and from whom? Competitor Tracking – Where are your competitor companies exporting to? Buyer History – What has a buyer purchased and how often?

🚀 How Can Small Exporters Benefit from Trade Atlas?

1. Find New Buyers

Trade Atlas shows you real global buyers who have already imported products like yours.

Example: If you manufacture surgical instruments, you can identify buyers in Germany or Brazil who purchased such items last year.

2. Competitor Analysis

See where fellow Pakistani exporters are shipping to and discover new or untapped markets.

3. Price Estimation

Estimate unit prices using shipment data to confidently set your own pricing.

4. Build a Market Entry Plan

Use Trade Atlas data to prepare a targeted market entry strategy.

5. Direct Contact with Buyers

In many cases, buyer addresses or emails are available, allowing you to reach out directly — without a middleman.

📈 Conclusion

Trade Atlas is a powerful tool that, if used wisely, can transform the destiny of a small exporter. If you wish to grow your business digitally, data-driven, and globally, then Trade Atlas is one of the smartest investments you can make.

📢 Hashtags

#TradeAtlas #ExportMarketing #SmallExporters #FindBuyers #MarketResearch #DigitalTrade #ExportGrowth #PakistaniExporters #TradeData #TradeAtlasUrdu

Chapter 2 – FAQs and Functional Insights

❓ 1. Can We See Exporters from Other Countries?

✅ Yes. You can see which countries are exporting specific products (like surgical tools) and where they’re shipping them.

Example: You can identify which company in the U.S. is importing from India or China.

📦 2. Can We See Who They Are Exporting To?

✅ Yes. Trade Atlas shipment data includes:

• Importer’s Name

• Country and Port of Destination

• Consignee Name

• Buyer’s Address (if available)

🕒 3. Can We See Shipment Dates?

🔸 Available Information:

• Shipment Date – When the goods were dispatched

• Arrival Date – Sometimes available, but usually only Departure Date and Port of Discharge are shown

❌ Trade Atlas does not usually show Delivery Confirmation, as that is under customs or the shipping company’s control.

🧾 4. Can We View the Invoice?

🔸 Partially Available:

Trade Atlas typically includes:

• Declared Value

• Quantity

• Weight

• Unit Price

However, original PDF invoices are not usually available.

👉 But you can estimate a proforma invoice, such as:

Quantity: 500 pcs

Unit Price: $2.50

Total Value: $1250

🔍 5. Can We See Exporters’ Suppliers?

🔸 Limited Access:

Trade Atlas mainly provides data on the shipper (exporter) and consignee (importer). Supplier details are generally not available unless it’s a re-export or third-party transaction.

🧠 Important to Understand

Trade Atlas is based on customs shipment data—only the information filed with customs is available.

Data Type

Availability

Exporter Name

✅ Yes

Importer Name

✅ Yes

Product, HS Code, Weight

✅ Yes

Shipment Dates

✅ Yes

Ports (Origin/Destination)

✅ Yes

Invoice Data (As Values)

🔶 Partial

Supplier Details

❌ No (generally)

Delivery Confirmation

❌ No

📌 Key Takeaway

From Trade Atlas, you can learn:

• Where your competitors are exporting

• Who they are selling to

• What quantities and prices are being traded

• How to contact the buyers directly

Chapter 3 – HS Code for Hand Tools: 8203.20

🔧 HS Code: 8203.20 – Pliers and Similar Tools

Description:

• Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches, and similar hand tools.

📚 What Can You Search with This Code?

Which countries are importing pliers? Which Pakistani or international exporters are shipping them? Who are the buyers and where are they located? Shipment quantity, unit price, and dates Competitor analysis New buyer identification

🔍 Sample Trade Atlas Report – Pliers (HS Code 8203.20)

Shipment Details:

Product: Pliers HS Code: 8203.20 Exporting Country: Pakistan Importing Country: USA Exporter: XYZ Tools (Sialkot, Pakistan) Importer: TOOL MASTER LLC (Houston, TX, USA) Shipment Date: 15 March 2025 Port of Loading: Karachi Port Port of Discharge: Houston Port Quantity: 1,200 pcs Gross Weight: 780 kg Unit Price: $2.65 Total Value: $3,180 Shipping Line: MSC Container Type: LCL (Less than Container Load)

🧠 What Can a Small Exporter Learn from This Data?

✅ Identify Buyers:

Reach out to importers like TOOL MASTER LLC directly.

✅ Analyze Pricing:

Know what your competitors are charging and optimize your pricing.

✅ Market Entry Strategy:

Study which countries and ports are receiving shipments and contact distributors.

✅ Understand the Competition:

What are suppliers like XYZ Tools exporting, at what price, and to which markets?

🌍 Other Countries Importing Pliers (via Trade Atlas)

Country

Buyer Company

Past Shipments

Avg. Unit Price

Germany

ProTools GmbH

$3.10

Brazil

FERRAMENTAS Importadora

$2.85

Saudi Arabia

Al Qudrah Tools

$2.70

South Africa

ToolMart Africa

$2.90

📤 Action Steps for Exporters

Search Trade Atlas using HS Code 8203.20 Note down buyer information in Excel Contact them via email or LinkedIn Keep your prices competitive Send brochures and product samples Follow up regularly

📧 Sample Export Marketing Email

Subject: High-Quality Pliers from Pakistan – New Supply Opportunity

Dear [Buyer Name],

I hope this email finds you well.

We are a specialized manufacturer and exporter of high-quality hand tools, especially pliers (HS Code: 8203.20), based in Sialkot, Pakistan. We noticed your recent imports of pliers and believe we can offer you competitive prices with consistent quality.

We are already supplying to several international clients and would be delighted to share our product catalog and offer free samples upon request.

Please let us know if you are currently open to new suppliers.

Looking forward to your kind response.

Warm regards,

Fizan Akbar

Managing Partner – Bristal Enterprises

Chairman SME/Training Committee – Sialkot Chamber of Commerce