Global buyers know that exchange rate risk management can make or break margins when you import from China. Currency swings between USD and RMB can change unit costs between PO, deposit, and balance. This guide explains practical hedging strategies and optimal payment timing for overseas SMEs, e-commerce sellers, and wholesalers—drawing on on-the-ground sourcing experience from Supplier Ally.
What you’ll learn:
- When to pay deposits/balances to time the market (lead vs lag)
- How to use forward contracts, currency options, and simple “natural hedges”
- Choosing invoice currency (USD vs RMB) and aligning payment terms (TT, LC)
- Setting a budget rate, using rate alerts, and negotiating supplier flexibility
Goal: protect cash flow, stabilize landed costs, and keep pricing competitive—without speculation.
Let’s get practical about exchange rate risk management.
Understanding Exchange Rate Risk in International Trade
International trade often involves transactions in different currencies. When businesses buy or sell goods and services across borders, they must deal with changing exchange rates. These currency moves can impact the value of what a company pays or receives. Managing this risk is important for companies that want to protect their profits and avoid unpleasant surprises. Let’s explore the basics of exchange rate risk and why it matters for importers, exporters, and cross-border sellers.
What Is Exchange Rate Risk?
Exchange rate risk, also called currency risk, is the possibility that currency values will change in a way that affects a business’s financial results. If you’re trading internationally, the price of foreign currency can rise or fall between the time you agree on a deal and when payment happens. This change can make your costs higher, lower your profits, or even turn a good deal into a loss. Exchange rate risk is a central challenge for any business that deals in more than one currency.
Types of Exchange Rate Risks
Exchange rate risks come in several forms. Each type can affect businesses differently, depending on how and where they operate.
Transaction Risk
Transaction risk happens when a business enters into a deal involving future payments or receipts in a foreign currency. For example, if you agree to pay a supplier in euros in 90 days, the value of your home currency might change before you pay. If the exchange rate moves against you, you will pay more in your local currency. Transaction risk is common for businesses that frequently import or export goods.
Translation Risk
Translation risk (or accounting risk) occurs when a business has assets, liabilities, or subsidiaries in a foreign country. When these foreign amounts are converted back to the home currency on the company’s balance sheet, exchange rate changes can create gains or losses on paper. This kind of risk is important for companies with overseas branches or multi-currency investments.
Economic (Operating) Risk
Economic risk is the long-term impact that currency movements have on a company’s future cash flows and overall market value. For example, if a competitor’s home currency weakens, they might start selling goods more cheaply worldwide, putting pressure on your prices and profits. Economic risk can be less visible but may affect competitiveness and business strategy in the long run.
Key Causes of Exchange Rate Fluctuations
Exchange rates change for many reasons. Knowing the main causes helps businesses understand and predict currency risk.
Interest Rate Differentials
Interest rate differentials between countries often drive exchange rates. If a country raises its interest rates, its currency may become more attractive to investors, leading to a stronger currency. Conversely, lower interest rates can weaken a currency. Companies involved in cross-border trade watch central bank decisions closely to anticipate currency moves.
Inflation and Purchasing Power
Inflation—the rise in prices over time—also affects exchange rates. Countries with high inflation usually see their currencies lose value. This means that goods from that country become more expensive for foreign buyers, and businesses trading with high-inflation countries face higher risks of exchange rate swings.
Political and Economic Stability
Political and economic stability is a major factor in currency value. Countries with unstable governments, unrest, or economic crises often see their currencies drop. Businesses trading with these countries may face sudden and dramatic exchange rate changes, making budgeting and planning harder.
Market Sentiment and Speculation
Market sentiment and speculation by traders can move exchange rates quickly, even if nothing has changed in the real economy. News stories, rumors, and sudden investor moves can create large and unexpected shifts. Businesses need to be aware that even small headlines can sometimes lead to large currency changes, impacting their deals and costs.
Understanding these risks and factors helps businesses make smarter decisions in international trade. By planning for exchange rate risk, companies can protect their profits and keep their operations stable, no matter how the currency markets move.
How Exchange Rate Risk Impacts SMEs, E-Commerce, and Import/Export Businesses
Real-World Examples of Exchange Rate Risk
Real-world examples of exchange rate risk show how currency changes can affect businesses trading across borders. For instance, an e-commerce seller in Europe who buys goods from China in US dollars might face surprises. If the euro weakens against the dollar after they place an order but before they pay, their costs in euros will be higher than expected. This can happen even if the product price in dollars stays the same.
Another example comes from importers in the UK buying from Asia. If the pound drops quickly against the Chinese yuan, shipments that have not been paid for suddenly cost more. Exporters can also be affected. A Brazilian manufacturer selling in US dollars may lose money if their local currency, the real, strengthens before they get paid. These kinds of exchange rate shifts impact both sellers and buyers, sometimes wiping out expected profits or even creating losses.
Effects on Payment Amounts and Profit Margins
Effects on payment amounts and profit margins from exchange rate risk are easy to understand. When the exchange rate moves, the final amount paid or received in your home currency changes. For importers, a weaker local currency means it costs more to buy the same goods from overseas. For exporters, if your customer pays you in a foreign currency that suddenly loses value, the amount you get when you convert it back to your own money can shrink.
Profit margins for businesses become unpredictable. A small change in the exchange rate can turn a profitable deal into a break-even or loss situation. Some companies try to build a cushion into their prices to deal with this uncertainty, but in sectors where prices are very competitive, this is not always possible.
For example, if an Indian retailer imports electronics and agrees to pay in US dollars, and the Indian rupee drops by 5% before payment, the total cost in rupees increases by the same amount. With tight profit margins, this unexpected change can make the difference between profit and loss.
Special Considerations for SMEs and Cross-Border Sellers
Special considerations for SMEs and cross-border sellers are important because smaller businesses often do not have the tools or resources that larger companies have. Smaller businesses, such as start-ups or local manufacturers, may have less experience and less access to financial products that help protect against currency swings.
SMEs often deal with smaller order sizes, but even a small shift in exchange rates can have a big impact on their budgets. It is more difficult for them to negotiate contracts that let them pay in their own currency. Banks may charge higher fees or offer less flexible solutions for hedging exchange rate risk.
Cross-border e-commerce sellers are especially exposed. Payment processing times, platform fees, and delayed settlements can all mean the exchange rate changes between when a sale is made and when money is received. These sellers may also face price pressure from global competitors, so any cost increase from exchange rate changes can hurt their business.
For SMEs and online sellers, setting up simple strategies like asking to pay or get paid in their own currency, watching exchange rates closely, and talking with their bank about risk management tools can make a big difference. Understanding and managing exchange rate risk is just as essential as managing other business risks like shipping or product quality.
Main Hedging Strategies for Managing Exchange Rate Risk
Forward Contracts (Locking in Rates)
Forward contracts are a popular hedging strategy for many businesses dealing with international trade. With forward contracts, you can lock in an exchange rate today for a transaction that will happen in the future. This means even if exchange rates move up and down, your payment amount will not change.
Many importers and exporters use forward contracts to avoid surprises. For example, if you agree to pay your supplier in euros three months from now, a forward contract helps you know exactly how many dollars you will need no matter what happens in the market. This removes the risk of currency fluctuations affecting your profit margins. However, if the market moves in your favor, you won’t gain from the better rate because your contract is fixed.
Currency Options and Futures
Currency options and futures are another way to manage exchange rate risk. With a currency option, you have the right but not the obligation to buy or sell currency at a set rate before a certain date. This gives you more flexibility than a forward contract, but there is usually a fee (called a premium).
Currency futures are similar to forwards but are standardized and traded on an exchange. They allow businesses to lock in a future exchange rate, just like forward contracts, but with more liquidity because they are traded publicly. Options and futures are helpful if you want both protection and the chance to benefit from favorable rate movements.
Natural Hedging Techniques
Natural hedging is the practice of reducing exchange rate risk by structuring your business in a way that minimizes exposure. This often means matching your incoming and outgoing cash flows in the same currency or using accounts or systems that help you balance currency needs without financial contracts. Let’s look at the most common natural hedging methods.
Matching Revenues and Expenses in the Same Currency
Matching revenues and expenses in the same currency is a straightforward way to reduce exchange rate risk. For example, if you are earning euros from sales in Europe, try to pay your suppliers or service providers in euros as well. This way, you don’t need to exchange currencies as often, which lowers your risk and often saves on conversion fees.
Multi-Currency Accounts
Multi-currency accounts let businesses hold, send, and receive money in different currencies without converting funds immediately. This provides flexibility in timing your currency conversions and helps you manage when and how you exchange money. You can wait for a better exchange rate or pay suppliers in their own currency from the same account. Many online payment platforms and banks offer multi-currency accounts to make cross-border transactions easier and cheaper.
Netting
Netting is a technique often used by companies with many international transactions, such as multinational companies. The idea is to offset payables and receivables in the same currency among different branches or partners before making any actual exchange. By netting amounts, you reduce the number of currency conversions and only exchange the net balance, which reduces costs and exposure to exchange rate risk.
Currency Swaps and Algorithmic Solutions
Currency swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange principal and interest payments in different currencies. Swaps are usually used for longer-term needs or large transactions. This technique can help manage ongoing exchange rate risk or finance international operations.
Algorithmic solutions, such as automated trading systems or payment platforms, use software to monitor exchange rates and execute conversions when certain conditions are met. These systems can help businesses automate hedging decisions and timing to lower risk and sometimes get better rates. They are becoming more common as technology makes currency management more accessible for SMEs and e-commerce businesses.
Choosing the Right Hedging Tool for Your Business
Choosing the right hedging tool depends on your business size, transaction amount, regularity of foreign payments, and your risk tolerance. If your transactions are predictable and you want to avoid surprises, a forward contract or a futures contract may be right for you. For businesses that value flexibility, options can provide protection while keeping an opportunity to benefit from favorable rate moves.
SMEs and importers with less exposure might prefer natural hedging methods, such as matching currencies or using multi-currency accounts. Larger businesses, or those with more complex needs, often combine multiple hedging tools for greater control. It’s also helpful to consult with a currency risk expert or a bank adviser to understand which hedging strategies fit your business goals and workflow best.
Timing Your Payments: Optimal Practices
Leading and Lagging Payments
Leading and lagging payments are two important ways businesses can manage exchange rate risk. When you bring forward a payment to your supplier (leading), you are trying to pay before a possible unfavorable exchange rate change. If you wait and delay payment (lagging), you hope the rate will move in your favor.
Many businesses use leading payments if the local currency is expected to weaken soon. This can help save money by paying at a better rate. Lagging is useful if you think the exchange rate will be better later. Both options require strong communication with suppliers and good planning, because suppliers might not always agree to changing payment terms.
How Payment Timing Influences Costs
How payment timing influences costs is a key question in trade and international payments. Exchange rates can change every minute. The day you make your payment will have a direct impact on how much you pay in your home currency.
For example, if you have to send $10,000 but the exchange rate moves from 6.95 to 7.10 RMB per USD, your cost in local currency will be quite different. By delaying or advancing your payment by just a few days, the total amount you pay or the product cost can change, sometimes enough to affect your profit margin.
Understanding this is vital for importers and exporters. It’s not just about the invoice amount, but about the timing of the conversion.
Case Study: Payment Timing Effect on Product Cost
Let’s look at a simple case study on payment timing effect on product cost. Imagine a small business ordering electronics from China. The invoice is $20,000. The payment is due in two weeks.
- If you pay when the rate is 7 RMB/USD, the cost is 140,000 RMB.
- Five days later, the exchange rate jumps to 7.2 RMB/USD, so the same payment now costs 144,000 RMB.
- That’s a difference of 4,000 RMB, just because of timing.
This example shows that even small changes in timing can have a big effect on costs, especially with large orders. Many importers use payment timing strategies to keep costs predictable.
Using Market Orders and Alerts to Optimize Payment Timing
Using market orders and alerts is a smart way for businesses to optimize payment timing. Many banks and online payment platforms let you set a “market order” or create an alert for a target exchange rate. This means you don’t have to watch the rates every minute.
When your chosen rate appears, the platform will either notify you, or even make the payment automatically. This helps businesses catch good rates and avoid missing out. For example, if you know your costs are best if the USD/RMB rate is better than 7.15, you can set an alert and act quickly when the opportunity comes.
Market orders and alerts make the whole process much easier and help you get the most value from your international payments. This is especially useful for companies with thin profit margins or those making frequent cross-border transactions.
Practical Tips for Managing Exchange Rate Risk
Identifying Your Currency Exposure
Identifying your currency exposure is the first step to protect your business from exchange rate risk. Many businesses only look at the currency used for buying or selling but forget about other costs. Currency exposure can happen with purchases, supplier payments, sales to international customers, or even service fees paid in a foreign currency. Check all business transactions that use foreign currencies: invoices, shipping, online sales platforms, and international payrolls.
By making a list of these transactions, you will know which currencies have the most impact. For example, if you import goods from China in US dollars (USD) but sell in euros (EUR), you are exposed to the USD/EUR exchange. Regularly tracking the value and frequency of these cross-currency payments helps you spot which areas are most at risk.
A simple spreadsheet can help you identify your exposure. Note down every payment and receipt in foreign currencies. Total up by currency type. This gives you a clear picture of your foreign exchange risk and helps you decide where to act first.
Creating a Risk Management Policy
Creating a risk management policy is essential if you want to handle exchange rate risk professionally. Your policy should include rules on how to deal with currency movements, who is responsible for monitoring rates, and under which conditions you will use hedging tools.
First, set specific goals: Do you want to protect profit margins, reduce losses, or just avoid big surprises? Decide if you will hedge all your exposure or just some of it. The policy should define your acceptable level of risk, often called your “risk tolerance.”
Next, outline the process for monitoring currency movements. Choose who in your business keeps track of exchange rates and how often this is done. Some companies review rates daily, others weekly. Set a process for approving hedging transactions and which types you will use, like forward contracts or options.
Finally, review the policy at least once a year, or when your business changes. If you begin selling in a new country or start paying large suppliers in another currency, update your policy.
Tips for Importers and Exporters Negotiating Contracts
Payment Currency Clause
Adding a payment currency clause to your contracts can protect your business from sudden exchange rate moves. This clause clearly states which currency payments will be made in. As an importer, you may prefer to pay in your own local currency to avoid risk. But some suppliers may prefer USD or their own currency.
Try to negotiate payment in the currency you receive most of your income in. If that’s not possible, agree with your partner on who is responsible for covering currency fluctuations. This can be written into your contracts. For example, “The buyer is responsible for all currency differences after the invoice date.”
Invoicing Strategies
Smart invoicing strategies also help manage currency risk. If you regularly trade with the same customers or suppliers, consider setting prices in your local currency. This shifts the risk to your business partner but removes uncertainty for you.
Another tip is to fix the exchange rate at the time of the order instead of at the time of payment. This can be done through contract terms or by using a forward contract. Always include a clear statement about how rates will be calculated if there are delays or early payments.
For long-term contracts, add review periods to adjust prices if exchange rates move a lot. Both parties can agree to review the contract price every three or six months.
Working with Currency Specialists or Sourcing Agents
Working with currency specialists or sourcing agents can make managing exchange rate risk much easier. These professionals stay up-to-date on currency markets and can offer advice on the best times to buy or sell foreign currency. They also help you choose the right hedging tools, like forward contracts or options.
Currency specialists often have access to better exchange rates than banks, and they can set up alerts for you when rates reach your ideal levels. Some even automate the hedging process so you don’t have to watch the market all day.
Sourcing agents in countries like China can help you negotiate payment terms with suppliers. They know the local market and can sometimes get suppliers to accept more stable currencies. They also make sure contract details like payment clauses and invoicing in different currencies are clearly set up.
In short, getting help from specialists or agents saves time, reduces risks, and lets you focus on growing your business.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Over-Hedging or Under-Hedging
Over-hedging or under-hedging is a frequent mistake in international trade. Over-hedging means you hedge more than your actual exposure, possibly leading to unexpected losses if the market moves in your favor. Under-hedging means you leave too much exposure uncovered and risk large losses if the currency moves against you. To avoid these mistakes, regularly review your exposure and use accurate forecasts for your business’s foreign currency needs. Always hedge only what you genuinely need, not more or less.
Ignoring Market Volatility
Ignoring market volatility can cost international businesses money. Currency markets can change quickly due to news, global events, or economic data releases. If you ignore these swings, you might be caught off guard by sudden price changes. To avoid this mistake, stay informed about global financial news and consider tools like currency alerts to track rates that affect your business. Planning ahead for possible volatility helps protect your profits and keep your costs steady.
Not Reviewing Hedging Effectiveness Regularly
Not reviewing hedging effectiveness regularly can make your strategy outdated. The forex market changes constantly, and so does your business’s risk profile. Some businesses set a hedging strategy and forget about it, missing the chance to improve results or catch problems. To avoid this, schedule regular check-ins to compare how well your hedging tools are working. Adjust your hedging approach as your business or the market changes.
Relying on a Single Risk Management Approach
Relying on a single risk management approach can be risky. If you trust only one method, like forward contracts, you may miss out on better opportunities or ignore changing market conditions. A one-size-fits-all method may not suit every situation, especially if your business or trading partners grow. To avoid this, use a mix of hedging tools and always look for new options. Consider combining forwards, currency options, and even natural hedging to build a flexible and strong defense against currency risk. This way, your business is safer from unexpected changes in exchange rates.
Tools, Resources, and Professional Support
Online Currency Risk Calculators and Forecast Tools
Online currency risk calculators and forecast tools are important for businesses that deal with international payments. These tools allow you to quickly estimate how future exchange rate changes could affect your business costs and profits. By entering details like the amount, base currency, and target currency, you get a forecast of your possible gains or losses if the exchange rate moves.
Many online platforms offer free or paid calculators that show you real-time and historical rates. Some also offer forward-looking predictions, helping you decide the best time to make cross-border payments. Using these tools, importers and exporters can plan better and avoid surprises. While helpful, remember that forecasts are not always 100% accurate, and exchange rates can change due to sudden global events.
Businesses should use these calculators regularly, especially before large payments or contract negotiations. Forecast tools can help guide important decisions and are a must-have for anyone dealing with currency risk.
How Sourcing Agents Can Help With Hedging and Payment Timing
Sourcing agents are professionals who help businesses buy products from different countries, especially from places like China or Southeast Asia. When it comes to hedging and payment timing, experienced sourcing agents can be a real advantage.
A good sourcing agent understands the local business culture and payment practices. They often have experience with different payment methods and can advise you on how to time your payments to get the best exchange rates. Some sourcing agents work closely with banks and currency providers, giving you access to better rates or advising on hedging products like forward contracts.
Sourcing agents might also help negotiate payment currency with suppliers, or arrange for payments in stages so you can take advantage of favorable rate changes. With their help, you can reduce the risk of losing money due to exchange rate swings. If you are new to importing, using a sourcing agent can save you both time and money while keeping your risks lower.
When to Consult Credit Insurance or Financial Advisors
Credit insurance and financial advisors play key roles in managing financial risks, including those from currency changes. In certain cases, you should consider professional help:
- If your company has large or regular foreign currency transactions,
- When you negotiate long-term contracts with overseas partners,
- If your profit margins are small and sensitive to rate changes.
Credit insurance can protect your business if a buyer fails to pay because of currency losses, political unrest, or other risks. It is a smart move for companies exporting goods or services to multiple countries with unstable economies.
A financial advisor can give you tailored advice about when and how to hedge, which tools to use, and how to balance risks with costs. They may also help you create a risk management policy and choose between different financial instruments.
It is always best to consult experts before entering new markets, making a large payment, or if you are unsure how currency risk affects your business’s cash flow. Their guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes and give you peace of mind as you grow globally.
Tables and Reference Lists
Table: Hedging Strategies & Key Characteristics
Understanding the different hedging strategies is important for anyone involved in international trade, importing, or exporting. Here is a simple table summarizing the main strategies and their key characteristics.
| Hedging Strategy | Key Features | Typical Users | Flexibility | Cost/Ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Contracts | Lock in a specific rate for future payments | All sizes | Moderate | Low cost, simple |
| Currency Options | Right (not obligation) to buy/sell currency | Larger businesses | High | Higher premium cost |
| Currency Futures | Standardized contracts for future delivery | Larger, active traders | Low | Exchange fees apply |
| Natural Hedging | Matching incoming and outgoing in same currency | SMEs & e-commerce | Limited | Free, needs planning |
| Multi-Currency Accounts | Hold balances in several currencies | Cross-border sellers | High | Bank fees/service fees |
| Netting | Offsetting receivables/payables within group | Groups/affiliates | Moderate | Some admin needed |
| Currency Swaps | Exchange principal/interest for set period | Large businesses/finance | Moderate | Complex, usually costly |
Table: Example Cost Impact by Payment Timing (Sample Currencies)
Paying at the right time can make a real difference in what you pay, especially if exchange rates move quickly. This table shows a simple example based on a $10,000 USD payment to a supplier in euros.
| Payment Date | USD/EUR Rate | Amount Paid (in EUR) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Sep | 0.92 | 9,200 | $10,000 |
| 15 Sep | 0.90 | 9,000 | $10,000 (cheaper for buyer) |
| 30 Sep | 0.95 | 9,500 | $10,000 (more expensive for buyer) |
In this example, paying on 15 Sep saves 500 EUR compared to paying at a worse exchange rate at the end of the month.
Bullet List: Steps to Create a Currency Risk Management Plan
- Identify which currencies your business receives or pays.
- Check how much of your sales or costs are in foreign currency.
- List when you need to make payments or expect to get paid.
- Set your risk tolerance (how much loss is acceptable).
- Choose proper hedging tools (contracts, options, natural hedging).
- Monitor exchange rates regularly.
- Update your plan as your trade partners or market changes.
- Work with a financial advisor or currency specialist if needed.
Bullet List: Signs Your Business Needs a Hedging Strategy
- You are surprised by changes in your profit due to exchange rates.
- Most of your costs or sales are in a different currency.
- You plan payments/invoices months ahead and worry about rate changes.
- Your bank or supplier warns about market volatility.
- You lose deals or customers because of uncertain prices.
- Your competitors appear to have stable costs and offer better prices.
- You feel unsure how to plan for next year’s costs or revenues.
- You trade in high-volatility currency markets (like emerging economies).
Taking time to review these tables and lists can help you spot risks and build a safer plan for international payments.
FAQs: Exchange Rate Risk, Hedging, and Payments
What are the most common causes of exchange rate risk for importers?
The most common causes of exchange rate risk for importers are currency value fluctuations between the time a deal is made and when a payment is completed. Changes in currency values can happen due to interest rate changes, political events, or economic news. Importers dealing with suppliers in another currency are always exposed to this risk. Even small changes can make a product suddenly more expensive or cheaper. Market speculation and unexpected global events, such as financial crises or geopolitical tensions, can also cause rapid changes in exchange rates and impact import costs.
How does a forward contract work in practice?
A forward contract is a popular tool for managing exchange rate risk. In practice, a forward contract lets an importer agree today to buy a set amount of foreign currency in the future, at a fixed exchange rate. This means, no matter how the market rate moves, the importer knows exactly how much they’ll pay. For example, if you agree to buy 100,000 Chinese yuan three months from now at today’s rate, you avoid surprises if the yuan becomes more expensive at payment time. Banks and forex providers usually offer these contracts, and they are often used for large or planned purchases.
Is it better to pay in USD or local currency when importing from China?
Whether to pay in USD or local currency (Chinese yuan, CNY) depends on several factors. Paying in USD is common and can be easier for international accounting. However, paying in yuan may sometimes get you a better price, as some Chinese suppliers offer discounts for local currency payments to avoid their own exchange fees. There’s also risk: if you choose USD and the yuan strengthens, costs could increase for your supplier, and they may raise prices next time. If you pay in yuan and don’t hedge, your costs could rise if your own currency weakens. Compare exchange rates, transfer fees, and ask your supplier about their preferences before deciding.
Can small businesses effectively hedge foreign exchange risk?
Small businesses can effectively hedge foreign exchange risk, even without the complex strategies that big companies use. Many banks and fintech platforms offer forward contracts and simple currency options for businesses of any size. Some online payment services also let you hold money in multi-currency accounts or set up automatic currency conversions when rates reach your chosen level. The key is to understand your risks and consider basic hedging tools that match your needs. Even a small step, like holding revenue in a multi-currency account or paying early if rates look good, can make a big difference for a small business.
How can a sourcing agent help manage currency risk when importing from China?
A sourcing agent can help manage currency risk in several ways. First, sourcing agents often have local knowledge and relationships, which means they can help negotiate payment terms that suit your needs, like paying in the most stable currency or arranging split payments. They may also know local market trends and advise on the best timing for your payments. Some sourcing agents work with currency specialists or banks and can suggest hedging options or even help set up forward contracts. They can also spot hidden fees or costs that appear during currency conversion. Using a sourcing agent can reduce surprises and give you more control over your import costs.
EN 
ES