International Trade Blog

For exporters, any sale is a gift until payment is received. For importers, any payment is a donation until the goods are received. Successful exporters and importers recognize this conundrum and are able to negotiate payment terms that recognize the inherent risk and yet meet the needs of both parties.

There are five primary methods of payment in international trade that range from most to least secure. Of course, the most secure method for the exporter is the least secure method for the importer and vice versa. They key is striking the right balance for both sides. This article focuses on open account.

Read More

How much do you know about the inland bill of lading? Even though it’s a straightforward form, it’s important to understand it and make sure you’re completing it correctly. After all, it may be the only transportation document you fill out as an exporter.

Below, I’ll walk you through what the inland bill of lading is, what it does, and four significant reasons to use one.

Read More

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has released the new Incoterms 2020 rules that identify the responsibilities of buyers and sellers for the delivery of goods in international trade. The terms also identify when the risk for those goods transfer from the seller to the buyer.

The new terms take effect on January 1, 2020.

Read More

So, you want to make an outstanding first impression? You have seven seconds. Studies show that positive (or negative) business impressions are made almost immediately—in person.

Can the same thing be said for first impressions when you aren’t working face to face with a potential customer? I think so.

In the world of exporting, one of the best ways to make a positive, lasting first impression is to provide a proforma invoice for your prospective buyers. When it comes down to it, the proforma invoice really is the first impression you will make on your buyers, so it’s pivotal to make your buyer’s experience a pleasant one.

Read More

As an exporter, you’re probably familiar with the Harmonized System (HS) and Schedule B codes, but you may not be as familiar with the role of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, or HTS, codes.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of the HTSUS, including what it is, when it should be used, and why Schedule B codes are a better option for companies that export only.

Read More

There's no point in getting involved in international trade if you're not getting paid for your exports. It's up to you as the exporter to choose an appropriate payment method that minimizes payment risk while also accommodating the needs of the buyer.

There are five primary methods of payment in international trade that range from most to least secure. Of course, the most secure method for the exporter is the least secure method for the importer and vice versa. They key is striking the right balance for both sides. This article focuses on documentary collections.

Read More

Far too often we hear from exporters who say they’re not worried about export compliance because their company is “too small to be noticed” or they “don’t ship items that will get them in trouble.”

This is a huge—and potentially costly—mistake.

Read More

The U.S. Census Department requires exporters to submit Electronic Export Information, or EEI, on shipments to most foreign destinations if those shipments are valued at $2,500 or more per Schedule B code. Exporters must file that information through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal, which is maintained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Exporters need to know how to file that information correctly. They want to make sure they are complying with regulations while doing it quickly and easily, so it doesn’t become a burden. Fortunately, you can do both.

Read More

Most of us wouldn't take a long road trip without directions, so why would a company embark on an export journey without one?

Exporting is a complicated process. You are navigating different cultures, customs, currencies and regulations. In order to be consistently successful, you need directions that guide you past all these hurdles, both known and unexpected.

That's where an Export Compliance Program (ECP) comes in.

Read More

“Where do I even start?!”

If you’re new to the export process, you may have uttered this phrase under your breath a few times. Beginning exporters have a lot on their plate, and it’s not always easy to know who (or what) to turn to for reliable information.

Here are seven resources that can make completing your export documents easier. With these sources, you’ll be able to finish your paperwork more quickly, get answers to many of your questions, and learn information to help you in future exports.

Read More