Some major non-tariff barriers such as textile quota has been abolished - quite a few tariff and non-tariff barriers exist in European Union and other regions. If your product attracts higher duty in target country - demand obviously falls. Registration/Special provision for your products in importing country. This is specially applicable for processed food and beverages, drugs and chemicals. For example - one needs FDA approval for exporting drugs and pharmaceuticals to North American market. Seasonal vagaries of selected products. Some products sell in Summer, others in Winter. Some products may sell only during Christmas. Keep in mind seasonal aspect of your product, if there is any, and lead time required to reach target market. It is not advisable to export a product that requires after sales service, in case you lack the technical and financial ability to provide it. So, instead of approaching the product selection process from demand side - it is far more practical to look at supply side. Ask yourself what can you supply. What are your strengths ? How close are you to supply sources. Once you take a stock of your capabilities - evaluate and prioritize available options. It should be available in sufficient quantity. If possible, avoid products which are monopoly of one or few suppliers. If you are the manufacturer -make sure sufficient capacity is available in-house or you have the wherewithal to outsource it at short notice. Timely supply is a key success factor in export business.