Auditing Where You Are: The First Step to Export Readiness

gm, trailblazers. It’s time for your midweek trade tune-up.

In this issue: How to run a smart export-readiness audit so you can spot opportunities, dodge risks, and get your business global-ready; why the Suez Canal is catching every supply chain strategist’s eye; China’s insatiable appetite for African coffee; and how Africa’s SMEs are tackling the latest tariff curveballs.

Fill your mug and settle in, we’re your guide to the world of smart exporting.

P.S. Got a trade story, a question, or making your first export move? Hit reply or connect with us on LinkedIn. We love hearing from fellow go-getters.

Auditing Where You Are

Going global is an exciting ambition, but exporters who skip the first step often stumble. Beginning your journey with an export audit provides the foundation to grow internationally without being blindsided by compliance hurdles, financial strain, or unprepared operations.

Here are six critical areas to assess when auditing your export readiness:

1. Financial Health

   • Do you have the cash flow to cover additional costs, shipping, duties, insurance, credit terms, and potential delays?

   • Can you price competitively and still absorb fluctuations in exchange rates?

2. Regulatory & Compliance Preparedness

   • Are you aware of the relevant export controls, tariffs, and trade agreements that affect your target markets?

   • Do you have processes in place for documentation, licenses, and customs clearance?

3. Operational & Logistics Capability

   • Can your supply chain scale to meet international demand without sacrificing domestic reliability?

   • Have you identified logistics partners who can handle overseas shipments reliably?

4. Talent & Resources

   • Do you have people who understand global trade regulations, cultural differences, and international customer service needs?

   • Is your leadership aligned and supportive of the investment required?

5. Market Research & Sales Preparation

   • Have you validated demand for your product or service in your export markets?

   • Do you understand buyer expectations, cultural nuances, and local competitors?

6. Digital & Technical Readiness

   • Can your digital infrastructure support global customers (multi-currency billing, multilingual support, international-friendly e‑commerce)?

   • Are you equipped to manage cybersecurity risks and international data standards?

Common Pitfalls to Watch Out For:

• Rushing into exports on the back of a single inquiry without assessing long-term viability.

• Underestimating the complexity of compliance and documentation.

• Choosing markets based on “attractiveness” rather than fit to your business capacity.

A Simple Self-Check Framework
Score yourself 1–5 (low to high) in each of the six areas above. A balanced high score suggests strong readiness, while uneven results highlight risk areas where you may need support before making the leap.

An export audit doesn’t just protect you from risks, it helps you spot hidden opportunities and define a realistic roadmap for sustainable growth.

🔥 In Case You Missed It…

News Roundup

• Egypt spies opportunity in global supply chain with Suez Canal Economic Zone: Egypt is leveraging its Suez Canal Economic Zone to position itself as a critical hub in global supply chains, attracting investment and boosting trade efficiencies for African exporters and beyond.

• A booming coffee class and zero-tariff policy drive China’s push for African bean imports: China’s expanding coffee consumer base, combined with a zero-tariff import policy on African coffee, is driving increased demand for African coffee beans, opening new markets for producers.

• Strategies for SMEs to cope with Trump's tariff challenges: In response to recent US tariffs, South African SMEs are adopting strategic measures such as diversifying markets, improving compliance, and optimising supply chains to mitigate costs and sustain export growth.

Next Steps / Resources

• 🔗 Follow SupplyCheck on LinkedIn for insights, updates, and tools on becoming export-ready.

• 📞 Book a free 10-minute Export Readiness Consultation with our team to identify your strengths and gaps.

• 📨 Share The Export Edge with your colleagues and subscribe for future editions.

✅ This first step, auditing where you are, is the foundation for export success. Know your position, map your path, and take your business global with confidence.

Till next time,

The Export Edge