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Does entrepot trade belong to import and export? Let's discuss together!

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I've always been a bit confused about the concepts of entrepot trade and import/export trade. Recently, while studying trade-related knowledge, I wondered if entrepot trade can be considered as import/export. It seems that entrepot trade involves the flow of goods between different countries, which is somewhat similar to import/export, but there also seem to be differences. Is there anyone knowledgeable who can explain in detail whether entrepot trade can be equated with import/export trade?

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Joseph Zhou
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Senior foreign trade managerConsult

Entrepot trade is not entirely equivalent to import/export trade. Import/export trade refers to the buying and selling of goods and services between one country (or region) and another, occurring directly between the domestic country and a foreign country. Entrepot trade, on the other hand, refers to the buying and selling of import/export goods in international trade that does not occur directly between the producing country and the consuming country but is conducted through a third country.

For example, goods produced in China are first exported to Singapore, and then Singapore exports the same goods to the United States. In this case, Singapore is engaged in entrepot trade. Essentially, entrepot trade involves "import" and "export" actions, but it differs from general import/export trade. In general import/export trade, goods are shipped directly from the producing country to the consuming country, whereas in entrepot trade, goods may undergo storage, processing, or other operations in the third country before being transshipped. Therefore, entrepot trade cannot be simply defined as import/export trade; it is a special trade method.

Emily Liu
Emily LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Settlement and payment expertConsult

Entrepot trade cannot be fully considered as import/export. Import/export typically involves direct transactions between the domestic country and the trading country, while entrepot trade involves a third country, where goods may be stored, repackaged, etc., making the process more complex.

James Liu
James LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult

Entrepot trade is not traditional import/export. It relies on a third-party intermediary, adding the participation of a third country to the trade process, which differs from conventional direct import/export.

Elizabeth Li
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Compliance and risk managerConsult

From the perspective of the trade process, entrepot trade differs from import/export. Import/export mostly involves direct transactions between two countries, while entrepot trade involves a three-country trade process and cannot be simply equated.

Jennifer Wang
Jennifer WangYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0

Market development consultantConsult

There are differences between entrepot trade and import/export. In entrepot trade, goods pass through a third country, which is not the final consuming country, unlike the direct nature of general import/export.

Michelle Chen
Michelle ChenYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Business coordination consultantConsult

It cannot be simply said that entrepot trade is import/export. Entrepot trade has special trade routes, involving more countries and procedures, and differs from conventional import/export trade models.

Andrew Huang
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0

Supply chain optimization expertConsult

Entrepot trade and conventional import/export are different. Conventional import/export directly connects producing and consuming countries, while entrepot trade involves transshipment through a third country, giving it unique characteristics.

Robert Chen
Robert ChenYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Customer service consultantConsult

Entrepot trade is not equivalent to import/export. Import/export involves direct trade between two countries, while entrepot trade involves a third country, making the trade relationship more complex.

David Li
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Senior customs declaration consultantConsult

Entrepot trade is not purely import/export. It involves the intervention of a third country, where goods may be processed before being re-exported, differing from direct import/export.

William Yang
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0

International logistics consultantConsult

There are differences between entrepot trade and import/export. Import/export typically involves transactions between two countries, while entrepot trade relies on a third country, giving the trade form its unique aspects.

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