Compilation of the 3 most popular English import-export conversations

English vocabulary for the import-export topic

Meaning

Example

Export

/ɪkˈspɔːrt/

(n)

to send goods to another country for sale

The country's main export is agricultural products. 

Import

/ɪmˈpɔːrt/

(v)

to buy or bring in products from another country

The company imports electronic goods from China.

Trade

/treɪd/

(n)

the activity of buying and selling, or exchanging, goods and/or services between people or countries

International trade plays a vital role in the economy.

Customs

/ˈkʌstəmz/

(n)

the government department that deals with taxes on goods coming into and leaving a country

Goods passing through customs must be declared. 

Tariff

/ˈtærɪf/

(n)

a charge or list of charges either for services or on goods entering a country

The government imposed a new tariff on imported cars. 

Port

/pɔːrt/

(n)

a town by the sea or by a river that has a harbor, or the harbor itself

The port handles a large volume of imports and exports.

Freight

/freɪt/

(n)

goods, but not passengers, that are carried from one place to another, by ship, aircraft, train, or truck, or the system of transporting these goods

The freight charges for shipping goods overseas can be expensive. 

Cargo

/ˈkɑːrɡoʊ/

(n)

the goods carried by a ship, aircraft, or other large vehicle

The cargo ship is scheduled to arrive at the port tomorrow. 

Exporter

/ɪkˈspɔːrtər/

(n)

a person, country, or business that sells goods to another country

ABC company is one of the leading exporters of textiles. 

Importer

/ɪmˈpɔːrtər/

(n)

a person, country, or company that buys products from another country in order to sell them

They work as importers, bringing in goods from various countries. 

Trade agreement

/treɪd əˈɡriːmənt/

(n)

a formal agreement between two or more countries about improving trade with each other, for example by removing import taxes

The two countries signed a new trade agreement to promote commerce.

Balance of trade

/ˈbæləns əv treɪd/

(n)

the difference between the money that a country receives from exports and the money it spends on imports

The country has a positive balance of trade with its neighboring nations. 

Quota

/ˈkwəʊtə/

(n)

a fixed, limited amount or number that is officially allowed

The government imposed import quotas to protect domestic industries. 

Invoice

/ˈɪnvɔɪs/

(n)

a list of things provided or work done together with their cost, for payment at a later time

Please send us the invoice for the recent shipment. 

Free trade

/friː treɪd/

(n)

international buying and selling of goods, without limits on the amount of goods that one country can sell to another, and without special taxes on the goods bought from a foreign country

Some economists advocate for free trade policies to stimulate economic growth.

Communication phrases for the import-export topic

What are the import/export regulations for laptops in Thailand?

Can you provide the HS code for the goods you're exporting?

Are there any restrictions or tariffs on importing rice into India?

Could you please send me the proforma invoice for the shipment?

What is the lead time for delivery of the goods?

Do you offer any discounts for bulk orders?

Could you confirm the shipping terms for this order?

Is the packaging of the goods suitable for international shipping?

Can you provide the certificate of origin for the goods?

Are there any specific labeling requirements for the products?

Do you have any preferred shipping carriers or methods?

Can you arrange for customs clearance at the port of destination?

Are there any special documents required for customs clearance?

What is the payment method and terms for this transaction?

Can you provide insurance coverage for the shipment?

English import-export conversations

• A: Hi, I'm reaching out because we're interested in importing some electronics from your company.

• B: Hi there! That's great to hear. Can you provide more details about the products you're interested in?

• A: Sure, we're specifically looking for smartphones and tablets with the latest features.

• B: Got it. Do you have any preferences regarding brands or specific models?

• A: We're open to different options, but we're mainly interested in well-known brands with a good reputation.

• B: Okay, I'll prepare a list of available products and send it over to you for review.

• A: Perfect, thank you. We'll take a look and get back to you with our final decision.

English import-export conversations

• A: Hello, we've reviewed the list of products you provided, and we're interested in moving forward with the transaction.

• B: That's great news! Did you have a particular quantity in mind for each product?

• A: Yes, we'd like to start with a small order to test the market, and if everything goes well, we'll increase the quantity in the future.

• B: Understood. We can arrange either a one-time purchase or discuss setting up a regular shipment schedule. Which option works best for you?

• A: We're leaning towards setting up a regular shipment schedule to ensure consistent supply.

• B: Sounds good. Let's discuss the details further and come up with a mutually beneficial agreement later.

English import-export conversations

• A: Hi, we've finalized the terms of the transaction, and now we'd like to discuss the costs involved.

• B: Of course. Could you please specify which costs you're referring to?

• A: We're interested in knowing the price per unit for the products, as well as any additional fees such as shipping and customs duties.

• B: Understood. I'll provide you with a breakdown of the costs including the unit price, shipping charges, and any applicable taxes or duties.

• A: Thank you. We also need to consider any potential import/export tariffs or insurance costs.

• B: Absolutely. I'll make sure to include all relevant expenses in the quotation for your review.