Insights for Global Importers
Practical guides on landed cost calculations, duty rates, exchange rates, and strategies for protecting your margins in international trade.
Importing Basics
13 articles
How to Calculate Import Duty: A Step-by-Step Worked Example
Import duty calculations don't have to be complicated. Follow this step-by-step example to understand exactly how duty is calculated on your products.
FOB vs CIF: Which Incoterm Should You Choose?
FOB and CIF are the two most common Incoterms in international trade. Understanding the difference can save you thousands on every shipment.
How Much Does It Really Cost to Import from China?
The supplier price is just the beginning. Here's a full breakdown of every cost involved in importing products from China, from factory gate to your warehouse.
A Beginner's Guide to HS Codes and Customs Classification
HS codes determine your import duty rate. This beginner-friendly guide explains how the classification system works and how to find the right code.
The Complete Guide to Calculating True Landed Cost
Landed cost is the single most important number in importing. This guide covers every component you need to include for an accurate calculation.
Supplier Negotiation Tactics That Protect Your Profit Margins
Effective negotiation with overseas suppliers can reduce your product costs by 10-25%. Learn proven tactics that work without damaging the relationship.
Incoterms Decoded: How Shipping Terms Affect Your Bottom Line
FOB, CIF, EXW, DDP — they sound like alphabet soup, but these terms decide who pays for what, and getting them wrong costs real money.
The Hidden Costs of Importing That Nobody Warns You About
Product cost, freight, duty — sure. But what about container detention, FX fees, port handling, and the twenty other line items that quietly eat your margin?
From Spreadsheet to System: When It's Time to Upgrade Your Import Tools
Spreadsheets got you started — and that's great. But at some point, they start costing you more than they save. Here's how to know when that point arrives.
Why Landed Cost Is the Only Number That Matters in Importing
Your supplier's unit price is just the beginning. Here's why landed cost — what a product actually costs you door-to-door — should be driving every decision you make.
Cost Allocation Methods: Why Splitting the Bill Matters
When five products share a container, how you divide the freight bill determines which ones look profitable. Choose wrong and you'll kill your winners.
Calculating True Landed Cost: Beyond the Invoice Price
Your supplier's invoice is just the starting point. Learn how to calculate the true landed cost per unit by accounting for every cost between factory and customer.
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