The United States has established itself as the main export destination for Spanish companies outside the European Union

According to a report from DHL Express

The North American market represents 19,5% of the number of exports to the 10 main destination countries of Spanish companies.

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United States It remains the main economic power in the world, with a market of more than 330 million consumers and an average per capita income that in 2022 exceeded $76.000 and continues to increase. The flexibility of its markets and private consumption thatIt represents 70% of GDP on the spending side turn the country into a great opportunity for companies that want to export. According to the data of ICEX - Spanish Institute for Foreign TradeAs of June of this year, the United States is ranked as the seventh destination for Spanish exports, behind France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, United Kingdom and Belgium, and generates 19,5% of the number of exports to the 10 main destination countries for Spanish companies.

 

Furthermore, according to the study 'The Spanish company facing a new international scenario', produced by KPMG, Spanish managers almost unanimously opt for the United States (90%) when choosing it as the country with the most attractive for its growth potential. It is a market that consolidated its strategic character and which, in addition, has the temporary stimulus represented by the depreciation of the euro against the dollar.

 

It is in this context that DHL Express has brought together more than 400 Spanish clients in a Webinar in which the company has provided the main keys so that these companies can begin to safely export their products to the United States. A market that generates 30% of the exports managed by DHL Express of Spanish companies with whom he works international trade, and which is largely marked by transactions derived from electronic commerce in an economy in which 25% of Americans usually shop online, on average, once a month.

 

Analyzing the profile of the North American consumer 

 

The United States has an internet penetration that reaches 90% of its population. The sector that sells the most to Americans is fashion, achieving profits of around $91.330 billion. Electronics and technology follow with 84.555 million, being third place for the category of toys, items for various hobbies and DIY, with profits of 65.544 million dollars. The average per capita spending of Americans is 3.500 dollars annually, about 3.215 euros.

 

Amazon is positioned as the marketplace with the most online retail sales, reaching a market share of 41,4% of the market and standing out above the rest. It follows Walmart with 66% and eBay with 42%. Likewise, 72,3% of Internet users have an account on a social network, so these are a great advertising medium for digital businesses.

 

According to the data shown by DHL Express in the training event for clients, to open the market in the country, it is interesting to know that the 66% of purchases are made through smartphones, so having a website adapted to transactions with this type of device is key to developing a successful e-commerce strategy. Another fundamental point is to understand that responsible consumption is imposed among the American public and already worries 48% of its buyers.

 

64% of online shoppers in the United States prefer home delivery as the most convenient option. And 63% of Americans take delivery speed into account when placing an order, with 77% of buyers willing to pay more for faster shipping.

 

DHL Express has brought together more than 400 Spanish clients in a Webinar in which the company has provided the main keys so that these companies can begin to safely export their products to the United States

 

Main factors to take into account

 

In this sense, as explained Nicolás Mouze, Marketing and Sales Director of DHL Express Spain, it is essential to know the import processes to the United States, since “80% of delays at US customs are directly due to poor descriptions, incomplete information and missing documents. But there are many more factors to take into account. Understanding that there are shared responsibilities between the exporter and importer to facilitate the import process into the United States is key. You must be well advised and have collaborating companies that are experts in international transport".

As he explains Oswaldo Bermeo, Head of Miami Gateway at DHL Express USA, “The obligation of U.S. Customs is to facilitate legitimate trade, collect taxes, and protect the U.S. economy and consumer. In this framework, it is responsible for enforcing 500 different laws from some 47 federal agencies that concern various aspects, from labeling to prohibited products. It is essential that the importer knows and complies with the regulations of each state of the Union."

 

In this context, DHL Express concludes that, as a logistics operator, it is necessary to focus on the following aspects:

 

 Take into account the difference, benefits and challenges of each type of customs clearance.

 

 Understand your buyer well: B2B or B2C and understand that they have different characteristics and challenges under the regulatory framework.

 

 Implement the importer correctly from the first shipment, especially in B2B environments, since they are more long-term relationships.

 

 B2C importers are more transactional in nature, it is essential to assist them and manage expectations beforehand to avoid setbacks and guarantee repeat sales in the future.

 

What logistical aspects must be covered

 

DHL Express experts recommend focusing on the following factors when choosing a partner to export to the United States:

 

 Industry-leading service levels, providing reliable and consistent service.

 

 Guarantee continued flows. In this sense, as an example, more than 97% of DHL shipments have cleared customs upon arrival.

 

 That it has online tools to simplify shipping, billing and product tracking.

 

 Demonstrate experience and knowledge of regulations governing imports/exports, supported by licensed on-site customs agents.

 

 Dedicated air operations partnerships and commercial air transport ensure faster transit times.

 

 Ability to respond to customer service calls in a few seconds.

 It is recommended that all US hubs and gateways, as well as additional major service centers, be Class A certified by the Transportation Asset Protection Association (TAPA).

 

 Competitive shipping options with late cut pickup service and early ship deliveries available to major markets.