Importing stock or equipment for your business can present logistical headaches. These have been magnified as disruptions to global trade stemming from COVID and world political action continue to impact cross-border commodity movement.
Disrupted supply chains, increased delivery costs, and delays in waiting times can all add significant financial strain to your business operations.
Challenges facing businesses importing stock
While many Australian businesses rely on global suppliers to source consumer products and equipment, they must contend with:
• Fluctuations in foreign currencies• Increasing freight costs• Disrupted travel routes• Shortages in raw materials.
Given the uncertainty of the global trade landscape, suppliers usually require upfront payment. This, however, could impact your cash flow, particularly if you’re waiting longer than normal for stock to arrive.
But there is another option.
What is trade finance?
Companies can use a form of finance to facilitate international trade and commerce. Trade finance is a way of paying suppliers for stock or equipment upfront without spending your working capital. This means businesses have time to sell the stock after it arrives in Australia and then make the repayment.
Trade finance involves a third-party financial institution extending credit to an importer (or business) to fulfil a trade order. The institution pays the exporter according to an agreement between them, the business, and the financial institution. The business repays funds at a later date as per the agreed terms.
Trade finance is popular with businesses – up to 90% of the world’s trade relies on this financial solution, according to the World Trade Organisation.
Benefits of trade finance
Trade financing helps businesses such as yours to:
• Take advantage of trade opportunities to boost business and trade• Potentially earn discounts from suppliers when making bulk purchases• Better manage the risk of falling behind on payments and losing a key supplier or customer• Remain agile and create a convenient cash flow buffer in times of financial strain• Access more flexible funding than conventional finance or credit issuance• Pay back trade finance after you’ve sold the goods and received payment from your customer.
Speak to us
Trade finance could be an effective way for your business to close the cash flow gap when importing stock, or equipment from overseas. Get in touch and find out how we can help you access the best finance options for your business.
