Export Beginner Company DB: A System for Discovering Potential Exporters
KOTRA operates a structured program to identify Korean companies with little or no export experience and foster them into sustainable exporters. The Export Beginner Company DB integrates customs trade data, business registration records, and corporate capability data to automatically identify firms with high export potential. This article explains how overseas trade offices can use the latest database updates from February and May 2025 to shape company support strategies.
50,000+
Potential Exporters
Companies in DB
5,000+
New Export Goal
2025 target
Quarterly
Update Cycle
Feb/May/Aug/Nov
4 agencies
Data Sources
Customs, tax and more
127
Trade Office Use
All offices can access
80+
Matched Markets
Global coverage
How the Export Beginner Company DB Is Structured
Export Beginner Company DB Data Fields
| Data Category | Key Items | Source | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Company Data | Industry, location, sales, headcount | NTS, KFTC | Assess company scale |
| Export History | Export status, value, product lines | Korea Customs Service | Classify export stage |
| Product Competitiveness | Patents, certifications, tech level | KIPO, certification bodies | Evaluate export potential |
| Financial Soundness | Sales growth, operating margin | NTS | Assess sustainability |
| Global Exposure | Overseas entities, trade fair participation | KOTRA, Customs | Measure international experience |
| Potential Score | AI composite score (0-100) | KOTRA AI model | Set support priorities |
Company Classification Framework
Non-Exporter
No export track record, but high potential
→↓
One-Time Exporter
First shipment completed, follow-up support needed
→↓
Occasional Exporter
1-3 shipments per year, needs stabilization
→↓
Early Exporter
Below $100K per year, needs scale-up
→↓
Growth Exporter
$100K-$1M per year, needs market diversification
→↓
Stable Exporter
$1M+ per year, ready for advanced support
Support Programs by Export Stage
01
From Non-Exporter to First Shipment: New Exporter Development Program
KOTRA’s New Exporter Development Program is designed for companies with no prior export experience. A dedicated trade office manager is assigned on a one-to-one basis to support market research, buyer discovery, export procedures, and the first commercial deal. Companies that rank highly in the Export Beginner Company DB are prioritized, and more than 5,000 firms achieve their first export each year through the program.
02
From First Shipment to Stability: Export Voucher Program
Companies that complete their first export can receive support for market research, overseas certification, trade fair participation, interpretation, and translation through export vouchers. Up to KRW 100 million can be provided per company, with additional scoring benefits for expansion into emerging markets including Bangladesh. Many firms use the vouchers to participate in BoomUp Korea and overseas exhibitions.
03
From Growth to Upgrading: Global Partnering
For companies whose annual exports exceed USD 1 million, the Global Partnering Program provides advanced support such as overseas channel building, local joint ventures, and technology licensing. The program helps firms move toward entry into global supply chains or local subsidiary establishment.
04
Connecting Companies to the Bangladesh Market
From among the potential exporters in the DB, the Dhaka Trade Office directly screens and matches firms in sectors suited to Bangladesh, including garment materials, machinery, cosmetics, food, and ICT. Bangladesh is a practical market for first-time Korean exporters because entry barriers are relatively manageable, Korean products have good recognition, and KOTRA Dhaka can provide close hands-on support.
February 2025 DB Update
New Entries8,200 companies
Top Potential2,100 companies
Main SectorsManufacturing, IT, bio
Trade Office AllocationCompleted (Round 1)
May 2025 DB Update
New Entries6,500 companies (planned)
Top Potential1,800 companies (planned)
Focus SectorsDefense, energy, health
Trade Office AllocationScheduled (Round 2)
The Four Core Packages of Tariff Response Export VouchersReview the structure of the export voucher support program
BoomUp Korea 2025: System ManualLearn how to use the export consultation platform
The Export Beginner Company DB is a data-driven system built to systematically uncover Korea's hidden export potential. Through AI-based analysis, it automatically identifies promising companies and links them to tailored support from KOTRA trade offices. Companies that want to start exporting but are unsure where to begin can use the database as an entry point to practical guidance and market access support.
export beginnerspotential exportersKOTRA DBexport supportfirst exports
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