Before entering a new market: five questions for service businesses.

The national backdrop is a starting point.

Brazil and the United States each recorded 2.3% real GDP growth in 2025 in the official releases cited below. This describes the whole economy; it does not establish demand for a particular service, customer segment or city.

These are annual changes in inflation-adjusted output, not quarterly annualized rates or forecasts. Equal growth rates do not imply equal market size, operating conditions or commercial potential.

From context to a commercial decision

Five questions worth answering.

The following is DROWK’s practical assessment framework. Apply it to a defined location and buyer profile, whether the opportunity is in Brazil or the United States.

1. Who will buy, and why would they change?

   Define the customer, decision-maker and problem you can solve. Compare the alternatives already available and speak with prospective buyers about priorities, purchasing criteria and budget.

2. How will the service be delivered locally?

   Choose an initial region. Map delivery capacity, language, response times and customer expectations. Identify any local requirements that need review by qualified legal, tax or licensing professionals.

3. Do the commercial terms support the operation?

   Build an estimate using local labor, suppliers, travel and payment timing. Where currencies differ, test how exchange-rate changes affect the estimate. Define the assumptions before setting a price.

4. Is the prospective partner a fit?

   Understand the organization, its capabilities, references and decision-making authority. Agree on responsibilities and follow-up. A useful introduction should begin with a clear reason for the two businesses to work together.

5. What would justify the next commitment?

   Define a limited pilot or first commercial milestone, its budget and the evidence you need. Decide in advance what would support moving forward, changing the approach or stopping.

Start with a one-page opportunity brief.

Before commissioning a broad market study, put these points in writing:

• The service, target customer and initial location.
• The problem, current alternatives and evidence of demand.
• The delivery model, potential partners and key assumptions.
• The first milestone, budget range and decision criteria.

For U.S. companies considering Brazil, the U.S. Commercial Service also emphasizes selecting cities or regions and building local commercial relationships. Its guidance is specific to U.S. exporters entering Brazil; the reverse direction needs its own assessment. Read the source.