Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch Chapter 1 International trade

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch Topics covered in this chapter International trade Scope of book Function of international trade Survey of international trade World Trade Organization

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch Scope of book Emphasis is placed on the increasing complexity of international trade and the paramount need to become professional and focused on developing a strategic approach in a global competitive product/service environment including B2B and B2C. Understanding all the ingredients is essential in the conduct of international trade in an e–commerce and logistics environment as featured in this book. continued

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch Written in a lucid and professional style it is structured in three parts: the export office and transport modes; constituents of the export contract embracing all its elements and finally the strategic input to execute the export order and the periphery elements. The text contains case studies, extensive recommended research reading at the end of each chapter and a very comprehensive index. Moreover throughout the text it features cross page reference numbers to facilitate the reader to understand this complex subject.

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch Function of international trade The rationale of international trade. Tables 1.1 to 1.5 feature an analysis of world trade of merchandise, commercial services and focus on agricultural trade by growth and regional flows. Balance of trade and terms of trade measurement analysis.

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch Survey of international trade Table 1.6. intra–regional trade of major regional trade agreements and opportunities for exporters. Tables 1.7 and 1.8. Leading exporters and importers in world merchandise and commercial services. Important to comprehend the disposition of world trade by countries and especially growth markets and opportunities for both small and large exporters. Students may wish to analyse the two tables to determine individual countries trade balance and balance of payments which may be in deficit or surplus. continued

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch The role of the international chamber of commerce as the market leader in trade facilitation and development based on a range of international recognised regulations and accredited trade guidelines. Numerous trade agreements are examined which exist for the purpose of trade development and market access. These include Asia Pacific region, Central and Eastern Europe, Gulf markets and many others. It is important to understand these trading blocks and the opportunities available to access these markets.

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch World Trade Organization Its role is to act as a stimulant to develop trade and commercial services without discrimination amongst 150 nations. It remains a very formidable task and is under the aegis of the United Nations who conduct their trade talks with the representatives of each of the member governments. Ensure you understand its objectives and mechanism together with a range of areas discussed as identified in the text. Visit the WTO website to keep up to date of any opportunities to develop trade based on the concessions secured by the WTO.

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch Key concepts Ensure you fully understand the following: Three major trading areas of the world Function of international trade Growth in world trade. Tables 1.1 and 1.2. Measurement of terms of trade Survey of international trade Intra regional trade of major regional trade agreements. Table 1.6 Leading exporters and importers in world merchandise and commercial services. Table 1.7 and 1.8. Role of international agencies/trade associations WTO role