Planning to import goods and uncertain about who bears the import agent fees, inquiring about the responsible party in general situations and under special contract stipulations. The best answer points out that, without specific agreement, the importer usually bears the costs as they are the direct beneficiary; if the contract has an agreement, it will be executed as agreed. Different trade terms can also affect cost bearing. In summary, prioritize contract stipulations, and follow industry norms in the absence of an agreement.
Is agent export really a sunset industry? Let's discuss together!
Resolved
I am considering venturing into foreign trade related businesses recently and am quite interested in agent export. However, some people around me say that agent export is already a sunset industry, with a constantly shrinking market and not optimistic future development prospects. I want to know if this statement is accurate? What is the actual situation of agent export now, is it really a sunset industry? Is it still worth investing energy in?
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Agent export is not entirely a sunset industry. Although the foreign trade environment has changed in recent years, and some large enterprises tend to build their own export teams, agent export still has its value. On the one hand, for many small and medium-sized enterprises, building their own export business system is costly and difficult. Agent export can help them save manpower and resources, and expand overseas markets by leveraging the experience and resources of professional agents. On the other hand, the international trade situation is complex and volatile, with new foreign trade formats constantly emerging, such as cross-border e-commerce. If agent export companies can transform in a timely manner and serve these emerging fields, they can still obtain development space. At the same time, with the promotion of the "Belt and Road" initiative, trade opportunities in countries along the route are increasing, and agent export companies can also take advantage of this to explore new markets. Therefore, agent export is not a sunset industry; the key lies in adapting to market changes and finding new growth points.
Agent export is not considered a sunset industry. The global trade volume is still huge today, and there will always be companies that need agency services for various reasons, such as not being familiar with foreign policies and regulations, which leaves a market for agent export.
It cannot be simply said to be a sunset industry. Some enterprises in remote areas, due to the lack of foreign trade talent locally, still rely heavily on agent export. As long as there is demand, there are development opportunities.
Agent export has its own advantages, such as providing one-stop services, handling complex matters like customs declaration and logistics, which is needed by many enterprises, so it should not be classified as a sunset industry.
Many entrepreneurs are doing foreign trade now. In the early stage, due to insufficient capital and experience, choosing agent export can reduce risks, so agent export still has soil for development.
Agent export can help enterprises avoid trade risks by leveraging their familiarity with the industry. From this perspective, agent export will not be easily eliminated.
Emerging markets are constantly rising, and enterprises expanding into new markets require professional agency assistance, which creates opportunities for agent export and cannot be considered a sunset industry.
Under the trend of economic globalization, agent export, as a part of foreign trade services, will not easily become a sunset industry as long as international trade exists.
Some enterprises, due to their own strategic planning, may require agent export on a phased basis, so this industry still has its significance and is not a sunset industry.
With the diversification of trade methods, if agent export can innovate its service model, it can attract more customers and will not become a sunset industry.