reexport: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Business
Quick answer
What does “reexport” mean?
To send goods that have been imported to another country.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To send goods that have been imported to another country.
To export again; to send out previously imported goods to a different country. Can also be used metaphorically for ideas or data.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English more commonly uses the hyphenated spelling 're-export'. American English often uses the unhyphenated form 'reexport'.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties; carries a technical/commercial connotation.
Frequency
More frequent in both varieties within trade, logistics, and customs documentation than in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “reexport” in a Sentence
[Country/Company] reexports [goods] to [destination country][Goods] are reexported from [country]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reexport” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company imports spices from India only to re-export them to European markets.
- Goods under bond cannot be reexported without customs approval.
American English
- The free trade zone allows businesses to reexport assembled products without paying duties.
- They were fined for attempting to reexport restricted technology.
adverb
British English
- The goods were sent reexport promptly.
- N/A (extremely rare usage)
American English
- N/A (extremely rare usage)
- N/A (extremely rare usage)
adjective
British English
- The re-export trade is vital for the port's economy.
- We need the reexport documentation finalized.
American English
- The reexport license was granted after a lengthy review.
- He analyzed reexport data for the trade report.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Crucial term in international trade and supply chain management, referring to the practice of importing goods only to sell them to a third country.
Academic
Used in economics, political science, and logistics research on global trade flows and value chains.
Everyday
Rarely used; would only appear in discussions about international business or news about trade.
Technical
A standard term in customs law, shipping documentation, and trade compliance.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reexport”
- Confusing it with 'export again' in a non-trade technical sense (e.g., re-exporting a software update).
- Misspelling as 're-export' or 're export'.
- Using it without the implied prior import.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related. 'Transship' focuses on the transfer of goods from one conveyance to another during transit, which often involves reexport. 'Reexport' focuses on the commercial/customs act of sending imported goods out of the country.
No, not necessarily. Reexport can involve goods in an identical state ('entrepôt trade') or after minor processing/assembly. The core idea is the prior import, not transformation.
'Reexport' (especially AmE) and 're-export' (especially BrE) are both standard. 'Re export' (with a space) is generally considered incorrect.
Yes, metaphorically. In legal/technical contexts (like export controls), 'reexport' can refer to the transfer of controlled technology or data from one foreign country to another.
To send goods that have been imported to another country.
Reexport is usually formal, technical, business in register.
Reexport: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːɪkˈspɔːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːɪkˈspɔːrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-EXPORT. You EXPORT something again (RE-), but specifically after it was first IMPORTed.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRADE IS A FLOW (Goods flow in, then are redirected to flow out again).
Practice
Quiz
What is a key prerequisite for an activity to be called 'reexport'?