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International trade

Enhance your understanding of international trade best practices and processes with our range of resources including free guides on key topics like logistics, trade compliance and international contracts, as well as professional certifications and courses, all authored by industry-leading ICC experts
International trade

What is international trade?

International trade is the exchange of goods, services, and capital across borders. It enables countries to obtain products and services that may not be available domestically or that can be sourced more affordably from other countries, which makes the market more competitive. Trade is a key force behind an increasingly interconnected global economy. It is also driven and challenged by dynamism.

As the institutional representative of millions of companies in more than 170 countries, ICC brings unique expertise in advocating for business priorities directly impact society.

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Free international trade resources

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Corporate to consultant | What a career in international business strategy looks like
23 March 2026

Corporate to consultant | What a career in international business strategy looks like

International expansion is often sold as the natural next step for a growing business. But for many ...
Incoterms® 2020: “C” or “D” rules?
20 January 2026

Incoterms® 2020: “C” or “D” rules?

In this article, Miguel Angel Bustamante Morales discusses the key differences between the Incoterms...
ICC Trade Register 2025 | Key insights
17 December 2025

ICC Trade Register 2025 | Key insights

Context This International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Trade Register Report came into being during th...

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International trade certifications and courses

Export/Import Certificate (EIC)
Certification

Export/Import Certificate (EIC)

Learn how to do business effectively across borders with ICC’s international trade certification.

US$699
In English
Incoterms® 2020 Certificate
Certification

Incoterms® 2020 Certificate

Get certified on the Incoterms® 2020 Rules directly from the organisation that created them, the ICC.

US$399
International Logistics and Sourcing
Course

International Logistics and Sourcing

Get a clear understanding of each of the primary modes of international transport and their commercial practices.

US$150
Certificate in Digital Trade Strategy (CDTS)
Certification

Certificate in Digital Trade Strategy (CDTS)

Learn the key aspects of digital trade, including essential macro perspectives and micro-level applications and standards.

US$499
Free Trade Agreement Certificate (FTAC)
Certification

Free Trade Agreement Certificate (FTAC)

Learn to simplify complex free trade agreements to access new markets and reduce costs.

US$350
Business Transactions and Contracts
Course

Business Transactions and Contracts

Learn how to strategically manage legal and contractual risks and avoid time consuming and expensive international disputes.

US$150
IMB NVOCC Bill of Lading Certificate (NBL)
Certification

IMB NVOCC Bill of Lading Certificate (NBL)

Streamline your logistics process with a solid understanding of one of the most important documents in global trade.

US$350
Global Trade Certificate (GTC)
Certification

Global Trade Certificate (GTC)

Kick-start your trade finance career with ICC’s foundational trade finance certification. Choose 9 courses from the GTC curriculum to develop a well-rounded skillset.

US$1099
These companies use ICC Academy’s international trade certifications
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Hear from our alumni

A blurred image of professionals walking by the office, for the trade finance career story.
12 June 2026

From trade floor to governance: A career in global trade operations

The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessari...
An image depicting a corporate business environment, to exemplify career stories
6 May 2026

From copper mines to Silicon Valley: One engineer’s journey through global digital trade

Global trade moves trillions of dollars every year and much of it still runs on paper. For James Kev...
Business professionals seated across from each other at a meeting table with laptops and notepads, in a bright office setting.
6 April 2026

What a senior international trade finance career looks like  

There are practitioners who understand trade finance, and then there those who have lived it – acr...

What our students say

Chinedu Okoye

The CTFP accelerated my professional development by enhancing both my technical credibility and my capacity for leadership...management has increasingly relied on me to lead complex cross-border transactions.

Team Lead, FX Payments Front Office, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Nigeria
Azeez Otukoya

A major problem I faced before the CTFP was career stagnation. However, within a year of completing the CTFP certification I was able to secure a better job opportunity. After this, it has been one job opportunity after another.

Business Analyst, Union Systems Limited, Nigeria
Rozanne De Almeida

I have added this qualification to my LinkedIn profile and I am sure that it has helped with the many job offers that have been referred to me.

Head of Trade, Hatton National Bank, Sri Lanka
Mohammed Ali

After completing the CTFP…I was subsequently selected for an elite role in State Bank of India’s Global Markets Unit thanks to this certification.

Branch Head, State Bank of India, India
Isuri Kelaniyage

Customers have also shown greater confidence in my advice, especially when dealing with complex documentation and payment terms, knowing that I hold an internationally recognised qualification from ICC.

Deputy Manager, NDB Bank, Sri Lanka

Frequently asked questions

Who can benefit from our international trade certifications and courses?

Our selection of certificates and courses focused on international trade are designed to support businesses operating across borders. International trade professionals including auditors, customs brokers, forwarders and carriers, and trade finance bankers will find our certifications useful. View all certifications to see all that we offer.

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in an international trade certification?

Both international trade certifications – the Export Import Certificate (EIC) and Incoterms® 2020 Certificate – do not have prerequisites. Interested learners should be able to read and write in English or Spanish for the EIC, while the Incoterms® 2020 Certificate is available in English, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

How are the courses delivered, and what is the format?

All our certifications and courses can be completed 100% online, meaning you can access them wherever you are in the world, 24 hours a day. Our alumni come from more than 130 countries and our programmes are based on globally applicable rules and principles.

Are the certifications globally recognised?

Our certifications are also internationally accredited and often used by banks and corporations to train their staff. The certifications are accredited by organisations like the Bankers Association for Trade and Finance (BAFT), The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF), and the Global Trade Professionals Alliance (GTPA). As ICC is the institutional representative of millions of companies in more than 170 countries, our certifications and courses draw upon the combined expertise and knowledge of a network unlike any other institution in the world.

What types of resources are available besides certifications and courses?

Apart from our certifications and courses, we also provide comprehensive guides on important international trade topics around supply chain, logistics, export and import management, international contracts and more – all authored by our network of ICC experts. Additionally, we also interview leading experts in the field to offer a holistic view of building a career in the field.

Further your international trade knowledge with ICC certifications.