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International trade specialist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.,

Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical international trade specialist skills. We ranked the top skills for international trade specialists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 12.1% of international trade specialist resumes contained trade compliance as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an international trade specialist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 international trade specialist skills for your resume and career

1. Trade Compliance

Here's how international trade specialists use trade compliance:

Attend trade compliance seminars/conferences to maintain knowledge on regulatory updates and proposed changes.
Support and strengthen international trade compliance processes through tariff classification management and upload.

2. Export

Export is the process of sending and selling products and services to another country.

Here's how international trade specialists use export:

Interacted with company executives to provide information about export procedures, export regulatory requirements, and U.S. Government resources for exporters.
Prepared an export guide for businesses operating in Central America and the Dominican Republic for the Central American Economic Integration Secretariat.

3. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how international trade specialists use customer service:

Performed excellent customer service and provided confirmation and research while working in a professional, timely and accurate manner.
Work closely with Customer Service Representatives at Standard Chartered Bank to address any returned/held wires.

4. Technical Assistance

Technical assistance is the non-financial assistance provided by local or international specialists. The purpose of technical assistance is to maximize the project's implementation and quality of the final product. Technical assistance consists of sharing information, the transmission of working knowledge, and other transfer of technical data which would aid the administration, management team and help build the project. The technical assistance focuses on particular needs identified by the beneficiary country and is delivered in the form of missions.

Here's how international trade specialists use technical assistance:

Managed international technical assistance and scientific collaboration projects.
Provided consultation and technical assistance to 8-10 disability-related non-profit agencies on social services management, policies, and procedures.

5. Export Compliance

Here's how international trade specialists use export compliance:

Communicated export compliance policies and procedures by way of company-wide training programs.
Initiated the development and implementation of an import/export compliance program.

6. HTS

Here's how international trade specialists use hts:

Harmonized Tariff Classification (HTS) / Schedule B and obtained tariff classification binding rulings with Customs, EAR, ECN.
Reviewed HTS Codes to ensure proper duty rate payment.

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7. Government Agencies

Here's how international trade specialists use government agencies:

Developed and maintained appropriate contacts with US industry, US Government agencies, and international organizations involved in international trade.
Provided commercial reporting on numerous nations to the US business community and other government agencies.

8. Business Administration

Business administration is the management of a commercial firm. It incorporates all aspects of supervising and overseeing business operations. Considering the leadership and management perspective it unfolds into the fields of accounting, finance, quality assurance, data analysis, sales, information-technology management building administration, design, development, project management, research and development, and marketing.

Here's how international trade specialists use business administration:

Manage the accounting and financial reporting requirements for the US Small Business Administration-administered grant totaling $540,000.

9. ITAR

Here's how international trade specialists use itar:

Insure custom regulations; ITAR, TCSA, MSDS, ADD.
Assisted customers in the selection of applicable BIS exceptions and ITAR exemptions to the license requirements.

10. International Business

International Business refers to any company or trade that occurs outside of the United States. International businesses may have branches of their corporations in the United States but are based in a foreign country. However, international business may also refer to the trading of goods or services between two different countries.

Here's how international trade specialists use international business:

Supervised company relations and managed tenant employees for National Business Incubator Association's designated International Business Center.
Contributed to a citywide effort to promote links with international business firms and organizations.

11. Trade Shows

Here's how international trade specialists use trade shows:

Represented company at trade shows and international trade organizations.
Attend industry trade shows such as GULFOOD, Dubai to explore new markets, build portfolio, and secure new accounts.

12. International Shipments

International shipping is the term used to describe the delivery of a single/ cluster of parcel deliveries in which the package is taken from one country and delivered in another. Since the sum of resources involved to obtain a parcel from one nation to another is more it results in international shipping to be more expensive than domestic deliveries.

Here's how international trade specialists use international shipments:

Audit outgoing international shipments for proper paperwork.
Increased international shipments by 50% resulting in reduced customs fees and quicker processing time from US Customs.

13. Customs Brokers

Here's how international trade specialists use customs brokers:

Coordinate and liaise with UTC Aerospace Systems, Customs Brokers, Freight Forwarders, and Import/Export support Departments as required.
Resolve any inquiries from customs brokers in order to clear goods correctly and quickly.

14. Market Research

Market research is a collective effort to collect information related to a consumer's needs and wants. It is a systematic approach that involves recording and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. Market research helps a business to identify a target market correctly and identify the gaps in potential consumer's expectations.

Here's how international trade specialists use market research:

Perform market research, statistical analysis, and project management assistance for senior international trade staff.
Conducted market research, competitive analysis, matchmaking lists, and databases for foreign clients.

15. Forwarders

Here's how international trade specialists use forwarders:

Worked with multiple forwarders to provide Trek with fast and cost effective shipping options from many origins.
Worked directly with various freight forwarders, airline carriers and truckers.

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What skills help International Trade Specialists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on international trade specialist resumes?

Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Business and Management, MBA Faculty Director, Associate - School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College

The skills or competencies that stand out are those that add value to an organization. They complement the skills of those already working there and advance the organization's products, services, or culture. Transferrable or timeless skills transcend industries and stand out on resumes. They include leadership, teamwork, project management, and collaboration. Of course, individuals who list these skills on their resumes should effectively demonstrate that they have developed and are proficient in these areas. Business specialists should be ready to provide examples in writing/print or audio-video media, such as links to their work.

What soft skills should all international trade specialists possess?

Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Business and Management, MBA Faculty Director, Associate - School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College

Today's business environment is complex and continues to evolve. Creativity, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage or lead in turbulent times are essential twenty-first-century skills. Critical and strategic thinking, organizing, and planning are also salient skills. Business specialists with these skills make important contributions to their organizations. They often lead when no one else can or wants to. Communicating and being visible throughout one's division, department, or organization are important to the well-being and prosperity of the organization and the individuals who work there. Business specialists can develop and practice these leadership skills on-site or remotely. Internal and external relationship-building leads to trustworthy and mutually beneficial relationships and/or partnerships.

What type of skills will young international trade specialists need?

Argie Hernandez

Division Advisor, New Mexico State University

-Problem Solving
-Computer skills
-Writing and Communication
-Critical Thinking
-Team Player (very important)

Do you want to know more?

List of international trade specialist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for an international trade specialist resume and required skills for an international trade specialist to have include:

Trade Compliance
Export
Customer Service
Technical Assistance
Export Compliance
HTS
Government Agencies
Business Administration
ITAR
International Business
Trade Shows
International Shipments
Customs Brokers
Market Research
Forwarders
Customs Regulations

International Markets
AES
ACE
Freight Forwarders
ECCN
Tariff Schedule
PCT
C-Tpat
Foreign Associates
Customs Compliance
NAFTA
FDA
OFAC
CBP
Business Development
Foreign Countries

USAID
Incoterms
Documentary Collections
EU
Trade Associations
US Customs
Wire Transfers
Financial Statements
FX
Dangerous Goods
Caribbean
TSA
International Clients
DHL
USD
Hazardous Materials

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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