SMEs exporting products or services are often faced with the risk of non-paying customers. This situation can be solved by taking out “export credit insurance” that minimizes this risk without missing out on valuable business opportunities.
The Chinese market can be both attractive and daunting for small and medium-sized enterprises deciding to export their products. However, the opportunity of selling goods or services in a market of almost 1.35 billion people should not be missed.
Governments can prevent the entry of fruits and vegetables into their territory insofar the measures applied are in line with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
SME exporting companies should be acquainted with the system regulating intellectual property rights, either to protect their works or to avoid legal issues.
The practice of transporting goods in containers of uniform size and shape has revolutionized international trade. While previously loading and unloading ships used to take 10 days, today this same process takes from 24 to 48 hours, lowering export times and costs.
In order for export merchandise to arrive in good conditions and at a reasonable price to consumers, producers must choose an adequate method of transportation. This requires considering several factors such as product characteristics, time, geographic location and costs.
Geographical indications are words that identify a product originating from a particular place: for example, “tequila”, “champagne” or “parmesan”. The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) sets out international rules that apply to these terms. By means of example, when a name becomes generic it is free to use.
There are several reasons prompting a firm to sell its products in the international market. It is not difficult, but as most things in business, it requires adequate preparation and training. Although creating an export business plan does not in itself guarantee success, it minimizes risks and optimizes operational efficency.
Online payment tools are an easy and safe way for buyers and businesses to make and receive payments over the Internet. It is an essential e-commerce tool for SMEs seeking to place their products overseas.
Dispute settlement mechanisms before the WTO only allow members of the Organization, and not private parties, to bring actions for breach of international trade regulations. However, SMEs in developing countries can benefit from their governments’ actions in this regard.
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