Learn international trade, one topic at a time
In-depth, structured lessons on the topics that come up in real import and export operations — each one built around a real tool you can use immediately.
Import
3How Much Does It Really Cost to Import? Understanding Total Landed Cost
Beyond the goods price: how freight, insurance, duty, VAT and hidden costs shape your real import budget.
Read lessonHow to Import from China: A Step-by-Step Guide
Every step of importing from China — finding a supplier, negotiating terms, and shipping — with a real cost example.
Read lessonA Beginner's Guide to Importing
Everything you need to know before your first import — from finding a supplier to receiving the goods.
Read lessonExport
3How to Price Your Products for Export
Getting from your domestic price to an export price — accounting for freight, Incoterm, currency, and competitor pricing.
Read lessonHow to Find International Buyers for Your Products
Real, practical ways to find buyers in new export markets — B2B marketplaces, trade missions, and digital outreach.
Read lessonA Beginner's Guide to Exporting
Everything you need to know before your first export sale — from finding a buyer to getting paid.
Read lessonCustoms
3How Does Customs Valuation Work?
How customs authorities determine the taxable value of a shipment, and why it directly determines your duty bill.
Read lessonHow Does Customs Clearance Work? A Step-by-Step Explanation
Learn the documents, steps and typical timeline involved in clearing a shipment through customs.
Read lessonHow Do I Calculate Import Duty? A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how customs value, tariff rate and VAT combine to determine your import duty bill, with a real worked example.
Read lessonHS Codes
3Common HS Code Classification Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The classification mistakes importers and exporters make most often — and what they actually cost.
Read lessonHow to Classify Products for Customs (HS Code Classification)
A systematic method for finding the correct HS code for a product — with the General Rules of Interpretation and real examples.
Read lessonWhat Is an HS Code? A Practical Guide to Product Classification
Learn what an HS code is, how to read one, and how to find the right classification for your product — with real examples.
Read lessonShipping
3Understanding Freight Costs: What Affects Your Shipping Price
The real factors behind freight pricing — volume, weight, mode, seasonality, and fuel surcharges.
Read lessonHow Long Does International Shipping Take? A Realistic Timeline
Realistic timelines for air, sea, and land freight — from production through to final delivery.
Read lessonAir Freight vs. Sea Freight: How to Choose
Compare air and sea freight on cost, speed and volume, and learn how to pick the right mode for your shipment.
Read lessonIncoterms
3EXW vs DDP: Understanding the Two Extremes of Incoterms
The Incoterms with the least and most seller responsibility — and which party each one actually favors.
Read lessonFOB vs CIF: What's the Difference and Which Should You Use?
The two most commonly compared Incoterms — risk, cost, and when to use each, with real examples.
Read lessonIncoterms® 2020 Explained: Which Rule Should You Use, and When?
Understand all 11 Incoterms® 2020 rules, how they split cost and risk, and how to pick the right one for your deal.
Read lessonTrade Documents
3What Is a Bill of Lading and Why Does It Matter?
The three functions of the most important document in sea freight: contract, receipt, and title of ownership.
Read lessonCommercial Invoice vs Proforma Invoice: What's the Difference?
The two most commonly confused trade documents — when to use each, and why you need both.
Read lessonEssential Trade Documents: A Complete Guide
Learn the core documents every international shipment needs, what each one is for, and who prepares it.
Read lessonInternational Payments
3How to Get Paid Safely When Exporting: A Payment Risk Guide
Real ways to reduce payment risk when working with a new buyer — from trade credit insurance to letters of credit.
Read lessonLetter of Credit Explained: How It Protects Buyers and Sellers
How a letter of credit actually works, what documents it requires, and why it's favored in new trade relationships.
Read lessonInternational Payment Methods: A Practical Guide
Understand the difference between letters of credit, advance payment, open account and collection — and the risk each carries.
Read lessonTrade Compliance
3Anti-Dumping Duties Explained: What Importers Need to Know
What an anti-dumping duty is, how it's determined, and how it can significantly increase your real import cost.
Read lessonUnderstanding Free Trade Agreements and How They Reduce Duties
How free trade agreements lower customs duty, what rules of origin require, and how to actually claim preferential rates.
Read lessonWhat Is Trade Compliance and Why Does It Matter?
Export controls, sanctions, and customs regulations — why compliance isn't optional for any trading business.
Read lesson