CES Market Research & Competitive Analysis 3

Question 1

Which analytical tool maps a company's strengths and weaknesses against external opportunities and threats to guide export market strategy?

Accepted Answer

SWOT analysis

Answer

SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) is a foundational strategic planning tool that assesses both internal capabilities and external market conditions.

Question 2

A U.S. exporter discovers that a competing foreign supplier offers identical products at prices below the cost of production in the foreign country. This practice is known as:

Accepted Answer

Dumping

Answer

Dumping occurs when a foreign producer exports goods at prices below their home market price or below cost of production, and it can be countered by antidumping duties.

Question 3

What does a high 'market concentration ratio' (CR4 > 80%) in an export target market imply for a new entrant?

Accepted Answer

Difficult entry because four firms dominate 80%+ of the market

Answer

A high CR4 means four firms control most of the market, signaling an oligopolistic structure where new entrants face significant barriers and established competitor advantages.

Question 4

Which International Trade Administration (ITA) program connects U.S. exporters with pre-screened potential foreign buyers, distributors, and agents through in-country events?

Accepted Answer

Gold Key Matching Service

Answer

The U.S. Commercial Service's Gold Key Matching Service arranges pre-screened meetings with potential partners in a foreign market, helping exporters find qualified business contacts.

Question 5

When assessing an export market's 'infrastructure readiness,' which factor is LEAST relevant to a digital software company's market entry decision?

Accepted Answer

Deep-water port capacity and container throughput

Answer

Deep-water port capacity is critical for physical goods logistics but largely irrelevant for a digital software company that delivers products electronically.

(CES) Certified Export Specialist Practice Test

(CES) Certified Export Specialist Practice Test

CES Market Research & Competitive Analysis 3