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Trade Q&A
The issue of foreign trade terms
I just started working in foreign trade, and my client asked me to quote a DDP price, but I've only quoted FOB prices before. I want to ask what the differences between DDP and FOB are? If I accept DDP, what additional risks and costs will I need to bear? What should I pay attention to when quoting prices to avoid losing money?
Feb 5, 2026 at 07:462833 AnswersWe produce and sell stainless steel seamless pipes.
Our factory just secured a large order for stainless steel seamless pipes worth $300,000, with destinations in Brazil and the United Arab Emirates. However, this is our team's first time exporting, and we're facing numerous challenges: 1) How to choose the HS codes for 7304 and 7305? Do we need to obtain an export license? 2) The client requires CIF terms. How can we control logistics costs and risks? 3) Is it safe to insist on a 30% prepayment plus 70% payment upon presentation of the bill of lading copy? 4) How can we convince clients that we're the original manufacturer, not a middleman?
Feb 5, 2026 at 06:441843 AnswersLetters of credit from Bangladesh and Pakistan
We're about to receive letters of credit orders from clients in Bangladesh and Pakistan. I've heard that these two countries carry high risks, and the banks there aren't very reliable, with frequent discrepancy-based payment rejections. I'd like to ask for advice on what specific points need attention from the perspectives of compliance, logistics, and business negotiations. How can we minimize risks as much as possible during the transaction process?
Feb 4, 2026 at 05:452103 AnswersHow much are the service fees charged by the Bank of China for money transfers to Vietnam?
We are a foreign trade company and often transfer payment to our Vietnamese suppliers through Bank of China, but we've noticed that the handling fees charged each time vary significantly—sometimes higher, sometimes lower. Could you please explain how Bank of China calculates the transfer fees to Vietnam? Are there any ways to reduce these costs?
Feb 4, 2026 at 04:132133 AnswersHow to reduce the risks in import and export trade agency?
We are a newly established import and export trading agency company, but lately we've been feeling that risks are everywhere: clients defaulting on payments, customs inspections and seizures, logistics delays and compensation, and even encountering fraudulent shipments and tax evasion. We'd like to ask experts if there's a comprehensive method that can help us systematically reduce these risks?
Feb 3, 2026 at 01:031913 AnswersHelp! What does FPO (For Placement Only) mean?
The client asked us to label the samples with "FPO (For Placement Only)", stating that this is to facilitate customs clearance. I want to ask whether this labeling will affect the export of our subsequent formal orders? Will customs assume that our products are only for display and cannot be sold just because the samples are labeled with FPO? Additionally, are there any operational differences between express delivery and air freight?
Feb 2, 2026 at 07:452633 AnswersHow to search for business information on Foreign Trade Loft HD?
I've just started using the foreign trade tool Loft HD, and I want to use it to find suppliers and buyers, but I'm not sure how to operate it efficiently and safely. I'm worried about finding unreliable sellers, and I'm also concerned about compliance and logistics issues in future collaborations.
Feb 2, 2026 at 06:041453 AnswersWhat are the requirements for an agency import and export equipment company?
I plan to register a company in Shenzhen to act as an agent for importing and exporting industrial equipment, primarily serving domestic manufacturing enterprises. Besides the standard business license, what additional special qualifications are required? I've heard that the requirements vary greatly depending on the type of equipment. Are there any hidden conditions that might be overlooked, potentially leading to issues with customs clearance later on?
Feb 1, 2026 at 07:391653 AnswersIs ACI our responsibility?
We recently have a shipment to be sent to Canada. The freight forwarder said that the ACI declaration must be handled by us, the exporters, but the client insists that they will handle it themselves. I want to know who is actually responsible for the ACI declaration? If the declaration is incorrect or late, what risks will we, as exporters, have to bear?
Feb 1, 2026 at 06:072283 AnswersWhat are the fees for import and export agency services?
Our company is just starting to engage in import and export business and plans to entrust an agency to handle the operations. However, the quotation we received lists over a dozen fees, including customs declaration fees, inspection fees, document fees, operation fees, and bill of exchange fees, which are so confusing that we don't know where to start. Could you please advise us on what items should be included in a legitimate import and export agency fee? What might be hidden charges? And what regulatory risks should we pay special attention to before signing the contract?
Feb 1, 2026 at 04:242033 AnswersWhat are the services provided by agents for Korea's import and export business?
Our trading company wants to act as an agent for the import and export of Korean cosmetics and 3C products, but we're not clear about the specific steps involved in the agency business. We're particularly concerned about violating regulatory requirements and would like to ask about the specific types of business activities and key risk points in this area.
Feb 1, 2026 at 03:482193 AnswersHow to determine if a product infringes intellectual property rights?
We are a foreign trade company and recently want to develop several new products. However, we heard that some of our competitors have been detained by customs for infringement issues and faced huge compensation payments. Could you please tell us how to determine whether a product infringes intellectual property rights in practice? Are there any systematic self-inspection methods available?
Jan 31, 2026 at 08:031553 Answers