Librarian
Databases
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Orbis This link opens in a new windowGREAT resource for Marketline Industry Reports which are generally current and focus on specific geographic areas around the world and can be searched by industry codes. Access a 40 page, comprehensive industry report on alcoholic beverages in Argentina, for instance... Invaluable information.
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Passport This link opens in a new windowThe Global Marketing Info Database is a great place to learn about not only the economic environment, but the consumers themselves, in a particular country or countries.
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Value Line Investment Survey Plus Edition This link opens in a new windowSolid company profiles including financial structure information, peer comparisons, industry analysis and (sometimes) beta.
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Mintel Market Sizes This link opens in a new windowDoesn't have a terribly robust offering of countries, but if they do happen to include reports on your market and/or country of interest, this is great information on market sizes/segmentation etc.
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GlobalData This link opens in a new windowA fascinating database where you can explore down to the individual product level what might be your competition in your chosen nation. For instance, look up the recent launches of new cookies in France. Download an excel document including their prices etc. for your positioning and targeting considerations.
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IBISWorld USA This link opens in a new windowA great resource for understanding some background about your industry. Focused exclusively on the US, but discusses the supply chain and key economic drivers for the industry, demand and related industries, a small section on existing international trade for this industry, and other sections that may be useful to you.
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Gale Business Insights: Global This link opens in a new windowVery brief industry reports, but of global scope, and offering links to follow to learn more about market share, top competitors and more.
Internet Resources
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U.S. Department of StateThis is the homepage for the U.S. Department of State and a jumping off point for a wide range of international and U.S. information sources.
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Investment Climate StatementsThese are a specific publication put out by the U.S. Department of State to " provide U.S. firms with country/region and economy-specific information and assessments prepared by the State Department’s posts abroad on investment laws, measures, and other factors that may be useful to them in making business decisions." A great summary PDF of relevant country-specific information.
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CIA.govTake a look at the 'Library' specifically and "The World Factbook". The Factbook allows you to browse a list of countries A-Z and each country report includes information on the government, economy, infrastructure, etc.
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GlobalEDGEThis site from Michigan State University's Broad College of Business includes various data and tools, a Global Resource Directory and their own globalEDGE Database of International Business Statistics.