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What Is Blind Shipping? How It Works, When to Use It, and Why It Matters
Last updated on May 9, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Is Blind Shipping? Blind shipping is when either the shipper’s or receiver’s identity is hidden on shipping documents. It’s commonly used when a seller asks a supplier or manufacturer to ship goods directly to the buyer—without revealing the supplier’s details to the customer. This protects the seller’s business relationships. Without blind shipping, the buyer…
FAS Incoterm Explained
Last updated on April 30, 2025 by Ben ThompsonThe FAS Incoterm is one of the 11 trade rules set by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). It is used in specific shipping agreements where buyers need control over freight from the start. These rules help businesses set clear terms in trade deals. They outline who handles costs and risks at each stage. FAS…
What Are Trade Agreements?
Last updated on April 23, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Is a Trade Agreement and Why It Matters? A trade agreement is a deal between countries that sets the rules for buying and selling goods, services, or investments. The aim is to make international trade smoother and fairer. When countries agree on how to treat each other’s businesses, it builds trust and creates a…
Ad Valorem Tariffs Explained
Last updated on April 14, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Are Ad Valorem Tariffs? Ad valorem tariffs are import taxes based on the value of goods. The higher the value, the more you pay. Tariffs are usually calculated on the CIF value, which includes the cost of the goods, plus insurance and freight. For example, if the CIF value is $10,000 and the tariff…
Trade Deficits Explained
Last updated on April 9, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Is a Trade Deficit? A trade deficit happens when a country buys more from other countries than it sells to them. This means the value of imports is higher than the value of exports. Trade deficits are recorded as part of a country’s current account, which tracks the flow of goods, services, and money…
What is a Retaliatory Tariff ?
Last updated on April 3, 2025 by Ben ThompsonA tariff is a tax applied to goods imported from other countries. It's usually charged at the border before those goods are allowed into the domestic market. When one country imposes new tariffs, another country might respond with its own set of tariffs. These are known as retaliatory tariffs. They are often used as a…
What’s the Difference Between Sanctions and Embargoes?
Last updated on April 1, 2025 by Ben ThompsonInternational trade is influenced by more than just the exchange of goods and services. It’s shaped by politics, affected by conflict, and swayed by how countries interact with one another. Governments don’t always see eye to eye. When they need to respond without resorting to force, they often turn to alternative measures. Some of these…
What Is a Free Trade Zone (FTZ)?
Last updated on March 26, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Are Free Trade Zones and How Do They Work? Free Trade Zones (FTZs) are areas where businesses can trade with fewer restrictions. These zones allow goods to be imported, stored, processed, or re-exported without immediate taxes or complex customs procedures. Many countries use FTZs to attract foreign investors, increase exports, and create jobs. FTZs…
Benefits of using a Bonded Warehouse
Last updated on March 19, 2025 by Ben ThompsonThe bonded warehouse market is growing fast. It was valued at $165.21 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit $273.6 billion by 2031. That is a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.77% (Source: Verified market Research). This growth is driven by global trade, e-commerce, and the need for smarter inventory management. In 2025,…
Tariff Rate Quota vs Import Quota – What’s the Difference?
Last updated on March 14, 2025 by Ben ThompsonCountries use trade barriers to manage imports and protect their industries. Some barriers limit how much of a product can enter a country. Others make imports more expensive. Governments use these tools to support local businesses and control market prices. Import Quotas and Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) are two ways to regulate trade. Both influence…
What Is Blind Shipping? How It Works, When to Use It, and Why It Matters
Last updated on May 9, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Is Blind Shipping? Blind shipping is when either the shipper’s or receiver’s identity is hidden on shipping documents. It’s commonly used when a seller asks a supplier or manufacturer to ship goods directly to the buyer—without revealing the supplier’s details to the customer. This protects the seller’s business relationships. Without blind shipping, the buyer […] Read More »
FAS Incoterm Explained
Last updated on April 30, 2025 by Ben ThompsonThe FAS Incoterm is one of the 11 trade rules set by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). It is used in specific shipping agreements where buyers need control over freight from the start. These rules help businesses set clear terms in trade deals. They outline who handles costs and risks at each stage. FAS […] Read More »
What Are Trade Agreements?
Last updated on April 23, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Is a Trade Agreement and Why It Matters? A trade agreement is a deal between countries that sets the rules for buying and selling goods, services, or investments. The aim is to make international trade smoother and fairer. When countries agree on how to treat each other’s businesses, it builds trust and creates a […] Read More »
Ad Valorem Tariffs Explained
Last updated on April 14, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Are Ad Valorem Tariffs? Ad valorem tariffs are import taxes based on the value of goods. The higher the value, the more you pay. Tariffs are usually calculated on the CIF value, which includes the cost of the goods, plus insurance and freight. For example, if the CIF value is $10,000 and the tariff […] Read More »
Trade Deficits Explained
Last updated on April 9, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Is a Trade Deficit? A trade deficit happens when a country buys more from other countries than it sells to them. This means the value of imports is higher than the value of exports. Trade deficits are recorded as part of a country’s current account, which tracks the flow of goods, services, and money […] Read More »
What is a Retaliatory Tariff ?
Last updated on April 3, 2025 by Ben ThompsonA tariff is a tax applied to goods imported from other countries. It’s usually charged at the border before those goods are allowed into the domestic market. When one country imposes new tariffs, another country might respond with its own set of tariffs. These are known as retaliatory tariffs. They are often used as a […] Read More »
What’s the Difference Between Sanctions and Embargoes?
Last updated on April 1, 2025 by Ben ThompsonInternational trade is influenced by more than just the exchange of goods and services. It’s shaped by politics, affected by conflict, and swayed by how countries interact with one another. Governments don’t always see eye to eye. When they need to respond without resorting to force, they often turn to alternative measures. Some of these […] Read More »
What Is a Free Trade Zone (FTZ)?
Last updated on March 26, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Are Free Trade Zones and How Do They Work? Free Trade Zones (FTZs) are areas where businesses can trade with fewer restrictions. These zones allow goods to be imported, stored, processed, or re-exported without immediate taxes or complex customs procedures. Many countries use FTZs to attract foreign investors, increase exports, and create jobs. FTZs […] Read More »
Benefits of using a Bonded Warehouse
Last updated on March 19, 2025 by Ben ThompsonThe bonded warehouse market is growing fast. It was valued at $165.21 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit $273.6 billion by 2031. That is a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.77% (Source: Verified market Research). This growth is driven by global trade, e-commerce, and the need for smarter inventory management. In 2025, […] Read More »
Tariff Rate Quota vs Import Quota – What’s the Difference?
Last updated on March 14, 2025 by Ben ThompsonCountries use trade barriers to manage imports and protect their industries. Some barriers limit how much of a product can enter a country. Others make imports more expensive. Governments use these tools to support local businesses and control market prices. Import Quotas and Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) are two ways to regulate trade. Both influence […] Read More »