It is difficult to imagine our world without international trade. In any environment where consumers want something that local or national companies cannot produce, import and export traders step in to help provide that product. Today, much of what we buy is available to us as the direct result of the work of import/export traders.
For those considering a career in business, sales or marketing and who have an interest in international negotiation and communication, this career choice may be particularly rewarding. Plus, for professionals who do not have experience in the complexities of foreign trade, earning an online Master of Science (MS) in Supply Chain Management from Florida Institute of Technology provides the skills and expertise needed to enter the field.
Job Duties for Import/Export Agents
An import/export agent can have many unique job responsibilities. At its core, the job of an import/export trader is to operate as an intermediary, facilitating the purchase or sale of products between domestic and overseas companies. This is a diverse field, however, and responsibilities tend to vary considerably based on the agent’s role in the supply chain and the type of company for which they work.
For instance, an export management company (EMC) facilitates international sales for a domestic company that lacks the facilities, skills or knowledge to sell internationally on its own. For agents who work for EMCs, job duties may include arranging foreign distributors, advertising and marketing a product overseas, shipping the product, and organizing budgets and invoices.
An export trading company (ETC) takes a different approach, seeking out foreign markets to assess demand for specific products and then locating domestic producers willing to sell. Agents who work for ETCs perform considerable market research to gauge demand for specific products. They also pitch both domestic and foreign companies on the benefits of engaging in trade.
Agents can also work individually as import/export merchants, opening a business that buys and resells foreign goods directly. This can cut out the intermediary but also entails the greatest risk and responsibility. Operating as a merchant can be very rewarding for individuals interested in crafting an entire trading business from the ground up, including managing all market research, orders, shipping, invoices and local sales.
Duties also differ based on the specific role an agent maintains in a company. If the agent is working as a representative, they may be responsible for pitching products to potential buyers. For those working in distribution, responsibilities include arranging the purchase of goods that are then sold to retailers. Some agents concentrate on the trade of specific products or groups of products, such as electronics or pharmaceuticals, marketing themselves to manufacturers that produce these goods.
Salary Potential for Import/Export Agents
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have specific salary information for import/export agents. However, BLS tracks salary data for the analogous roles of purchasing managers, buyers and purchasing agents. According to BLS, purchasing agents and buyers made a median salary of $71,950 in 2023, while purchasing managers earned a median salary of $136,380. In a similar leadership role, ZipRecruiter reports the average salary for directors of purchasing to be $118,100 as of January 2025.
For a field as diverse as international trade, salaries can vary tremendously based on an agent’s experience, the type of company they’re working for, the product involved, and the supply and demand for the product or materials needed. Employers may also augment base salaries with commission or retainers depending on trade arrangement, further complicating the estimation of salary expectations. Plus, as noted above, salaries can escalate quickly as agents move into leadership roles in trade.
Some agents choose to work full-time, though hours may be irregular due to the nature of international communication. Agents may also create home-based trading businesses to supplement other income.
Education and Training for Jobs in Import and Export Trade
For agents interested in working for an EMC or ETC, employers often require a bachelor’s degree. Possible majors include finance, business, international business or supply chain management. To continue advancing into management positions, a master’s degree in a field like supply chain management can be a critical asset for both competitive advantage in the job market and effectiveness on the job.
In many cases, success in this field correlates with a professional’s personality traits and mastery of required knowledge and skills. Trading is a specialized field requiring sales expertise and strong organizational ability. Those individuals who can successfully deliver a sales pitch and keep track of large volumes of invoices, receipts and order forms will be in an excellent position to advance as a trader.
How to Determine If a Career as an Import/Export Agent Is a Good Fit
While many consumers may not realize it, most of what we are able to buy is the direct result of international trade. The importation and exportation of goods form the core of much of international relations today. 2024 saw approximately $1.89 trillion in annual exports and $2.97 trillion in annual imports for the U.S. alone, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The massive size of the global import/export market provides myriad employment opportunities for interested individuals.
Jobs in the field require a high level of organization, and traders must research local and international markets extensively. This includes developing an understanding of and advanced competency in navigating diverse cultures and values. The rewards for diligence in this field can be high for those willing to put in the time.
Professionals considering this field may wish to start by conducting additional research on the state of trade to make the most informed decision on whether their interests align. For those who wish to pursue the dynamic career of import/export agent, the online MS in Supply Chain Management program from Florida Tech can be the next step in breaking into the international trade agent market.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online MS in Supply Chain Management program.
