The difference between a metric ton and a ton

When we export goods, the contract states 'USD 500 per ton', but the customs declaration form lists the unit as 'ton', while the freight forwarder quotes the price based on 'metric ton'. Recently, the client questioned the weight unit, saying they require 'short ton'. What are the differences between these three units? Could this affect customs declaration and payment collection?

Mar 6, 2026 at 02:512213 Answers

Are there any other options for offshore companies? Some countries have stopped accepting money transfers to Hong Kong

We are a foreign trade company that has been using Hong Kong offshore accounts to receive payments from overseas clients. However, recently several new clients have reported that banks in their countries have restricted or banned money transfers to Hong Kong. We would like to ask: Besides Hong Kong, what other options are there for offshore companies? If we switch to a new offshore location, how can we ensure compliance while maintaining client trust?

Mar 5, 2026 at 07:501573 Answers

Do you know the meaning of NLBS?

I'm a novice in foreign trade. Recently, I received an email from a client mentioning 'lbs'. Is this a reference to a weight unit, or does it mean something else? Could it affect my quotations and customs declarations?

Mar 4, 2026 at 01:411513 Answers

I want to become an import and export agent. How can I obtain the necessary legal certifications?

We are a trade service company and now want to expand our import and export agency business. We've heard that the regulatory requirements in this field are quite complex, involving multiple departments such as customs, foreign exchange, and taxation. Could you please explain which legal documents we need to obtain? Is there a standard application process? Our biggest concern is that incomplete documentation might lead to clients' goods being detained or fined. How can we obtain all the necessary qualifications in one go?

Mar 3, 2026 at 06:511303 Answers

Regarding the issue of money transfers in Libya,

We have an old client in Libya. Recently, several payments have been repeatedly rejected by the bank, which said they were returned due to sanctions. The client claimed there were no issues with their bank, but our receiving bank has consistently refused to accept the payments. Do you have any compliant solutions for this situation? We're afraid to ship the goods without receiving the payments first.

Mar 1, 2026 at 08:571673 Answers

What is the concept of locking in foreign exchange rates, and how is it done?

I just received an order worth $300,000 with a payment term of 90 days. The exchange rate fluctuations are too severe right now, and my boss wants me to lock in the exchange rate. But what exactly does "locking in the exchange rate" mean? And how do I actually do it?

Mar 1, 2026 at 08:242063 Answers

Why are the bank fees so high???

The bank fees for several recent orders have been ridiculously high. When clients pay a 30% deposit, hundreds of dollars are missing when the payment arrives. The intermediary bank charges fees like they're robbing us! How exactly are these fees generated? Are there any ways to reduce them?

Feb 28, 2026 at 08:491383 Answers

Does Egypt need a 60% tariff?

We have an Egyptian client who said their import tariffs are 60%, and the cost is too high, so they want us to reduce the price. I checked, and it doesn't seem that high. What's going on here? Could this be just an excuse for the client to try to negotiate a lower price?

Feb 28, 2026 at 05:021763 Answers

I've been struggling with the Algerian letter of credit for four months, and I'm really surprised now

We recently secured a large order with an Algerian client, who insisted on using a letter of credit with a payment term of up to four months. Two months have passed since the goods were shipped, and we're now facing severe cash flow pressure. What's even more concerning is that the bank informed me yesterday that Algeria's foreign exchange control policies have changed. I'm now extremely worried about whether we'll be able to successfully recover the payment. What should I do in this situation?

Feb 28, 2026 at 03:141403 Answers

Please translate this into Chinese, help!!!!

Teachers, I've received a batch of urgent documents from a foreign client, all in English, and I can't understand them! There are contracts, product specifications, and customs clearance documents. My English isn't very good, and I'm worried about using translation software and making mistakes. What if the translation is incorrect and affects the customs declaration or offends the client? I'm in a hurry and need to get these translations done quickly and accurately. What should I do?

Feb 28, 2026 at 01:181463 Answers

May I ask you a question about sending a wire transfer from South Africa to China?

We have a South African client who plans to transfer a payment of $150,000 via wire transfer to the domestic company's account. I would like to understand what compliance risks need to be addressed during the entire process, whether foreign exchange controls might have an impact, and whether there are any safer methods of receiving payments.

Feb 27, 2026 at 09:221283 Answers

What does "Colli" mean?

Recently, while preparing documents for European clients, they repeatedly mentioned "Colli" and insisted that it must be accurately labeled on the packing list. But what exactly does "Colli" mean? How does it differ from the "Carton" we usually refer to? If we fill it out incorrectly, will it affect customs clearance? Could we be fined by the customs authorities?

Feb 27, 2026 at 08:532043 Answers