How do District Export Councils help businesses?

District Export Councils help businesses learn how to export, understand foreign markets, make connections, and access resources through mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Who are members of District Export Councils?

Members of District Export Councils are experienced professionals in international trade who volunteer their time and are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to support exporters in their communities.

How is NADEC different from local District Export Councils?

NADEC operates at a national level by connecting and supporting regional District Export Councils, while local DECs provide direct, hands-on support to businesses within their specific regions.

Why are District Export Councils important?

District Export Councils are important because they act as a bridge between businesses and government resources, helping U.S. exporters navigate international markets and grow globally.

Home | National Association of District Export Councils

Q: What are District Export Councils (DECs)?

District Export Councils (DECs) are groups of experienced international business professionals who help U.S. companies export goods and services by offering guidance, education, and access to global market insights.

WORKING FOR

AMERICA'S EXPORTERS

Who Are We?

The National Association of District Export Councils (NADEC) increases awareness and understanding of the importance of exports to the US economy through education, legislative outreach, and engagement with DECs and other relevant stakeholders. NADEC is a non-profit corporation that maintains a 501(c)(6) federal income tax status.

We Support Our Mission Through the Following Activities:

Mentoring of local businesses in exporting
Identifying export financing sources for businesses
Creating greater export awareness in the business community locally
Identifying issues affecting export trade
Advocating trade policy and legislation supporting exporters
Supporting programs and services of the U.S. Export Assistance Centers
Building local export assistance partnerships with other trade-related organizations
Providing export training and education to small and medium sized businesses
Encouraging students to consider a career path in global trade by offering teaching and student resources

2026 NADEC Annual Export Conference

Navigating New Horizons: Strategies for Export Success in a Changing World

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Market your company to this targeted audience.
Corporate and Local DEC sponsorship opportunities are available.

NADEC Newsletter

The NADEC Newsletter is emailed to all members and shares valuable industry insights and important updates on upcoming events. You can access past editions by visiting the Newsletter Archive.

Have you subscribed to the NADEC Newsletter?

For the most up-to-date information, we recommend that you join our email list! We offer three convenient ways to subscribe:

• Click the button below to enter your email address
• Text “NADECNEWS” to 22828
• Email nadec@usaexporter.org.

Upcoming Events

NADEC hosts monthly events at a national level as well as many other events (such as the Annual Export Conference in Washington, D.C.). Explore all upcoming events on the National DEC Events and Local DEC Events pages.

NEXT
FEATURED EVENT:

Event Date	Event Details
06/30/2026	Building a Strong DEC: Best Practices in Structure, Bylaws, and Sponsorship

NADEC Webinars

NADEC provides monthly educational webinars to support the many different aspects of our mission. You can browse upcoming webinars on our Events page or watch previous webinars on our YouTube Channel.

National District Export Council (NADEC)

The National Association of District Export Councils, or NADEC, is a group that connects export councils. It helps export growth in the United States. NADEC’s main goal is to make exporting easier for businesses across the country. They work with government and sector partners. These partners help create policies that benefit exporters. NADEC provides resources to help businesses export products and services to other countries. The National Association of District Export Councils connects councils and works at a national level. This ensures that exporters get the help and expertise they need, across the United States. The National Association of District Export Councils makes exporting easier.

What Are District Export Councils (DECs)?

District Export Councils are groups that help people in the United States export things to other countries. They work with the government, as well as private companies, to give advice on how to do business in other countries. Companies that work with District Export Councils can get help with learning how to export and get information about other markets. District Export Councils also host events and workshops to help businesses learn how to sell to people in other countries and avoid mistakes. District Export Councils are a voice for people who export things, so they are very important for trade in the United States.

National District Export Councils (DECs): Supporting U.S. Export Growth

District Export Councils are there to help United States businesses take that step into international markets without feeling like they are figuring it out by themselves. The people on these District Export Councils have world experience in global trade. They volunteer their time to share what they have learned with businesses in their community.

Leaders of District Export Councils are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce. Their role is more hands-on. They are advisors that United States businesses can actually talk to.

District Export Councils help businesses think through exporting. They help businesses make connections. They help businesses get access to resources so that expanding beyond the United States feels less overwhelming. District Export Councils are extremely helpful to United States businesses that want to export goods and services to other countries.