Want to sell your products in ASEAN? Markets like Vietnam, Thailand, Brunei, and China can be great for UK businesses to grow internationally, but getting started needs careful planning.
With years of experience, we can help you send your shipment overseas, whether you’re considering air freight or sea freight. Based on our experience handling shipments of all sizes, we’ll share tips and techniques for successful exporting.
Get Prepared For Successful International Trade
Using our 9 tips for successful export will save you time and money, as well as prevent problems later on:
1. Research Your Markets
Take time to get to know your target market inside out, as each country has different business customs, consumer needs and import rules that will shape your success.
You need to know:
- Who are your main competitors? Understanding their strategies can help you find your edge.
- What prices do similar products sell for? Pricing plays a big role in consumer decisions.
- Are there any seasonal factors that affect demand? Timing your entry right can make all the difference.
- Which ports or airports handle most imports in your sector? Knowing the key logistics hubs can save time and costs.
Each of these considerations will help you work out opportunities and potential challenges. For example, if you are a vintage car dealer, vehicle exports often involve navigating complex logistics and compliance, so familiarising yourself with the specifics of how to export a car from the UK to SE Asia or whichever market you are aiming for is necessary.
Or, if your research highlights that your competitors are successfully selling products in a particular ASEAN market, you’ll want to find out why. If you sell electrical components and machinery, you might not be aware that electrical goods are one of the top Export Goods to the Philippines from the UK, with a total value of £135.8 million in 2023-24.
Want to save time? Our local teams in each ASEAN market can help you understand what’s needed for successful export.
2. Build Strong Partnerships
Choosing a reliable freight forwarder will make all the difference to your experience, as not all exporters offer the same services. Look for one who knows your chosen region well and has a solid track record of on-time deliveries.
A good shipping partner will make things simple by clearly explaining customs rules, offer a range of shipping options, and keep you updated on your goods’ location. If problems come up, they should sort them out quickly.
3. Find Out About Legal & Regulatory Requirements
Although ASEAN countries are all part of an economic and political union, they each have their own import rules, duty rates and documentation needs. This means you or your freight forwarder need to research how to prepare your goods for customs clearance before your goods leave the UK.
If your goods don’t have the right paperwork in place, you might face delays and extra costs or even have your shipment turned away at the port. For example, the customs and tariffs in Cambodia can be complicated so it’s a good idea to calculate this in advance, and Singapore’s import regulations mean you’ll need to know the harmonised system codes for your items.
4. Create a Thorough Export Plan
There are lots of variables to consider when you’re making your export plan, from your supply chain timeline to the frequency of shipments. You need to weigh up air freight vs sea freight costs, timing and the best way to ship your products. For urgent or high-value items, air freight might work best despite higher shipping costs. For larger shipments where time isn’t as critical, sea freight often makes more financial sense.
Things change quickly in international shipping, from fuel costs to available routes. Build some flexibility into your plan and think about backup options. This helps keep your exports running smoothly even when challenges arise.
5. Invest in Quality Packaging & Labelling
Proper packaging protects your products on their long journey to ASEAN markets. The climate can be challenging, with high humidity, varying temperatures and multiple handling points along the way. Good packaging helps your goods arrive in perfect condition and keeps your buyers happy.
Your items need packaging that can handle everything from warehouse storage to container shipping. Look for options that are easy to stack and move while protecting what’s inside. Don’t forget about weather protection if your goods might spend time on docks or in outdoor storage.
Clear labelling is just as important as strong packaging. Your packages need complete shipping information (e.g. destination country, country of origin, distributor details, etc), handling instructions, and any documentation needed for customs such as commercial invoices or export licenses. This helps avoid delays at customs and makes sure your goods are handled correctly throughout their journey.
6. Leverage Trade Agreements & Incentives
The UK has trade agreements with many ASEAN countries that can save you money and make exporting easier. These deals can reduce or remove import duties, but you need to know how to use them properly.
Getting the most from trade agreements means having the right paperwork to prove where your goods come from. You’ll usually need a certificate of origin or a UK-ASEAN Preferential Certificate of Origins to qualify for lower duties. Most ASEAN countries also offer tax incentives for goods like raw materials or technology that help to develop their local industries. The list of these goods is specific by country, but we can talk you through this depending on where you are shipping to.
7. Manage Risks & Get Insured
Unfortunately, the import and export process always carries some risks, from damaged products to shipping and logistics delays. Taking steps to protect your shipments helps you confidently trade and prevent unexpected costs.
Freight cargo insurance protects your goods against loss or damage during transport, whether by air or sea. Basic insurance might seem cheaper, but comprehensive cover often works out better value if things go wrong.
In addition to insurance, you should choose reliable shipping routes, work with an established export business partner, and have a backup action plan for common problems like port delays or seasonal weather disruptions.
8. Keep Communication Clear
Staying in touch with everyone involved in your export journey helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps shipments moving smoothly. This means staying in regular contact with suppliers, customs agents, freight forwarders and your overseas customers about what’s happening with your goods.
9. Continuously Adapt & Improve
Your first few shipments to ASEAN will teach you a lot about what works best for your business. You should use this experience to improve your export process over time.
Pay attention to what affects your shipping times and costs. Small changes can make a big difference, like booking shipments at off-peak times, packaging products efficiently, or choosing different distribution channels. What works when sending goods to Vietnam from the UK might need adjusting for Thailand.
It’s also worth keeping track of any problems and how they were solved. This helps you spot patterns and avoid similar issues in the future.
Partner With Us As Your Freight Forwarder & Start Exporting Today!
Ready to start shipping to ASEAN markets? We make exporting simple and reliable as we have proven experience moving goods across the region. From getting your paperwork right to choosing the best shipping routes, we’re here to help your business succeed in these growing markets.
Whether you’re sending your first shipment or looking to improve your existing export operation, we can help. Get in touch today to get a quote.