Our company plans to engage in entrepot trade but is not very familiar with trade terms. Could anyone advise which trade terms are generally used for entrepot trade? Is there a particular trade term that is more suitable for entrepot trade, one that can minimize risks and maximize profits? We’d appreciate insights from experienced professionals. Thank you!
The company intends to expand overseas markets and wants to find a Qingdao foreign trade export agency. However, it is worried about its unreliability and asks about the operation process, service quality, charging standards, etc. The best answer points out that there are reliable and unreliable Qingdao foreign trade export agencies. You can examine them from aspects such as standardized operation processes, comprehensive services, and transparent and reasonable charges. By examining qualifications, word-of-mouth, cases, etc., you can find a reliable agency.
I want to know about the agency import customs clearance fees for nylon plastics. I have never been in contact with import customs clearance before and have no idea about the cost calculation standards and the impact of trade terms. The best answer points out that the agency import customs clearance fees for nylon plastics are affected by factors such as the cargo value, import volume, trade terms, and port miscellaneous fees. The tariff is about 6.5% and the VAT is 13%. The agency customs clearance service fee of Zhongshitong is roughly 2000 - 5000 yuan. The accurate cost needs to be calculated based on the actual situation.
The company plans to expand overseas markets and wants to find a reliable foreign trade export agency in Fujian. It hopes that the agency can perform well in terms of customs clearance efficiency, fees, and service professionalism. The best answer points out that when choosing an agency, considerations can be made from aspects such as service experience, content integrity, and reasonable charging. For example, Zhongshitong has many years of experience, provides one-stop services, and has transparent charging, making it a good choice.
I plan to set foot in the import and export trade business and want to know about standard import and export trade agencies, including standards in aspects such as operation processes, service content, and key points to pay attention to when looking for an agency. The best answer states that a standard import and export trade agency is a professional institution that provides standardized services upon commission. The operation process covers market research, license application, transportation, etc., and the service content includes trade financing, document processing, etc. When choosing an agency, pay attention to its qualifications, etc.
I'm planning to engage in foreign trade business but am confused about the concepts of agency and export. I want to know the difference between them. The best answer states that in terms of operational entities, export refers to a company handling the entire foreign trade process independently, while agency involves delegating to an agency company. Regarding responsibilities and rights, export companies bear all risks and reap all profits, whereas agency arrangements involve negotiated risk-sharing and profit distribution between both parties, with Zhongshitong's export agency services cited as an example.
Planning to engage in import and export trade, wanting to understand Ningbo import and export agency customs declaration, inquiring about its meaning, role in import/export operations, and advantages compared to self-declaration. The best answer states that it involves entrusting professional agencies to handle customs declaration procedures in Ningbo, with benefits including familiarity with processes/documents, staying updated on regulatory changes, saving labor costs, and quickly resolving issues.
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Professional consultant answers
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
In entrepot trade, commonly used trade terms include FCA (Free Carrier), CPT (Carriage Paid To), and CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To). FCA offers high flexibility, as the seller fulfills their delivery obligation by handing over the goods to the buyer’s designated carrier at a specified location, making it suitable for various transportation methods. Under CPT, the seller must pay for transporting the goods to the specified destination, with risk transferring upon delivery to the carrier. Under CIP, the seller assumes all CPT obligations and must also arrange cargo transportation insurance.
If risk reduction is a priority, CIP is relatively better because the seller handles insurance, allowing claims for damage or loss during transit. However, the choice should consider factors like transportation methods, cargo characteristics, and transportation risks. For example, FCA may be more suitable for multimodal transport, while CIP is advantageous for long-distance or high-risk shipments.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
FOB (Free On Board) can also be considered for entrepot trade, as it clearly states that risk transfers from the seller to the buyer once the goods pass the ship’s rail at the port of loading. However, it is only suitable for sea and inland waterway transport and may not be convenient for multimodal shipments.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
CFR (Cost and Freight) is another term applicable to entrepot trade. The seller covers costs and freight, with risk transferring when the goods pass the ship’s rail at the port of loading. However, it does not include insurance, requiring the buyer to arrange it separately. This may suit companies with strong risk management capabilities.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
EXW (Ex Works) is also used in entrepot trade, where the seller fulfills their obligation by making the goods available at their premises or another specified location. However, this places greater responsibility on the buyer, who must handle subsequent transportation, customs clearance, and other procedures.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
The choice of trade terms should align with practical circumstances. For high-value or fragile goods, CIP offers better protection. For standard goods with straightforward shipping routes, FOB or CFR may be considered.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
If there are multiple transshipment points during transportation, FCA can reduce the seller’s liability, as their obligation ends upon delivery to the carrier, after which risk shifts to the buyer.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
When the seller is familiar with transportation and insurance matters, terms like CIP and CPT—where the seller assumes more responsibility—can improve process control and profitability.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
For entrepot trade, the negotiation power of both parties also matters. If the buyer holds stronger leverage, they may prefer EXW; if the seller is dominant, they may favor terms like CIP.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
From a cost perspective, if sea freight is stable and inexpensive, terms like FOB, CFR, or CIF (specific to sea transport) can help control expenses.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
It’s also important to consider the policies and regulations of the trade destination, as some regions may have specific requirements or restrictions affecting the choice of trade terms.