The advent of the fourth industrial revolution and theexpanding markets towards a global space have meant an increased workload in the import-export sector. Thanks to the new technologies inherent to Industry 4.0, the sector has seen unprecedented expansion in recent years, becoming crucial for any business that wants to expand its trade area to global markets.

The dismantling of some of the major trade barriers as a result of globalisation has indeed given a further boost to theimport export allowing even small and medium-sized companies to think about broader business strategies. Depending on the products or services your business deals with, it is important to think about the most suitable type of import-export to follow. Each type has its own needs, advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the correct type is the first essential step to success.

To work in the import-export sector, it is necessary to have specific training behind you. The Import Export Course of the ITS Move Academy is structured to train technical experts in the organisation and management of national and international freight forwarding and related documentary procedures, intermodal transport (sea, air, rail, land) and logistics services through the implementation of new information technologies. Through lectures with experts in the sector and 900 hours of apprenticeship in leading companies in the area, students will learn all the techniques of import-export and will be able to enter the working world immediately after the course is completed.

The types of import-export companies

Among the types of companies operating in the sector, five in particular are the most common. Before deciding which type to opt for, it is essential to compare the model with your own situation company to be able to choose the most suitable according to need and the capital to be allocated.

  1. Export Management Company (EMC)This type of company takes care of export operations for domestic companies that would like to expand their sales network abroad but do not have the expertise to do so. This company takes care of all aspects of exporting products, including the recruitment of resellers, the invoicing of customers, distributors and sales agents, promotion through a customised advertising and marketing campaign, and the packaging and shipping process;
  2. Export Trading Company (ETC)trading companies identify the types of products foreign buyers want to spend on and then start looking for domestic companies willing to export;
  3. Import Export MerchantThese are companies that acquire products directly from domestic or foreign companies on the basis of in-depth market studies. They then buy the products, repackage them and distribute them independently and autonomously to specific target markets assuming both the profits and the possible risks (e.g. Amazon);
  4. Import Export Agentwhen you have a limited budget this may be the best solution. It takes care of finding buyers and sellers and putting them in contact, earning a performance fee on both sides of the transaction;
  5. Import Export Consultantis a consultancy agency that guides its clients in the acquisition and sales process in the choice of the market and products to be distributed abroad. It is a widely used type in the sector because it allows companies to have a general overview of the possible advantages and risks to which the expansion of their business could lead them.

In order to work in this sector within one of the most widespread types of companies, it is essential to have in-depth knowledge and experience of their operations, products and markets. This is why training is the first necessary step to enter this world.

Author of the article

ITS MOVE - Editor