Import/Export | World Business

Kazakhstan Exports on the Rise

August 18, 2011 by admin

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One country is pulling out of recession by embracing democracy and working harder to promote good relations around the world, both politically and economically. Kazakhstan reelected President Nazarbayev for a third term earlier this year, and has upped their estimates for exports in 2011 and beyond.

In the 1990′s, Kazakhstan estimated their oil reserves to be only 16 billion barrels. Since then, they have discovered that the reserves are probably closer to 29 billion barrels. Since their own consumption of oil is so low, they are able to export the vast majority for a profit.

The Kazakhstan Democracy is a major player in many other exports, as well. Their rare-earth metal exports are up 75 percent in 2011. These metals, such as vanadium and gallium, are very valuable to high-tech manufacturing industries. Since China, the world’s largest exporter of rare-earth metals, has decreased their exports, Kazakhstan stands to gain huge growth in this sector.

Kazakhstan is also entering other markets. Research and Markets in Dublin has added Kazakhstan exports of mineral and chemical fertilizers to their reports. This is an indication that Kazakhstan is a world player in the production of these marketable chemicals. This report documents and reports on major suppliers and consumers of mineral or chemical fertilisers around the world.

Kazakhstan is also a major exporter of food, including grain. It remains in the top ten world exporters of grain, predicting it will export almost 19 million tons in 2011. Kazakhstan is a major grain supplier to Central Asia, as well as China, Azerbaijan and other countries around the world.

With a stable government and political climate, friendly relations with her neighbors and a diverse culture, Kazakhstan is setting the bar for post-Soviet countries to embrace democracy and free trade.

Filed Under: Import/Export

Marketing Trends Worldwide

January 26, 2011 by admin

With technology constantly changing (and ideally improving) the face of modern business, the smart business owner will do his or her best to stay on top of new marketing trends. While businesses once did their best to cater their advertising to certain audiences within certain publications or geographic areas, technology has served to advance and develop the advertising market.

Social media has given advertisers the edge on catering their advertising to particular demographics. Facebook, for example, allows advertisers to narrow their ads down to a target market within the social media community. Some business owners already conduct and manage most of their marketing and media online, doing away with the need of any material marketing products, whatsoever. Social media allows people to connect mobile devices, social media platforms and other web-based services.

Another new technological reality are digital billboards. Digital billboard companies take the logic of Internet and technological marketing and literally put it on the big screen. With most of your prospective clientele passing the hypothetical billboard for a total of four or five hours a day, shouldn’t you only pay for four or five hours of advertising? This kind of logic can help you save on advertising costs and have your revenue increased just as much as it would have with a static billboard.

Additionally, with the continued influence of mobile devices, static business cards may see a change. The concept of a “digital business card” may seem like an appealing prospect in the future, especially since other technology points to a completely digital platform for advertising and marketing services.

With new trends in digital advertising, you can cater your advertisement to a particular geography, demographic and time of day. Employing this kind of advertising philosophy, your revenue will show you that the best business is not the biggest, but the smartest. Technology is not an unstoppable force, it merely requires adaptation. In this business world, adaptation is equal with success.

Filed Under: Import/Export Tagged With: Business, Marketing, Social media, Technology

Top Exports to China

January 16, 2011 by admin

The United States one of the greatest exporters in the world. Foods, electronic supplies, and other goods are shipped from American shores on a daily basis. One customer of the United States, China, receives many goods that are used in a variety of ways. Here are a few:

• Aircrafts and airplane supplies are among the top exported items from the United States. These supplies are used to make aircrafts that are not used in military service. Passenger jets, cargo airplanes, as well as other airborne transportation devices are all supplied by parts from the United States.
• Although the United States receives many foods from other countries, it exports soybeans to China on a regular basis. Millions of dollars are earned as farmers develop their land for soybean production and use their products to manufacture ready-made meals and other protein-packed items. Many people overseas use soybeans as a form of animal feed as well.
• The United States is the largest corn producer in the world. Exportation of corn earns the United States a sizable income and farmers, as well as the general public, depend on that greatly. Most of the corn that is exported is used feed animals, fish, or poultry overseas. Although some corn is consumed by humans, approximately 80% of exported corn is used in other ways. Only a small portion is eaten directly in foods or made into high fructose corn syrup. In recent years, awareness about consumption of sugar has lowered sales of high fructose corn syrup. Another use of corn that is highly dependent on by other countries as well as the United States is ethanol production. Used as a fuel for many cars and other motorized vehicles, ethanol burns cleaner than other fuels.
• Computer parts seem like an ironic addition to china’s import list. The U.S. actually develops parts for computers and other electronics, exports them to China, and then buys china’s finished products later.

Filed Under: Import/Export Tagged With: Maize, Soybean

Popular Imports of the United States

January 15, 2011 by admin

Although the United States is largely efficient in producing its own food, certain edible items require importation. Due to different climates and supply availability, Americans are able to enjoy foods from around the globe during all times of the year. Bananas, citrus fruits, coffee beans, cocoa, and seafood are among the most imported foods of America.

There are times when buying foods from overseas is less expensive than growing them at home. The United States is also unable to accommodate growing conditions for all of its necessary products. Climate changes as well as overall costs determine whether or not farmers and businesses buy imported goods.

One of the largest industries were importation is important is the seafood business. Extremely large fish as well as shellfish are typically imported from China. Access to seafood in addition to lower labor costs makes importing fish makes a successful choice for many businesses. Other imported fish include catfish, haddock, flounder, and cod. Aside from fish, different kinds of seafood also make it from China’s seas to the American plate. Shrimp, squid, and lobster have proven to be excellent choices for importation as well.

Costa Rica and Mexico supply the United States with millions of pieces of fresh fruit each year. Stores in the United States can count on fresh fruit deliveries each day. Apples, pineapples, blueberries, and many other types of fruit are all imported. Warmer climates make for suitable growing conditions all year round. Since the United States has many season changes, fruit trees do not thrive as well.

Many Americans consume coffee as well as forms of cocoa every day. Ecuador exports both of these items to the United States and has done so since 1970. In recent years, consumption of coffee has lessened and Ecuador has experienced a recession in this product. Exportation of cocoa beans continued to do well despite the drop in sales of other goods.

Filed Under: Import/Export Tagged With: Imports

Common Imports of the United States

January 13, 2011 by admin

The United States and many other countries are dependent on imports and exports to keep businesses running smoothly. The most common imports include electrical machinery, appliances, road vehicles, data processing machines, transportation equipment, and petroleum.

Electrical machinery has been in high demand for quite some time. Many businesses rely on their efficiency to move products and complete daily sales. Machinery can range from general industry machinery to power generating equipment.

Appliances, both large and small, are necessary elements of most Americans’ days. Kitchen appliances and other household goods are imported from areas across the globe. Countries such as Taiwan, China, and Japan frequently export products that many Americans use. Coffee makers, irons, and small electrical equipment make up a large portion of imported purchases.

In addition to small convenience items, road vehicles are also imported and account for one of the United States’ largest dependencies on other countries. Although the United States manufactures its own vehicles, buyers prefer imported cars and trucks for a variety of reasons. Lower gas mileage, added convenience, and advanced technology are considered by some to be superior to American-made cars. In addition to cars, other transportation equipment, both for use in warehouses and outside, is imported frequently as well.

Data processing machines, including computers, have a large importation rate for the United States. Asian countries are creating equipment that many businesses in America find valuable. Retail stores and restaurants use data processing machines to take orders, scan credit cards, and compile numerical data. Sales percentages can be calculated and labor numbers analyzed.

A precious commodity, petroleum, is imported to the United States at a very large rate. Petroleum is used to fuel many machines and other business equipment. Factories, stores of all kinds, and privately owned companies use petroleum on a daily basis. Recently, the price of petroleum has gone up significantly and businesses everywhere feel its effects on their pocket books.

Filed Under: Import/Export Tagged With: Business

Beginning to Import

January 9, 2011 by admin

If a business needs goods from overseas, finding the best way to import them seems a bit daunting. After looking into the process, it is actually quite straightforward and includes few steps. The decision to import goods can be a key element to successful continuation of any company. Here are some steps to consider:

• There are longer lead times when importing goods. This means there is a longer wait to receive products and, in turn, sell them to customers. Many businesses do not begin making or shipping goods until payment is partially made. One to five months can pass before products are assembled. Planning in advance and predicting sales is necessary when placing orders overseas because companies are not able to ship products on short notice.
• Establishing trust as far as payment goes is important. Over months of a business relationship, exporting companies learn to depend on payment from their partners. Wiring money outside the United States is typically the form of payment, although some partnerships develop a different plan of money exchange that works for them.
• Bridging any possible language barriers is absolutely necessary for successful communication. Clearly, people from different companies and opposite ends of the world are not likely to speak the same language, so translators may be needed. Aside from this, learning small portions of the other business’ languages is a friendly step to ensure mutual respect and smooth business relationships.
• Quality control will develop as time goes on. Initially, orders may not be as the importer imagined, and through communication and order placements, he/she can change products slightly to meet customer needs.
• Payment increases are a possibility. Although pricing changes occur in the United States, businesses are not always aware of these changes overseas. Keeping current on pricing options for products is a bit more difficult and requires a little more research. Direct contact with the exporter is the easiest way to anticipate price changes.

Filed Under: Import/Export Tagged With: Business, Import

A General Look at Imports and Exports

December 30, 2010 by admin

When it comes to international trade and the components of international trade the words import and export get thrown around a lot. That is because imports and exports are what makes up the world’s trade cycle. With such a reliance upon these words what exactly does these words mean? What role do they play in various countries?

An import is a good or product that another country goes out and purchases from another country. These goods are usually goods that the country either is running low on, cannot get or create themselves or that is unique to a particular region.

When it comes to exporting goods or products it is the opposite of import. It is the goods and services of one country being shipped out and purchased by another country. Exports are often being shipped to countries that cannot create the goods that are in demand and therefore have to turn to another country to supply the goods.

Imports and exports are an essential component to the world’s structure. Many countries are unable to produce certain goods and products because of where they are located in the world. For example, oil is a major import and export. Many countries are not located near oil refineries and therefore cannot create their own oil. This good must then be created and imported and exported so that other countries who need it can purchase it from countries that have it.

Occasionally a country will operate on what is known as a trade balance deficit. This is when the country relies upon one component of international trade more than another. One of the major countries that operates on a trade balance deficit is that of the United States. The United States imports more goods and products than it exports out. Trade balance deficits are not bad for the country it just signifies that the country that has the deficits invests more in the world market.

Filed Under: Import/Export, Trades Tagged With: Exports, Imports

The Costs Associated with Exporting and Importing Goods

December 29, 2010 by admin

Importing and exporting is a very large business that can bring in a lot of money for those that have invested in it. However, one of the first concerns that a person who is wishing to start in the world of importing and exporting will have is the cost involved with taking up this trade.

There are many different cost factors that will go into your importing and exporting business. Here is a look at the various costs and fees that are associated with importing and exporting.

Product Purchases. While you might be able to turn a good profit by buying products and then reselling them, you will still be required to purchase the products outright in the beginning. You must be able to budget how much of a product you can buy with how much will sell.

License Fee. Most goods that are imported into the United States will not require an import license. However, some goods that are imported into the country will require that you apply for an import license. A fee is associated with filing for an import license.

Taxes and Tariffs. When the goods that you have purchase come into the country the United States Customs and Boarder Patrol will issue levies and taxes upon the goods. The taxes and levies will depend a lot upon what goods are shipped in, what country the goods come from and how much the goods are worth.

Transportation Costs. You will be responsible for the costs that are associated with bringing the goods and products into the country. This will be any plane, train or shipping company that you choose to use. You will need to arrange for the goods to go to the customs port and then you will have to arrange for transportation of the goods from there to your business. Shipping costs will change depending on where the good comes from and what style of shipping you decide to go with.

Filed Under: Import/Export, Trades Tagged With: Exporting, Importing Goods

Import Guide: How to Import Precious Metals

December 27, 2010 by admin

One of the world’s most popular import and export is that of precious metals. The market for precious metals is in such demand that there are precious metals being sent all over the world at all times of days. In fact, it is estimated that precious metals is one of the most lucrative importing and exporting businesses that a person can get into. If this sounds like something that might interest you or your importing business then there are a few things you will need to consider before you can start importing precious metals.

Here is a guide to some of the factors that people will need to consider when importing precious metals.

Transportation. There are restrictions on how precious metals can be sent. Many air and mail shipment facilities will require that you fill out several forms before the precious metals will be transported. If you are considering importing these precious metals consider asking about the restrictions that might be put on shipping them.

Declaring Precious Metals. You will be required to fill out a form called a United States Customs and Border Form. This will ask you questions about what you are importing. It will also ask you if you need to declare the imports. You will need to declare any precious metals that are valued at over $10,000. If the precious metals are under $10,000 you will not need to declare them and there will be a lot less paperwork.

Fill out Other Financial Forms. You will be required to fill out other forms if your precious metals will amount to over $10,000. The forms that you will be required to fill out are called FinCen Form 105. This will allow the custom agent to figure out what the amount of taxes will be on the precious metals that you are importing.

Filed Under: Commodities, Import/Export, Trades Tagged With: Export, Import, Trades

Import Guide: How to Start an Import Business in India

December 25, 2010 by admin

In recent years, India has been a very popular nation for growing companies. Many companies are developing divisions of their companies in order to take advantage of the wealth and growing demand for products in the country of India. This mind set has made it a popular decision amongst many people to start an import business in India. However, starting an import business is not as easy as just buying a store front and starting to ship in goods.

Here is a look at how you can start an import business in India.

Start with Research. The first thing you will want to do before you start your business is to research import and export demands for the country of India. You will want to make sure that the goods you will be bringing in are needed by India. It would not be profitable to start a business if there is no need for the product.

Choose a Type of Business. There are three types of importing business choices. You will have to make the choice of which business you would like to be based off of your finances and types of goods you are importing. The choices include export management, export trading or an import/export merchant.

Obtain Necessary Codes. There are two necessary codes that you will need to obtain from the Indian government. These include a Importer Exporter Code. This will give you official permission to start an importing business in India. Another code that you will need is an Indian tax ID. This will allow the Indian government to collect all necessary taxes.

Obtain a License. India does not require a license on normal every day goods. However goods that are considered high risk will require a license. If you are unsure about what type of license you will need if any consider asking the proper authorities.

Filed Under: Commodities, Import/Export Tagged With: Import Business