International Trade Council Launches "EXPORT READY" — to Help 30 Million SMEs Go Global

SINGAPORE - Nov. 27, 2025 - PRLog -- The International Trade Council (ITC) today announced the global launch of EXPORT READY, a free, AI-assisted export readiness platform designed to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) assess, plan, and execute international expansion strategies.

SMEs represent around 90% of all businesses and more than half of worldwide employment. Yet millions of smaller companies remain excluded from international markets due to limited resources, lack of expertise, and complex export rules, documentation, and market research.

EXPORT READY addresses these challenges by combining ITC's trade experience with advanced AI tools in a single, user-friendly online hub. The platform guides SMEs step-by-step from planning to export-ready execution.

Businesses begin with an Export Readiness Assessment, which benchmarks capabilities, flags gaps, and generates tailored recommendations. Users can then access 175+ country profiles with real-time trade data, market intelligence, regulatory guidance, and insights on competition and demand. The platform also provides structured action plans, AI-generated checklists, and templates for marketing plans, distributor agreements, and compliance documentation—allowing businesses to produce essential materials quickly.

"Small businesses generate most of the world's jobs, but they are still under-represented in global trade," said Ranjani Rangan, Chairperson Elect of the ITC. "With EXPORT READY, we are removing two of the biggest obstacles for SMEs: the cost of expert advice and the complexity of export planning. This platform is 100% free, with no credit card, no paywalls, and no hidden fees."

The platform is designed for non-specialists. AI-guided workflows and plain-language explanations help users translate goals into actionable tasks. Dashboards consolidate insights on readiness, risk, and market attractiveness, giving SMEs a clear view of their export potential.

"EXPORT READY sits at the intersection of technology and inclusion," added Rangan. "Whether you are a small manufacturer in an emerging market or a digital services startup in a major city, you can now access the same level of export planning support that larger corporations pay consultants thousands of dollars for."

Headquartered in Singapore, the ITC developed EXPORT READY to support inclusive and sustainable trade. The long-term goal is to help 30 million+ SMEs worldwide become export ready, creating jobs, diversifying economies, and strengthening cross-border value chains.

EXPORT READY is available immediately at www.exportready.org and is open to SMEs, startups, chambers of commerce, export promotion agencies, and ecosystem partners.

About the International Trade Council
The International Trade Council is a global, peak-body chamber of commerce supporting businesses and governments in navigating international trade and foreign direct investment. Through research, training, trade missions, and digital platforms, the Council helps organizations of all sizes expand into new markets and build resilient, compliant operations.