International Trade Finance A Pragmatic Approach Second Edition Tarsem Bhogal · Arun Trivedi Finance and Capital Markets Series The Finance and Capital Markets series is designed to bring you high-quality, cutting-edge information on the latest issues and developments in the fi nancial world. These authoritative yet accessible books, written by experts in their field, provide clear, practical guidance not only for industry professionals, but also serve as a framework of current analysis for scholars and form a comprehensive reference resource for libraries. More information about this series at http://www.com/gp/series/13977 Tarsem Bhogal • Arun Trivedi International Trade Finance A Pragmatic Approach Second edition Tarsem Bhogal Arun Trivedi London, UK London, UK Finance and Capital Markets Series ISBN 978-3-030-24539-9 ISBN 978-3-030-24540-5 (eBook) https://doi.1007/978-3-030-24540-5 © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are solely and exclusively licensed by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed.
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made.
The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Cover illustration: Thatree Thitivongvaroon / GettyImages Cover design by eStudio Calamar This Palgrave Macmillan imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature Switzerland AG. The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland Preface The global trading system is undergoing a period of transition. Shifting economic circumstances, major advances in technology and the emergence of new players on the global scene all underscore that we are on the cusp of big changes.
Persistent imbalances, driven largely by macro-economic factors, con- tinue to be a cause of concern in some major economies. Even in such a climate of uncertainty, one thing is certain: that there is a great need to strengthen the global trading system by making it more equitable and relevant for those who trade in the twenty-first century with Uniform Customs and Practice. In retrospect we find that in 2005, the value of world merchandise exports rose by 13% to $10.1 trillion and the value of world commercial services export by 11% to $2. The volume and value of international trade is a testimony to make us believe that the world order has changed quite swiftly over the past ten years at a much faster pace than that of the previous 20 years.
It is difficult to contemplate what the world trade/economies will look like in 2010. One thing is certain, however: Change is inevitable. Bankers and trad- ing communities operating in such a climate will have to face challenges that are immense. Technology has indeed opened up new markets, with geographic boundar- ies becoming non-existent to the web-enabled community.
What we see today is the beginning of the reaction to this expansion as an outcome of globalisa- tion and internationalisation, adding multi-complexities to the players in the international trade. In this spectrum, industry practitioners will solicit solace by resorting to basics and learning the lesson of the laser. How to understand rather than find a solution from the ponderance? So we did, encouraged by these international interactive developments. v vi Preface Based on our learning experience and working as practitioners facilitating international trade, in our capacity as bankers, we have worked on the treatise in your hands: International Trade Finance: A Pragmatic Approach (2007).
In fact, we have been motivated to write this book in view of the urge from the beginners as well as industry practitioners to understand and grasp the type and nature of various documents in use in international trade and mecha- nisms of settlement of payments thereof. The book is organised into 25 chapters endeavouring to address key topics relating to the gamut of international trade, letter of credit mechanism, collections, trade customs and practice, and so on. We do not pretend that all technical concerns are answered but we are confident that we have gone much further than any other published material on the subject. Dealing with com- plicated implementation issues in a forthright and comprehensive fashion and design, we have given a lucid account of provisions vis-à-vis trade customs and practice while protecting the interests of the parties involved in interna- tional trade.
We have striven to present and explain transaction flow through diagrams, easing the job of a learner enabling to understand and grasp the hardcore subject matter. We sincerely believe that this book will be regarded as an essential tool for both beginners and practitioners in international trade. We are hopeful that the readers will position this book within easy reach for navigating solutions to assorted trade-related issues and/or as a constant travel companion when in business across the world. London, UK Tarsem Bhogal London, UK Arun Trivedi Acknowledgements We are grateful to the following authorities for their permission to publish information in this book relating to their products and services.
As the sys- tems and procedures of international trade change with improvements of information technology and other developments, we request the readers to visit their websites to obtain the latest information: 1. Export Credit Guarantee Department—www. UK Export Finance—www. International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Paris—www.
Society for Worldwide International Financial Telecommunication— www.com Disclaimer: The authors have made reasonable efforts to ensure the accu- racy of the information given in this book at the time but assume no liability for any inadvertent error or omission that may appear. The information may change from time to time and practical procedures may also differ from one bank to another; the authors do not accept any liability for the consequences of error or omission. Tarsem Bhogal Arun Trivedi vii Praise for International Trade Finance “This book is a welcome addition to the literature with details of both innovative concepts and professional practice. This book will be highly useful to academics, practitioners and banking officials all over the world.” —Professor Thomas Muthucattu Paul, Professor of Economics and Finance, PNG University of Technology, Papua New Guinea “This topical book is essential reading suited to a wide range of readers interested in International Trade Finance.
An armchair read for consultants and practitioners, it features useful background material for short duration or capsule programmes run by trainers. The extensive content qualifies this is as a good desk reference book for both bankers and shippers.” —Somya Mishra, Assistant Vice-President, Risk COO, Deutsche Bank London, UK “This handy tool provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding all aspects of International Trade Finance in a global context, covering the key principles, con- cepts, infrastructures, practices, issues, and current developments. Definitely a must read for professionals in banking, commerce, trade and transport industry who want to gain a closer understanding of International Trade Finance pragmatically.” —Ankita Sethi, freelance Socially Responsible Investment Consultant, analyst and writer “I appreciate the endeavours of the authors in bringing this informative, educational and self-training literature on this subject. The topics covered in the second edition will be appreciated by beginners and practitioners undertaking the demanding and complex international trade business.
Bassi, Former Non-workmen Director on the Board of State Bank of India (formerly known as State Bank of Patiala) Contents 1 International Trade and Inherent Risks 1 Background of International Trade 1 Exporters’ Risks 2 Importers’ Risks 2 2 Services Offered by Commercial Banks 5 Finance for Exports 7 3 Methods of Trade 9 Cash on Delivery 9 Advance Payment 10 Open Account 10 Collections 10 Letters of Credit 11 Methods of Payment/Settlement of Account 11 Cheque 11 Bank Draft 11 Mail Transfer (MT) 12 SWIFT 12 CHAPS 12 CHIPS 12 Direct Debit 12 EFT 13 Fedwire 13 xi xii Contents 4 Foreign Exchange Rates 15 Introduction 15 Foreign Currency Transactions 15 Bank’s Accounting System 15 Foreign Exchange Market 16 Exchange Rates Quotation 16 GB Pound Spot and Forward Rates 16 Sterling Spot and Forward Rates 17 Spot Exchange Rates 17 Forward Exchange Rates 17 Fixed Forward Exchange Rates 18 Option Forward Exchange Rates 18 How Exchange Rates Are Determined 18 Factors Influencing Exchange Rate 19 Forward Exchange Rates 19 Foreign Exchange Spot Transaction: Mechanism 20 Forward Exchange Contract 21 How the Forward Exchange Rate Is Calculated 22 5 Bills of Exchange, Collections, Purchasing and Discounting 25 Definition of a Bill of Exchange 25 Parties to a Bill of Exchange 27 Other Parties to a Bill of Exchange 27 Types of Bills of Exchange 28 Sight Bill of Exchange 28 Usance Bill of Exchange 28 Clean Bills of Exchange 28 Documentary Bill of Exchange 29 Accommodation Bill of Exchange 29 Clauses on Bills of Exchange 29 Acceptance of a Bill of Exchange 30 Importance and Requisites of Acceptance 30 Liability of Acceptor 31 Presentation for Acceptance 31 Types of Acceptances 31 Endorsement of Bills of Exchange 32 Types of Endorsements 32 Negotiability of Bills of Exchange 36 Discharge of Bills of Exchange 37 Collection of Bills 38 Contents xiii Mechanism: Sight Bill for Collection 41 Mechanism: Documentary Usance Bills for Collection 42 Bills Purchased 44 Bills Discontinued 45 Precautions to Be Taken 45 Bills Processing Cost (Indicatives) 46 6 Documentary Letters of Credit 47 Parties to a Letter of Credit and Their Responsibilities 48 Who Does What? 51 Advantages and Disadvantages of Letters of Credit 52 Advantages to Exporter 52 Advantages to Importer 52 Disadvantages to Applicant/Importer 53 Disadvantages to the Beneficiary 53 Letter of Credit Mechanism 54 Letter of Credit Contracts and Regulations 55 Contracts and Regulations 55 Sale Contract 56 What Is a Sale Contract?