Export Substitution Strategies
As global competition continues to increase, organizations are faced with the challenge of remaining competitive and successful. One strategy for doing this is export substitution, a process by which an organization substitutes its own product or service for that of a foreign competitor. This strategy can help an organization to minimize its risks and costs, while increasing its international presence and increasing its profits.
Export substitution can be an effective strategy for organizations of all sizes. Smaller organizations may be able to benefit from the strategy without having to invest too much money or time. Large organizations may also find export substitution to be a viable option, as they are better positioned to enter foreign markets and compete with firms based in those markets.
When considering export substitution, an organization must first identify the potential markets it wishes to enter. The markets should be evaluated in terms of their potential profitability and risks. The organization should also consider the competitive environment in its target markets, as well as its own capabilities. Once a target market is chosen, the organization then needs to assess the products or services that are currently offered in the market and make a decision as to which of its own products or services could be used to replace them.
Once the organization has determined what it will be substituting for the foreign product or service, it must then examine the costs associated with the substitution. This includes the costs of production, advertising, distribution and other related expenses. The organization must also consider the costs associated with entering the target market and competing there. This could include the costs of setting up distribution operations, localization costs, hiring personnel and so forth.
The organization also needs to consider potential risks associated with the substitution strategy. These could include the potential of new competitors entering the target market, changes in the market’s regulatory environment or increased competition from the foreign product or service. The organization must be prepared to handle such risks and have contingency plans in place.
Export substitution can be a successful strategy, but the process requires careful planning and consideration. The organization must identify potential markets, assess its own capabilities and consider the potential costs and risks associated with the substitution. By taking the time to consider all of these factors, an organization can use export substitution to increase its international presence and profits.