Port Examiner provides static records. ImportGenius delivers actionable trade insight.

While Port Examiner provides U.S. bill-of-lading lookups for quick record searches, ImportGenius delivers daily shipment updates, direct data from 25+ countries, AI-powered company profiling, reliable buyer and supplier contacts, and live expert support,  all in one platform. Sign up instantly and start exploring in minutes.

Dashboard of comprehensive search results

ImportGenius vs Port Examiner 

Port Examiner
Global Coverage
25+ countries with direct, non-mirrored data, including the U.S.–Mexico corridor, Russia, India, Latin America, and the Panama Canal
U.S.-only
Data Authority
Trusted trade data that is even used in court. Licensed data sourced from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, foreign governments, customs agencies, and proprietary partnerships. Trusted by Fortune 500s, government agencies, and journalists
No claim to legal admissibility or data authority
Data Depth
Shipment-level detail with visual analytics, trade network mapping, supplier history, and HS code filtering
Bill-of-lading records only
Timeliness
Make key business decisions based on daily U.S. updates plus regular global updates as soon as they are available 
Update frequency not disclosed
Contact information 
On-demand, reliable buyer and supplier contacts researched and validated by our in-house intelligence team for accuracy and outreach effectiveness
No contact data provided
AI capabilities
Instantly understand who your competitors buy from, where suppliers ship, and how markets are shifting with AI-powered Genius Company Profiler, providing instant company backgrounds and product classification for sharper market targeting
None listed
Support channels
Live chat, phone, and email access to U.S.-based trade analysts. Annual subscribers receive a dedicated analyst team for custom reports and deeper support
None listed 
Customization
Custom dashboards, tailored data feeds, saved searches, shipment alerts, and enterprise intelligence options
None

When companies switch from Port Examiner to ImportGenius 

  • Need global trade data, not just U.S. records
  • Need daily shipment updates they can count on
  • Need AI tools to profile companies and classify products
  • Need reliable contacts to reach real decision-makers
  • Need a full intelligence platform, not just a search tool

ImportGenius is trusted by global leading companies

DHL logoGoldman Sachs logoThomson Reuters LogoUSA Social Security administration logoSamsung logoFlexport logoDeloitte logo

Why ImportGenius is the best platform for trade intelligence

Global coverage, direct and uncompromised

Port Examiner is limited to U.S. records. ImportGenius delivers trade data across 25+ countries, including harder-to-access markets like Russia, Ukraine, India, and Latin America, all sourced directly, not mirrored from third parties.

Whether you are tracking a supplier in Asia, monitoring a competitor in Latin America, or prospecting in emerging markets, you have the coverage to move.

Dashboard with comprehensive data coverage of import and export data
Dashboard with comprehensive search results

Data authority you can rely on

For nearly two decades, investigative journalists, Fortune 500s, and government agencies have relied on ImportGenius. Our records are sourced from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Homeland Security, foreign governments, and proprietary partnerships, making them federal court-admissible and recognized for their accuracy and reliability across government, enterprise, and media applications.

Always up to date with daily shipment data

We refresh our U.S. shipment data daily and update international datasets as soon as they become available. Port Examiner does not disclose how often its data is refreshed. 

Dashboard with comprehensive data coverage of import and export data
Shipment details in a easy to read graph with an extra information panel

Built for every team that touches global trade

Port Examiner is designed for straightforward shipment lookups, a useful starting point for basic research.

ImportGenius is built for the full range of teams that rely on trade intelligence: sourcing and procurement, sales, logistics, compliance, and beyond. Every plan comes with the data, tools, and support to match how your business actually works.

See how we compare

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How ImportGenius helps you find opportunities in the global trade

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AI-powered research: company profiling and HS Code lookup

The Genius Company Profiler uses AI to surface company backgrounds, shipment history, and trade insights in seconds. Dig deeper with HS Code lookup and product-level filtering to pinpoint exactly what a company is trading.

No digging, no manual research: just the intelligence you need to evaluate partners, customers, and competitors fast.

People

Verified contact information, researched and ready

Our dedicated in-house intelligence team verifies and refreshes contact details whenever you need them. Get accurate, ready-to-use contact information for your key prospects, so you can reach real decision-makers accurately and efficiently.

Booth

See your market in motion 

ImportGenius delivers a timely, actionable view of global trade activity so you can move faster than competitors. Map supplier networks, monitor competitor shipments, and identify new market entrants with powerful filters and visual analytics.

Set up instant shipment alerts to track specific companies, products, or trade lanes in real time. With customizable dashboards and continuous updates, you gain full visibility into the movements shaping your market.

Wrench

Expert support from U.S.-based trade analysts

Our U.S.-based trade analysts are available via live chat, phone, and email with no ticket delays and no offshore handoffs. Annual subscribers receive a dedicated analyst team for deeper support and custom report assistance.

Decorative

Ready to turn trade data into business growth?

ImportGenius gives you the depth, accuracy, and speed to source smarter, track competitors, and grow globally. Access trade intelligence across 25+ regions, backed by AI-powered tools, reliable contacts, and a team that is ready to help.

How ImportGenius is helping international & local businesses grow

Nextiva logo
Enterprise

“We have confidence that we're working with the best manufacturers in part because ImportGenius showed us that they already supply some of the world's top brands.”

DecorativeYaniv Masjedi Headshot
Yaniv Masjedi
Vice President, Nextiva
Bellabeat logo
Wellness

“ImportGenius gave us visibility into the actual shipping histories of the manufacturers we were evaluating and helped us feel comfortable we were working with the best suppliers in China.”

DecorativeMorena Simitic Headshot
Morena Simitic
COO, Bellabeat
Lab Products logo
Enterprise

“Very informative and great site and so quick. Pretty slick.”

DecorativeBetty Fatzie Headshot
Betty Fatzie
President, Lab Products
Build.com logo
Manufacturing

“ImportGenius is a great research tool. We use it to evaluate manufacturers to make sure we are working with only the highest quality, most reliable suppliers.”

DecorativeChris Friedland Headshot
Chris Friedland
Founder/CEO, Buildi
Half Moon Capital LLC logo
Finance

“ImportGenius is a highly informative tool for monitoring public companies' operating activities. It is an invaluable part of our research.”

DecorativeEric DeLamarter Headshot
Eric DeLamarter
Managing Partner, Half Moon Capital, LLC
Flexport logo
Logistics
Enterprise

“We find new clients for our customs brokerage in the ImportGenius database almost every day.”

DecorativeJayson Gispan Headshot
Jayson Gispan
Operations Manager, Flexport

The information provided on this page was accurate based on publicly available data at the time of publication. Competitor offerings and details may change; users are encouraged to independently verify information before making decisions. The comparisons presented here are strictly for informational purposes, should not be considered legal advice, and are provided without any warranty, express or implied. All trademarks and competitor names mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. The use of these trademarks does not imply affiliation, endorsement, or sponsorship by or of ImportGenius.