Introduction
Indirect exports are the sales of a companys products to a foreign country that are made through another country as an intermediary. These sales involve trade among three countries instead of just two. In most cases, the supplier of the goods will be located in the home country of the exporter and the customer of the goods will be located in the target foreign country. The intermediary will be located in a third country and will serve as a facilitator for the export transaction.
Benefits of Indirect Exports
Indirect exports provide a viable opportunity for companies to expand their businesses facilitate beyond their domestic market. While direct exports entail more control, involvement, and responsibility for the exporter, indirect exports can offer several benefits. The most common benefit is lower costs because the exporter does not need to incur additional expenses to make the direct foreign sale. Furthermore, the exporter may be able to purchase his products at a lower price from the intermediary, allowing the exporter to be more competitive in the target foreign market. It also is beneficial if the exporter is having difficulty in gaining access to the target foreign market due to trade barriers, regulations, or lack of knowledge of the foreign market.
Another benefit of indirect exports is the ability to ship larger quantities of goods. Because the intermediary is located in a middle country and can receive the exports in bulk and ship them out to the target foreign market, the exporter may be able to achieve economies of scale. This results in cost savings for the exporter. Furthermore, the intermediary may be able to better manage the paperwork associated with the export transaction, which further reduces the burden for the exporter.
The use of indirect exports also extends the exporter’s reach into new markets that may not be accessible through direct exports. By utilizing an intermediary to help manage the foreign sales transaction, the exporter can target markets that he may not be able to access through direct exports. This enhances the exporter’s global reach, which can lead to increased market share and business growth.
Risks of Indirect Exports
There are several risks that an exporter may face when engaging in indirect exports. The most significant risk is ensuring that the exporter gets paid for the goods sold. This can be especially difficult if the exporter is dealing with an intermediary who is not reputable or is not familiar with the exporter’s business. Furthermore, if the exporter is making a sale to a foreign customer, there can be significant delays in receiving payment due to the complications associated with exchanging currencies and dealing with foreign customs regulations. The exporter may also be unable to adequately track the shipment of goods once it has been transferred to the third-party intermediary, which can increase the risk of losses.
Conclusion
Indirect exports provide a viable opportunity for companies to expand their businesses and market share into foreign countries. Although they may be less costly than direct exports, they come with their own set of risks. Companies engaging in indirect exports must be aware of these risks and adequately prepare themselves to address any issues that arise. Furthermore, they should take the time to select the right intermediary who is experienced in international trade and who is committed to delivering on the terms of the export agreement. With proper preparation and risk management, companies can use indirect exports to open up new markets and expand their businesses in an effective and responsible way.