Includes typical use of agents and distributors and how to find a good partner, e.g., whether use of an agent or distributor is legally required.
Last Published: 4/11/2019

Due to the nature of the local makret, U.S. companies often find it helpful to hire a local agent.   Subsidiary or affiliate companies of U.S. organizations operate in several areas, including agro-industry, tobacco, computers/office equipment, and services.  Finding partners or agents and distributors for U.S. products generally is not difficult, with the notable exception of technically-advanced products requiring substantial local support capabilities.  For such products, arrangements are sometimes made with firms operating from South Africa.
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.