Direct Line for American Business

About Direct Line

With 96 percent of global consumers living outside the United States, exports are a great way to increase jobs and income here at home. Successful exporting requires accurate and up-to-the minute information on opportunities and market conditions abroad. The Direct Line program provides a unique opportunity for American businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises, to engage directly via webcast with U.S. ambassadors overseas.

Direct Line to American Business

Direct Line lets U.S. business hear directly from our ambassadors and our economic and commercial experts at over 260 embassies and consulates in over 190 countries. Our staffs are trained to identify promising market sectors and to help U.S. exporters capitalize on new opportunities.

How Direct Line Works

Ambassadors or principal officers of U.S. missions overseas host Direct Line webinars or conference calls, often including local government officials, to discuss emerging sectors or new developments. Approximately 30-40 minutes is dedicated to allow participants to ask questions and offer comments.

Who Can Participate

Any U.S. business can register for a Direct Line webinar. This page provides a full list of past and upcoming calls. U.S. businesses can also subscribe to receive e-mail announcements of upcoming calls, as well as offer suggestions for future countries and sectors for calls. Direct Line is a free service of the U.S. Department of State.

Contact Us

We value your input on Direct Line. Click here to submit questions and comments or to suggest topics and countries for future webcasts.