If you want to succeed in the global market, you need a strong import/export team that can handle the complex and dynamic challenges of international trade. But what skills do you need in your import/export team? Here are some of the essential ones that can make or break your business.
Trade compliance is the ability to follow the rules and regulations of different countries and regions when importing or exporting goods. It involves understanding the customs procedures, tariffs, quotas, licenses, certificates, and documentation required for each shipment. Trade compliance can help you avoid delays, penalties, fines, or even legal actions that can damage your reputation and profitability. You need trade compliance specialists who can keep up with the changing trade policies and ensure that your transactions are compliant and efficient.
Trade compliance is one of the central topics within foreign trade law. It encompasses a very broad spectrum of export restrictions, including those against products (Export control), persons or organizations (Sanctions) and countries (Embargoes). Trade compliance is one of the most important responsibilities of an import/export team. Keeping up to date with the latest (global, EU, US and national) legal regulations and being able to implement them quickly is crucial to the continued success of your foreign trade operations. Trade compliance deserves great attention by management, as neglect can lead to major risks for your company.
Trade compliance is vital for international business, encompassing export controls, import regulations, sanctions adherence, customs procedures, anti-corruption measures, recordkeeping, and risk management. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, businesses can navigate global markets successfully, minimize legal risks, and maintain ethical standards for sustainable growth.
Trade Compliance Specialists can actually help your business to gain a competitive advantage by developing programs in-house. It's been said that trade compliance professionals can recover as much money as a tax specialist in duties and can help you to scale your business globally. They can be a valuable resource for businesses that have multiple entities in different jurisdictions, manage risk and ensure customs compliance with regulations.
Trade compliance is essential for import and export team, ensuring adherence to international trade laws and regulations. This skill helps avoid legal issues and fines by understanding tariffs, taxes, and customs requirements, thereby preventing shipment delays and maintaining smooth supply chain operations. Compliance safeguards the company's reputation and facilitates access to global markets. It involves navigating sanctions and ethical trade practices. Staying informed about regulatory changes is crucial, as trade laws frequently evolve, highlighting the importance of continuous education in trade compliance.
Knowledge and right skill sets triumph everything, team should keep updated with the ever so changing trade compliance and regulations.
Logistics management is the ability to plan, coordinate, and execute the transportation and delivery of goods from one point to another. It involves selecting the best modes, routes, carriers, and partners for each shipment, as well as tracking, monitoring, and resolving any issues that may arise along the way. Logistics management can help you optimize your costs, time, quality, and customer satisfaction. You need logistics managers who can oversee the entire supply chain and ensure that your goods reach their destination safely and on time.
Hauling cargo over long distances can make or break a deal, whether it's the safety of the cargo, costs or customs compliance, logistics plays an important role in international trade. To do this optimally, an experienced logistics expert is an integral part of any export operation.
Consultor en Comercio Internacional | Ventas Internacionales y Comercio Exterior
Es fundamental tener velocidad y calidad en la definición de la logística. A mi me sucede que muchas veces una cotización se demora porque nos falta el valor del flete. Esto puede hacernos perder negocios y hacerle perder negocios a nuestro cliente.
Your team needs to be skilled in logistics to efficiently manage the movement and timely delivery of goods. This includes knowledge of freight forwarding, customs clearance, and international shipping procedures
La gestion logistique est en effet cruciale pour assurer une cha?ne d'approvisionnement efficace et satisfaisante pour les clients. Des responsables logistiques compétents peuvent contribuer à optimiser les co?ts, le temps et la qualité des livraisons, tout en garantissant la sécurité et la ponctualité des expéditions.
Los procesos logísticos en la mayoría de las operaciones son muy diversos y en algunas operaciones muy complejos, especialmente si no se cuenta con competencias profundas de los mismos. El equipo ha de tener la capacidad de comprender y manejar los procesos en origen y en destino, los recursos en cada punto de la logistica, el personal clave al que recurrir, y optar por medios que nos permitan conectar a todos los agentes de la cadena logística de una importación o una exportaciones para llevar con éxito las operaciones. Contar con un manejo adecuado de la trazabilidad de las operaciones nos exige la integración de todos aquellos que intervienen en la cadena logística internacional, además, que nos permite comprender más los procesos.
Market research is the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data and information about the markets, customers, competitors, and trends in your target regions. It involves identifying the needs, preferences, demands, and opportunities for your products or services, as well as the risks, challenges, and threats that may affect your performance. Market research can help you develop effective strategies, pricing, positioning, and promotion for your import/export business. You need market researchers who can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations that can help you gain a competitive edge.
Combining qualitative and quantitative data analysis has been invaluable. Quantitative data reveals trends, while qualitative insights uncover the 'why'. This dual approach offers a comprehensive view for informed decision-making. I respectfully disagree that market research is a one-time task. The market evolves constantly. Regular research is vital to stay updated, adapt to shifts in behavior and competition, and make timely adjustments to strategies.
Consultor en Comercio Internacional | Ventas Internacionales y Comercio Exterior
Si no conocemos el mercado al que vamos, sus características, sus necesidades, es como ir caminando con una venda en los ojos. Mientras más conozcamos nuestro mercado objetivo, más simple y exitosa será nuestra tarea.
Staying informed on global markets and trends is vital for identifying new opportunities and making informed decisions about imports and exports.
L'étude de marché est essentielle pour comprendre les dynamiques du marché, les besoins des clients, les actions des concurrents et les tendances émergentes. Elle permet de prendre des décisions éclairées concernant les stratégies, les prix, la promotion et le positionnement de vos produits ou services sur les marchés d'importation/exportation, vous offrant ainsi un avantage concurrentiel.
Communication skills are the ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and persuasively with different stakeholders in your import/export business. It involves using the appropriate language, tone, style, and format for each situation and audience, as well as listening, understanding, and responding effectively. Communication skills can help you build trust, rapport, and collaboration with your suppliers, customers, partners, and regulators. You need communicators who can convey your messages and goals in a way that resonates with your target markets and cultures.
While articulating ideas is essential, truly understanding others fosters meaningful dialogue. Listening enables you to tailor responses, address concerns, and establish rapport, leading to more productive and collaborative interactions. I slightly disagree with the idea that communication is solely about clarity and persuasion. I believe that cultural sensitivity is equally important. Tailoring your communication style to resonate with different cultural backgrounds ensures messages are received positively. I observed a situation where a miscommunication led to a shipment delay and financial implications. The lesson here is that explicit communication, particularly in written forms like emails, is crucial.
Consultor en Comercio Internacional | Ventas Internacionales y Comercio Exterior
La comunicación es todo en cualquier transacción comercial, es más, diría que lo es todo en el relacionamiento entre dos o más personas. Pero yendo al tema que nos ata?e, es fundamental conocer la cultura del país o región con la que vamos a negociar. Conociendo la cultura podremos lograr una buena comunicación, tanto en la forma de expresarnos como entendiendo claramente que nos quieren decir con esas palabras.
Excellent written and verbal communication are essential for negotiating with international suppliers and clients, liaising with customs officials, and collaborating effectively within the team
Es claro que debemos contar con un equipo que mantenga una fluidez en la comunicación. Esta debe ser oportuna y frecuente, que nos permita conocer el flujo de las operaciones y especialmente atender de manera oportuna cualquier eventualidad. Mantenernos en constante comunicación, prever situaciones y revisar el trabajo realizado y sus impactos mediante reuniones pre y post operativas especialmente en las operaciones más complejas, nos prepara para el presente y el futuro. A través de la evaluacion de procesos y retroalimentación de las operaciones, eso sí, con el soporte de los colaboradores quienes ejercen diariamente la tarea, siendo las personas más adecuadas para verificar impactos positivos, negativos y soluciones de todo tipo.
Problem-solving skills are the ability to identify, analyze, and resolve problems that may arise in your import/export business. It involves applying logical, creative, and critical thinking to find the best solutions for each scenario, as well as implementing, evaluating, and improving them as needed. Problem-solving skills can help you overcome the challenges and uncertainties that are inherent in international trade. You need problem-solvers who can adapt to changing situations and cope with stress and pressure.
A structured problem-solving approach has been a game-changer. Breaking down complex challenges into smaller components simplifies analysis. Starting with clear problem definition, followed by data gathering, root cause identification, and solution evaluation, ensures a systematic and thorough resolution process. I respectfully differ on the stress and pressure aspect. While adaptability is vital, fostering a proactive problem-solving culture can mitigate undue stress. By encouraging a collaborative environment that welcomes creative solutions, teams can address issues collectively, reducing individual stress levels.
Import/export operations can encounter unexpected challenges. Your team needs to be adept at identifying and resolving problems efficiently.
Consultor en Comercio Internacional | Ventas Internacionales y Comercio Exterior
Siempre pueden existir problemas. El punto más importante cuando surge un problema es comunicarlo inmediatamente a la parte que puede perjudicar este problema y exponer el plan de acción que implementaremos para solucionarlo. Esto generará confianza y tranquilidad en la contraparte, no tendrá sorpresas desagradables y al hacerlo parte de la situación, hasta pueda contribuir de alguna forma con la solución del mismo.
Debemos ser capaces de buscar una resolución a los problemas que se nos presentan en el proceso de la operación, poder identificarlo, analizando los factores que contribuyeron y causaron la situación y así poder evaluar e implementar un plan de acción inmediata que nos ayude a solucionarlo acertadamente.
In addition to the core skills mentioned earlier, there are several other crucial skills that can greatly benefit your import/export team: Attention to Detail: Inaccuracies in import/export documentation can lead to costly delays and compliance issues. A strong attention to detail is essential to maintain accuracy and efficiency. Adaptability: Given the rapidly changing landscape of international trade, adaptability allows your team to quickly respond to new challenges, regulations, and market conditions. Risk Management: Identifying and addressing potential risks in your operations helps prevent disruptions and protect your business from financial and reputational harm.
La proactividad es clave para el personal que hace parte de los procesos de comercio exterior. El personal debe en muchas ocasiones y con su experiencia, tener la capacidad de tomar decisiones en cualquier parte del proceso, gracias al cambiante rumbo de la logistica internacional, tomar las riendas ante cambios, comunicarlos a tiempo y buscar soluciones de último minuto, se necesita personal proactivo, resiliente, con versatilidad para generar opciones y especialmente muy flexible.
Otras de las habilidades fundamentales que debe tener el equipo de comercio exterior son, la proactividad que puede verse en su capacidad para responder ante situaciones complicadas, llevando un rumbo hacia la resolución de eventos no deseados. También nos podemos referir a las habilidades de planificación, aunque puede ser un ambiente muy cambiante, planificar y realizar las tareas a tiempo y de forma organizada, conduce a ampliar nuestra capacidad de respuesta ante nuevas situaciones o eventos que no teníamos previsto, ampliando los tiempos para atender o tomar medidas en pro de soluciones que muchas veces pueden ser rápidas y otras muy complejas y de alto tiempo de solución.
CONTACTOS CONFIABLES Y CAPACIDAD DE ELEGIR Y EVALUAR EQUIPOS EXTERNO DE SERVICIOS ADUANEROS, PROVEEDORES DE SEGUROS, SERVICIOS DE CERTIFICACION DE CALIDAD, DE APOYO LOGISTICO Y FINANCIERO.