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Learn key strategies to manage trade risks effectively for both buyers and sellers, explore payment methods, country risk assessment, and how banks can assist exporters. Understand documentation, pricing considerations, and the role of freight forwarders.
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Managing Financial and Commercial Risks in Trade Transactions
Buyer’s and Seller’s Objectives in Global Trade • Both have a vested interest in closing the transaction, • but there is an inherent conflict in objectives • Buyer wants to delay payment as long as possible • Until… • Receipt and Processing of Goods • Sale of Goods • Collection of Receivables • Seller wants payment as soon as possible • At... • Contract Signing, or • At Time of Shipment
Key Functions to Consider in Global Trade • A structuring of payment terms between Buyers and Sellers • Properly structured, trade finance provides an orderly, cost effective and secure method of assuring satisfaction to all parties in a trade transaction • Mitigation or reduction of financial and commercial risks • Availability of financing for the exporter and importer
Warning to Exporters! • Don’t assume that your trading partners understand the proper use of the conventional customs, practices, obligations, risks and costs that drive the global trade transaction • Do assume that they are ready, willing and able to exploit the innocent or unknowing U.S. exporter • Know the Rule of Law • Don’t leave your judgement at the border
Methods of Payment • Cash in Advance • Letter of Credit • Documentary Collection • Open Account
Credit Risks: Liquidity Financial Difficulties Disputes Intentional Delay Fraud Country Risks: Access to Foreign Exchange Stable FX Environment Import Restrictions Political unrest Expropriation The Basic Question: Will My Customer Pay Me on Time?
Country Risk • A measure of the abilityand willingnessof the country’s central bank to make foreign currency available to service debt • Anything and everything that will alter the ability and/or willingness of the obligor to pay • A measurement that is both an art and a science
Debt service Political outlook Economic outlook Reserves & current account Access to capital markets Income distribution Trade balance Foreign direct investment Fiscal policy Inflow of portfolio investments Domestic savings rate As a Science Look at the major macroeconomic data:
As an Art • Quality and transparency of public and private sector data and financial information • Degree of government intervention in capital allocation and fixing of FX rate • Level of corruption, cronyism • Independence of central bank • Quality of bank oversight and regulations • Effectiveness of legal system
How Can Banks Broadly Help Exporters? • “Financial Supply Chain” Assistance • Working Capital Facilities • Pre and Post Export Working Capital Facilities • International Cash Management Services • Cross-Border Risk Mitigation Products
How Can Banks Specifically Help Exporters? • Export Letters of Credit • Standby Letters of Credit • Documentary Collections • Foreign Exchange • Export Receivable Insurance • Export-Import Bank of the U.S. Working Capital Guarantee Program • Small Business Administration Working Capital Guarantee Program • Internet-Based Electronic Delivery Systems
Sales Contract Pro-Forma Invoice or Purchase Order should indicate: • Description of goods, quantity and unit price • Ex-Works Value of Goods • The appropriate Incoterms and any additional charges • Payment Terms • Sales Contract transmitted by • Fax • Email • Verbal Agreement • Formal Agreement
Export Pricing Considerations • Domestic: • Cost of Merchandise • Export, add: • Export Packing • Inland Freight • International Freight • Insurance Premiums • Banking Fees • Forwarder’s Fees • Consular Fees
Export Documentation • Documentation is the engine that drives global trade • Documentation facilitates – the movement of freight – transfer of title – processing of payment – customs clearance
Role of the Freight Forwarder “Physical Supply Chain” Assistance • Exporter’s agent in moving cargo to buyer’s destination • Should be familiar with: • Import Rules and Regulations of Foreign Countries • U.S. Government Export Regulations • Trade Documents • Incoterms
Common Shipping Documents • Commercial Invoice • Bill of Lading • Packing List • Certificate of Origin • Insurance Certificate • Inspection Certificate • Consular Invoice
Incoterms 2000 • Most commonly used pricing terms that deal with the relation between seller and buyer under the sales contract • Incoterms address: • the seller’s transport obligation and transfer of title to the buyer • the party responsible for the contract of carriage and cost of carriage • the party responsible for the contract of insurance and cost of insurance • Critical to the success of the transaction • Incoterms are published by the International Chamber of Commerce
Export Pricing Considerations • Domestic: • Cost of Merchandise • Export, add: • Export Packing • Inland Freight • International Freight • Insurance Premiums • Banking Fees • Forwarder’s Fees • Consular Fees
Incoterms 2000 • EXW Ex Works • FCA Free Carrier • FAS Free Along Side • FOB Free On Board • CFR Cost and Freight • CIF Cost, Insurance, and Freight • CPT Carriage Paid To • CIP Carriage and Insurance Paid To • DAF Delivered at Frontier • DES Delivered Ex Ship • DEQ Delivered Ex Quay • DDU Delivered Duty Unpaid • DDP Delivered Duty Paid