Connect & Solve
Trade Q&A
Teach you how to quickly check the ranking of your products on the international platform
Our team recently launched the Alibaba International Station and wants to monitor the actual rankings of our own products under keyword searches. We've heard about many third-party query tools, but we're worried about violating platform rules. Are there any safe and fast methods? If we search manually, will the IP address affect the accuracy of the results?
Mar 23, 2026 at 01:45913 AnswersThe price difference between the FOB price in Pakistan and the CNF KARACHI price
We quoted the same batch of goods to our Pakistani client, but the price difference between FOB Shanghai and CNF Karachi is nearly $2,000. The client questioned that the freight quote was too high. How exactly is this price difference calculated? What are the differences in our risks and responsibilities under the two terms? How can we explain this to the client in a professional yet firm manner?
Mar 22, 2026 at 05:491053 AnswersDifferences between Lead time, Delivery time, and Shipping time?
We recently received an order from a European client, and the contract mentions three terms: lead time, delivery time, and shipping time. I checked, and it seems that the usage of these terms varies among different parties. How should we distinguish between them? How can we use them accurately in customs declarations and contract clauses to avoid future disputes?
Mar 21, 2026 at 01:201543 AnswersWhy are container sizes different?
I'm a novice in foreign trade. When a client asks why container sizes vary, how should I respond? What impact do different sizes have on customs clearance and shipping costs?
Mar 20, 2026 at 06:09803 AnswersWho will bear the cost of customs clearance?
We have a batch of goods arriving at Shanghai Port, but due to the client's license issues, we were unable to clear customs, resulting in a refund fee of 12,000 yuan. The client claims it's our responsibility and demands us to bear the cost, but the contract only stipulates FOB Shanghai without any clear provisions on refund fees. Currently, the goods are in the customs supervision warehouse, and daily storage fees continue to accrue. Who should bear the responsibility in this situation? How should we negotiate with the client? And how can we prevent similar issues in the future?
Mar 19, 2026 at 05:351053 AnswersAbout HSBC ABA Number/Routing Number
We recently received a payment from an American client, but their finance department requires us to provide the ABA Number and Routing Number from HSBC. I've searched for this information on our online banking platform but couldn't find it anywhere. If I tell the client to wait, it might seem unprofessional. Could you please explain what these numbers are? If we fill them in incorrectly, will we not receive the payment? Is there a quick way to look them up?
Mar 18, 2026 at 08:361193 AnswersDo I need to get the PI stamped?
I'm new to the foreign trade industry. I just sent a Proforma Invoice to a client. Do I need to stamp the PI? Will not stamping it affect order execution or customs clearance?
Mar 18, 2026 at 06:171443 AnswersCalculating the price of outdoor furniture products
We're a factory specializing in outdoor furniture. Recently, we've received inquiries from several European and American clients, but we always feel uncertain when quoting prices. Could you please advise us on what factors we need to consider when calculating the prices of outdoor furniture products? Specifically, when exporting to European and American markets, what hidden costs are easily overlooked?
Mar 18, 2026 at 02:211293 AnswersWhat continues to drag down China's foreign trade?
We've been exporting mechanical and electrical products for nearly ten years, but recently, we've noticed that our order profits are being completely eroded by various costs. Shipping fees are fluctuating dramatically, and customers are making increasingly demanding requests. I've heard that Europe and the United States are implementing new compliance reviews. What exactly is continuing to drag down China's foreign trade? How should small and medium-sized enterprises like ours respond to these challenges?
Mar 16, 2026 at 09:571073 AnswersEurope and America have holidays in July and August, but what about South America?
We mainly focus on the European and American markets, and every year in July and August, our clients are on summer vacation, so our business operations basically come to a halt. Now we want to prioritize developing the South American market. Could you please tell me if they also take summer vacation in July and August? How will this affect our shipments, customs clearance, and client communication?
Mar 15, 2026 at 04:08863 AnswersThe weight on the bill of lading doesn't match the one on the packing list
When our shipment arrived in the United States, we found that the weight on the bill of lading differed by 200 kilograms from the packing list. The goods are currently at sea, and the client has already made the payment. What should I do? Could the goods be detained by customs?
Mar 14, 2026 at 06:371393 AnswersIn addition to the common fees, what other hidden costs are there for import and export agents?
We are a small and medium-sized enterprise that just started doing import and export business. Every time the agency quotes a price, they claim it's an "all-inclusive fee," but there are always a bunch of extra charges when it comes to final settlement. Apart from the well-known customs declaration fees, shipping costs, and agency fees, what other hidden costs exist? Is there any way to identify and avoid these pitfalls before signing the contract?
Mar 14, 2026 at 06:16913 Answers