Business Resources

Global Expansion for Maryland Businesses


Are you a Maryland business owner who is interested in exporting or expanding into global markets? Explore the resources provided below to learn more.

Global Expansion Resources

ExportMD

ExportMD  is a collaboration between the Maryland Department of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Its goal is to help offset some of the costs of marketing internationally for Maryland's small and mid-sized companies by offering companies up to $5,000 in reimbursement for expenses associated with an international marketing project.

19 Foreign Offices

Maryland has a network of 19 international trade offices overseas (see map below). Representatives within these offices help Maryland companies explore overseas markets and attract foreign companies to the state.

Map of Maryland's foreign offices.  

Africa

Australia

Brazil

Canada

Chile

China

Colombia

France

Germany

India

Israel

Japan

Mexico

Peru

Seoul

Singapore

Taiwan

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Download full map.  

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Maryland offers export counseling services, which provide Maryland companies up to 20 hours of assistance per year from international trade experts around the world, as well as from our staff in Baltimore at the Maryland Department of Commerce. Assistance can be used for services ranging from distributor or partner search to insight on local regulations. Assistance must directly relate to export products or services. Please contact the team member assigned to the region where you would like to request assistance (contact list below) or contact Deb Defazio at debra.defazio@maryland.gov or 410-767-3393 to be connected to an appropriate team member.

Trade Shows & Missions

Representatives from the Maryland Department of Commerce's Office of International Investment and Trade seek to connect Maryland companies to new opportunities in foreign markets through trade shows and missions. We invite Maryland companies to participate in these events, which help open doors to meet new customers and partners from around the globe.

Global Gateway Exchange Program

The Maryland Global Gateway Exchange Program  provides Maryland companies with the opportunity to test out expanding to new markets abroad at an affordable rate. Program partners provide participating companies with access to facilities, resources, networking, advisors, and more.

Foreign-Trade Zones

A Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) is a designated area within U.S. borders that promotes domestic employment and helps U.S. firms compete in the global marketplace. A FTZ is located in or near a U.S. Customs port of entry, where foreign and domestic merchandise is generally considered to be international commerce. Foreign or domestic merchandise may enter this enclave without a formal customs entry or the payment of custom duties or government excise taxes.

Maryland FTZs include:

Additional Services & Resources

Additional services available through the Maryland Department of Commerce include: international and industry research, marketing products and services abroad, assessing requirements for export documentation, and making business connections. Commerce supports the following initiatives:

Additional Resources:

International Opportunities Newsletter

Stay up to date on opportunities to help your Maryland business grow globally. View past newsletters and sign up to receive the latest news below.

Stay up-to-date on international opportunities. Get our newsletter!

Connect with a Global Business Expert

The Maryland Department of Commerce has staff members who specialize in global expansion in specific regions around the world. Please contact the following representatives to learn more about opportunities that exist in each area.

India, Southeast Asia, Australia

Mia Romeo

mia.romeo@maryland.gov443-676-8990

UK, Africa, Middle East

Brian Castleberry

brian.castleberry@maryland.gov410-294-8761

Canada & Latin America

Lorena Rivera

lorena.rivera2@maryland.gov443-903-0168

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