What does TT mean in agency import? Can anyone explain it in detail?

Anonymous
Sep 28, 2025 at 19:24
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9 Answers

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I've just got involved in the agency import business and often hear the term TT, but I'm not quite sure what it specifically refers to. What role does TT play in the process of agency import? What are the pros and cons of choosing the TT payment method for both the buyer and the seller? I hope that friends who are knowledgeable in this area can explain it to me in detail so that I can have a clearer understanding of the application of TT in agency import.

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Professional consultant answers

: Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult

In agency import, TT refers to Telegraphic Transfer, which is a commonly used payment method in international trade. It is a remittance method in which the remitting bank, upon the application of the remitter, sends a cable or telex with test key to its branch or correspondent bank (i.e., the receiving bank) in another country, instructing it to pay a certain amount to the payee.

From the process perspective, the importer first remits the payment to the exporter through the bank by telegraphic transfer, and the exporter arranges to ship the goods after receiving the payment. This method is more favorable for the seller because it can receive the payment relatively quickly, with a fast capital recovery speed and relatively small risks. However, for the buyer, paying first and receiving the goods later, if the seller fails to ship the goods on time or there are problems with the quality of the goods, the buyer may suffer losses. Nevertheless, if the two parties have a high level of mutual trust and have a full understanding of the goods situation, the TT payment method is simple to operate, fast, and can improve trade efficiency.

In agency import, the agency will assist the importer in handling the relevant operations and risk control of TT payment.

References: Free agency for import and export. Is there such a good thing?

Sep 28, 2025 at 20:13 Reply

: David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult

The TT payment method can be divided into Front TT and Back TT. Front TT means that the importer pays first and the exporter ships the goods later, which is most advantageous for the exporter with almost no risks. Back TT means that the exporter ships the goods first and the importer pays after receiving the goods, which is advantageous for the importer but poses high risks for the exporter. In agency import, it is necessary to select whether it is Front TT or Back TT according to the actual situation.

Sep 28, 2025 at 20:08 Reply

: William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult

Sep 28, 2025 at 20:02 Reply

: Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult

Sep 28, 2025 at 19:57 Reply

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

Sep 28, 2025 at 19:51 Reply

: Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
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: Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
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Sep 28, 2025 at 19:40 Reply

: Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult

Sep 28, 2025 at 19:35 Reply

: Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult

Sep 28, 2025 at 19:29 Reply

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