It's very difficult to do foreign trade in plastic raw materials

Our company specializes in exporting plastic raw materials such as PP and PE, but we always find it harder to operate compared to other products. The customs inspection rate is particularly high, logistics losses are significant, clients demand lower prices, and we're constantly worried about payment risks. I'd like to ask the experts: What exactly makes this industry so challenging? Are there any solutions to overcome these difficulties?

Mar 9, 2026 at 02:101123 Answers

What's the difference between a SEAWAY BILL and an electronic release of shipping documents?

We recently had a shipment delivered to Southeast Asia, and the freight forwarder asked me whether to provide the original bill of lading, a SEAWAY BILL, or an electronic release. The client said they wanted to pick up the goods quickly but didn't want to pay the additional electronic release fee. I checked and found out that a SEAWAY BILL also doesn't require an original copy. So what's the difference between it and an electronic release? Which one carries the least risk for us exporters? Would it affect our ability to collect payments?

Mar 8, 2026 at 05:131573 Answers

Which Latin American countries will release goods without a shipping order?

Our team has recently been exploring the Latin American market, and we've heard that in some countries, carriers can release goods without requiring the original bill of lading, which concerns us greatly about the risk of payment default. Could you please specify which Latin American countries have this practice of 'releasing goods without a bill of lading'? As exporters, what precautions should we take in advance to mitigate this risk?

Mar 8, 2026 at 03:511123 Answers

The Indonesia Industrial Automation Exhibition

Hello! This is our company's first time participating in the Indonesia Industrial Automation Expo held in Jakarta next year, and we plan to bring three industrial robots to demonstrate on-site. We have no prior experience at all and would like to ask: What customs procedures do we need to go through for exporting equipment to Indonesia for the exhibition? How can we arrange the logistics in the most secure way? Are there any special points we need to pay attention to when negotiating cooperation with Indonesian clients?

Mar 8, 2026 at 02:031123 Answers

May I ask how to write a credit note?

We sent the wrong batch of goods to our client, and now the client is asking me to issue a credit note to offset the payment for the subsequent orders. I haven't dealt with this before. Could you please tell me how to write a credit note? What are the key points I need to pay attention to in order to comply with regulations and not hurt the client's feelings at the same time?

Mar 7, 2026 at 09:071363 Answers

What is the specific meaning of CFS and CY shipping schedules?

I'm a novice in foreign trade. Recently, a client asked if our shipping schedule was CFS or CY, and I was completely stumped. What do these two terms specifically mean? How do they affect the quotation and shipping process?

Mar 7, 2026 at 07:362423 Answers

How to do foreign trade of agricultural chemicals

Our factory wants to expand our export business of agrochemical products, but we've heard that the regulatory requirements for this category are particularly complex, with vast differences in requirements across different countries. As novices in foreign trade, we'd like to ask: From domestic compliance, international logistics to client negotiations, what are the key points and common pitfalls that require special attention?

Mar 7, 2026 at 02:491253 Answers

Introduction and risks of backdated bills of lading

The client requested that I backdate the bill of lading by 5 days because the letter of credit is about to expire, saying that this is a common practice in the industry. I want to know the specific risks of backdating the bill of lading. What would happen if it's detected? Is there a way to satisfy the client without leaving any potential risks?

Mar 7, 2026 at 02:271163 Answers

Regarding products with very low product value

We make small jewelry pieces, with a unit price of just $2 to $3. Customers only order a few hundred pieces at a time. The shipping costs often exceed the value of the goods, and the customs broker said that the low value of the goods might lead to a higher inspection rate. In this situation, is it still possible to engage in foreign trade? How should we negotiate with customers about sharing the shipping costs?

Mar 7, 2026 at 01:201333 Answers

Change the letter of credit from BL to FCR

The client requested to change the bill of lading (BL) in the letter of credit to an FCR, saying that it would be faster and cheaper. However, I've heard that FCRs carry significant risks, and banks might refuse to pay. What should we do in this situation?

Mar 6, 2026 at 05:481113 Answers

The difference between a metric ton and a ton

When we export goods, the contract states 'USD 500 per ton', but the customs declaration form lists the unit as 'ton', while the freight forwarder quotes the price based on 'metric ton'. Recently, the client questioned the weight unit, saying they require 'short ton'. What are the differences between these three units? Could this affect customs declaration and payment collection?

Mar 6, 2026 at 02:512053 Answers

Are there any other options for offshore companies? Some countries have stopped accepting money transfers to Hong Kong

We are a foreign trade company that has been using Hong Kong offshore accounts to receive payments from overseas clients. However, recently several new clients have reported that banks in their countries have restricted or banned money transfers to Hong Kong. We would like to ask: Besides Hong Kong, what other options are there for offshore companies? If we switch to a new offshore location, how can we ensure compliance while maintaining client trust?

Mar 5, 2026 at 07:501483 Answers