When a company decides to make the leap into international trade, it usually prepares everything down to the last detail: quoting transport, checking tariffs, taking out insurance. At first glance, it seems that nothing can go wrong.
However, the reality is that exporting is not always as straightforward as it seems. And this is where what we call the international trade iceberg appears: what is in plain sight... and what remains hidden until it is too late.
The story of a small and medium-sized enterprise that exported for the first time.
Recently, a small and medium-sized enterprise decided to sell its products outside of Spain. They planned everything carefully, but in the end the result was not as expected. What happened?
- A small error in the paperwork caused a delay at customs.
- That delay caused extra days of port storage.
- And to top it all off, a fluctuation in the exchange rate further reduced their profit margin.
They exported, yes... but with a bittersweet taste.
The visible vs. the invisible in international trade.
When talking about exporting, there are two very distinct parts:
- The visible part (the costs that all companies calculate):
- International transport.
- Cargo insurance.
- Tariffs.
- The invisible (costs that are often overlooked):
- Bank charges.
- Changes in destination country regulations.
- Additional technical requirements.
- Packaging or labelling errors.
- Demurrage and storage charges.
- Exchange rate risk.
That which is not seen at first glance is what can sink the profitability of a transaction.
How to avoid the international trade iceberg.
The key lies not only in planning visible costs, but in anticipating the unseen.
At Abadecom Global we help companies to prepare their international operations with:
- Preliminary analysis of markets and regulations.
- Risk management logistical, financial and legal.
- Comprehensive support throughout the entire export process.
It is not just one-off advice: it is a comprehensive vision so that your exports or imports do not end up in the red.
Are you thinking of exporting or expanding your markets?
At Abadecom Global We help your business grow in international trade with a clear, secure and profitable strategy.
Write to us and start planning your global expansion without surprises.