International trade is a complex process, but also an exciting business opportunity. DHL Express can help not only with global customs requirements and trade terminology but also with local import and export support and resources.
Learning the Incoterms® Language
Incoterms® - an acronym for International Commercial Terms - are managed by the International Chamber of Commerce. They are recognized and accepted as the standard for international trading and are regularly updated as commercial conditions change.
Familiarity with Incoterms® will ensure you purchase goods from manufacturers abroad in accordance with applicable regulations, documentation and procedures.
Learning about Customs with DHL
DHL Express has been a global expert in international trade for well over 40 years and now processes several million customs entries every day. As one of the world's largest customs brokers, we use local expertise to understand diverse customs regulations.
That's why, with DHL Express as a partner for your small business, its in-house experts are well positioned to help you navigate the complexities of customs compliance and all of the related terminology and guidelines. Understanding the processes and terminology involved will help you enter markets and build a long-term foundation for successful international trade.
According to the Institute for Small Business Research in Bonn, 361,000 exporting companies generated revenue of more than 1,000 billion eurosabroad in 2008. More than 350,000 of those businesses are small or medium enterprises, generating more than 200 billion euros. Between 2004 and 2008, approximately 19,000 new businesses entered the export sector, more than 90% of which were small or medium enterprises. In 2008, small and medium enterprises' export revenue rose 35 billion euros higher than in 2004. Small and medium enterprises already generate 10% of their revenue abroad.
What You Need to Know About Exporting
Exports play a key role in every country's strategy for sustainable economic stability and growth. Businesses of any size can take advantage of the revenue-generating potential that export activity offers. The following resources support your company's participation in this profitable area of the global economy.
In 2008 Germany imported goods for 816.6 billion euros . Between 1980 and 2008 the average annual import volume increased by 6.3%. Germany is embedded in the EU's common market, and almost 60% of the imports came from EU member states. There are also close ties to the U.S., China, Russia, and Japan, which add up to another 20% of imports. Already one-fifth of imports to Germany came from other countries, showing the opportunities this market offers for newcomers.
What You Need to Know About Importing
Imports serve two important purposes. In addition to satisfying the global consumer's appetite for goods not manufactured domestically, they provide domestic businesses with raw or partially finished materials needed to produce merchandise for re-export. Businesses of any size can take advantage of the revenue-generating potential that import activity offers. The following resources support your company's participation in this profitable area of the global economy.
