Exports are explained as the goods and services manufactured in one country and acquired by citizens of another country. The export of good or service can be anything. This trade can be done through shipping, e-mail, transmitted in private luggage on a plane. Basically, if the product is manufactured domestically and traded in a foreign country, it is known as an export.
In International trade, exports are one of the components. The other component is imported which means the goods and services purchased by a country’s citizens that are manufactured in a foreign country. Both the export and import combined contribute to the country’s trade balance. Whenever the country’s export is more than the import, it is called a trade surplus. However, when the import is more than the export, it is known as a trade deficit.
Then, in that case, the surplus may be sold to foreign countries.
(2) Optimum Utilization of Domestic Resources
Every country has some natural resources in plenty.
These resources can be utilized to increase the production and sell to those countries where these are in shortage.
(3) Employment Opportunities
International business helps the business enterprises to focus on more production which requires more manpower that means more employment opportunities.
(4) Earning of Foreign Exchange
A country with surplus production may earn foreign exchange by selling goods and services to other countries.
(5) Increase the National Income
Earning of foreign exchange due to exports add to the national income of a country.
This help in improving the standard of living of people.
The international buyer who wishes to buy the goods from the other country sends an inquiry relating to price, desired quality, terms, and conditions for the export of goods which is known as Trade inquiry.
The exporter sends a reply to the inquiry in the form of ‘Quotation’.
The quotation is also known as ‘Proforma Invoice’ which contains information about the selling price, quantity, quality, mode of delivery, etc.
(2) Receipt of Order or Indent
After the receipt of the ‘Quotation’, if the prospective buyer finds the information suitable to him, he places the ‘Order/Indent’ for the import of goods.
(3) Assessing the Creditworthiness
Before proceeding further, the exporter wants to satisfy him regarding the payment of goods.
For this, he demands a Letter of Credit (L/C) from the importer.
This L/C is issued by importer’s bank in favour of the exporter’s bank.
Through the (L/C), the bank gives assurance to the exporter of accepting the bill of exchange of a certain amount.
If required, the exporter can ask for advance payment also from the importer
(4) Obtaining Export Licence & Apply Preshipment Finance and
After satisfying himself about the payment, the exporter has to get an export license.
For receiving the export license, he has to apply to the office of the controller of imports and exports.
Along with the application, he has to deposit a certain fee also.
The Controller of Imports and Exports checks the application thoroughly and after having satisfied himself, issues an export license to the exporter.
The exporter can apply for a Pre Shipment Finance on the basis of Confirmed Indent, Letter of Credit and Export License.
(5) Procurement or Production of Goods
Exporting firm has to either procure ready-made goods from the market or procure raw materials and start producing the goods according to the specification of the importer.
(6) Obtain Inspection Certificate and Excise Clearance
An exporter must approach a Govt. Authorized Agency for Quality Check and Inspection of Goods meant for Exports and obtains an Inspection Certificate.
After Inspection, The exporter has to apply to the Excise Commissioner to obtain the excise clearance from the excise duty. The exporter needs to check if he is covered under the duty drawback scheme.
(7) Obtaining Certificate of Origin
This certificate certifies about the origin of the country in which the goods are produced and exported.
(8) Packaging, Forwarding, and Insurance
The products are correctly prepared and labelled with necessary details (Prepare PACKING List) such as:
Title and address of the importer
Net and Gross weight
Port of destination and cargo
Country of origin
Road / Railway Receipt
The exporter must ensure the Goods meant for Exports and obtain a valid Insurance Policy (in case of sea Transport – Marine Insurance Policy is required)
(9) Custom Clearance
The goods can be loaded on the ship after the customs duty has been paid.
(10) Obtaining Mate’s Receipt
Then the products are boarded on the ship. The captain or the mate of the ship delivers the mate’s receipt to the port superintendent.
(11) Payment of Freight and Issuance of Bill of Lading
After the freight receipt, the freight company delivers a bill of lading.
Bill of lading is a document which works as proof that the sailing company has received the products for shipping to the assigned destination.
(12) Preparation of Invoice
After shipping the goods, the exporter prepares a receipt of the transmitted goods.
The invoice is mentioned with the number of goods shipped and the expense to be cleared by the importer.
(13) Securing Payment
Once the shipment is done, the exporter notifies the importer about the consignment.
The importer requires different documents to declare the ownership of goods on reaching the destination and making them customs cleared, such as :
Verified copy of the invoice
Invoice of lading
Packing list
Insurance policy
Certificate of origin
Letter of credit
Multiple Choice Question:
Q.1- ____________ refers to the selling and shipping of goods or services to another country.
a. Export trade
b. Import trade
c. Bilateral trade
d. None of the above
Q.2 –Which of the following highlights the objectives of export trade?
