You are the owner of an international trade consultancy. In your day-to day activities, you advise entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes on various types of import and export matters.

Recently, you received inquiries from two U.S. based manufacturers that produce barbeque sauce and traffic signals.These Mississippi based firms are Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) and have not yet exported; however, both have experienced years of solid sales in the U.S. and now want to explore international markets.

Your clients ask you to identify the 5 "best" potential global markets for their products (barbeque sauce and traffic signals). Please address the following:

1. What are your top 5 global market indicators for each product? Discuss your reasoning behind selecting the indicators. The 5 indicators you identify should align closely with the products in question. These indicators can be used for international market research and be helpful in foreign market selection. Avoid general answers such as "I choose these indicators because they are good indicators of market potential." Your answer should incorporate concepts from the assigned readings, other sources as well as draw from your own thoughts and ideas.

For example, in The Global Entrepreneur, trade statistics for U.S. Exports of Exercise Equipment under HS code 9506.91 was an indicator for MasterFitness. Their reasoning was based on the premise that an international market that already imports from the U.S.A. shows customer acceptance and/or preference for "made in USA" exercise equipment.

2. Reply to at least two other classmates' posts in the discussion section explaining if you agree or disagree with their selected indicators and provide reasons why taking into account the assigned class readings and other sources.