Must-Know for Importers and Exporters: How to Use Free Trade Data Efficiently

tendata blogTrade Data Provider

ten data blog2025-07-25

Anyone in the import-export business understands the value of trade data. But can free data really help? And more importantly, how can you use it efficiently? Here's a straightforward breakdown.


First, the Bottom Line: Free trade data exists, but it's limited in use.


If you're conducting market research or writing reports, free data is more than sufficient. But if your goal is to generate client leads, free data is practically useless.


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For Example:

Let's say you export LED lighting. A free site might lump your product with machinery parts, toys, or cosmetics. Even when you find something relevant, the contact info is missing — no emails, no phone numbers, and vague purchasing specs.


That kind of data is meaningless for generating sales.


Many free platforms have flashy dashboards and loads of charts, but the key information is hidden — or simply not there. Trying to locate buyers through free data is a time-waster.


Paid Trade Data is a Different Story

Take Tendata, for instance. It offers a comprehensive contact database, where with just a click, you can access decision-makers' details — procurement officers, senior managers, emails, even LinkedIn and Facebook profiles.


What's more, the platform integrates directly with major social networks, helping you connect faster with your targets.


>>Try Free Access to Trade Data from 228 Countries and Regions<<


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free trade data,trade data,global trade data

free trade data,trade data,global trade data


Want Real Buyer Leads from Data?

You have two real options:

Pay for quality data, or Learn the advanced techniques to squeeze value out of free data. (No, scraping massive data isn't legal or sustainable — and can be risky.)


6 Pro Tips for Using Trade Data from Veteran Salespeople

1.Target Qualified Buyers

Search by industry and filter for buyers based on purchase volume, frequency, and product specs. Eliminate mismatches early (e.g., if your monthly capacity is 1,000 units, skip buyers that import 100,000/month).


2.Verify Contact Info

Never use emails/phone numbers from raw customs data blindly.

First, filter out freight forwarders (they often appear as the contact). Then run the emails through a verification tool to reduce bounced emails.


3.Dig Deeper with Other Tools

A company name isn't enough. Use it to cross-reference business directories and social media to identify decision-makers (like procurement managers or owners). This alone can double your success rate with cold emails.


4.Watch Competitors & Swoop In

Track your competitors' exports. Especially target customers of struggling or failing competitors — these buyers are most open to switching suppliers.


5.Find Existing Customers' Full Potential

Monitor what else your clients are buying — from whom, in what quantity, and at what price. Then adjust your offering (e.g., better specs or pricing) to win more share of their business.


6.Shortcut to New Markets

Check import data from target countries to see which product categories are growing, who the active importers are, and go straight to high-potential leads — no more guessing how a market works from scratch.


Final Truth

The real value of trade data isn't about how much data you have — it's about whether it helps you find real buyers who place real orders.


Free trade data is great for laying the groundwork. But if you want real results, either master the techniques or invest in the right tools.


After all, your time is more valuable than a small subscription fee.


>> Try Free Access to Trade Data from 228 Countries and Regions <<


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