"Current trends toward financial deregulation in the United States and massive increases in the need for trade-related credit and financing worldwide have created export-import markets of unprecedented depth and complexity."-from Global Trade Financing The definitive book in its field for more than twenty-five years, Global Trade Financing (formerly titled Export-Import Financing) provides global traders, U.S. and foreign bankers, and students of global commerce with a complete and in-depth guide to every aspect of global trade financ- ing. Inside, you'll find the latest techniques and vehicles for financing all types of export and import operations at every stage of the process. You'll also discover: * Strategies for transition to the Euro * Hedging techniques including high-yield derivatives * New areas of import-export risk * Recent regulations governing documentary credit * Current financing rules Written by experts in the field, this book begins with an overview of the most important organizations that make contributions to the financing of trade and related services. The authors trace past and present trends in world trade and investment flows while evaluating the impact that these have on financial institutions and vehicles. Detailed descriptions are also provided on the services of commercial banks as well as the key private nonbank institutions that may be of financial assistance to exporters and importers. In Part 2, the steps involved with executing a transaction are spelled out along with the rights and responsibilities of the various parties involved. The general types of sales contracts and their major provisions are discussed with helpful tips to prevent any misunderstanding and conflict between the parties. And to reduce the risk of financial loss, hedging techniques for foreign exchange and ocean marine insurance are thoroughly covered. Specific techniques and vehicles of unsecured and secured lending are introduced in Part 3. This section also shows how to use Eurocurrency to finance international trade and investment. And the authors explain how the various types of letters of credit can be used as financing tools. Clearly written and easy to use, Global Trade Financing contains all the information you'll need to keep pace with the ever-changing nature of international finance. Packed with invaluable information on how transactions are executed, the effects of recent legislation, and new financing techniques, Global Trade Financing (formerly titled Export-Import Financing) is certain to remain the key resource in the field. This book thoroughly covers every aspect of export-import financing including banking deregulation, international bank custody operations, bank involvement in insurance, and changes in the maritime industry. It also features a wide range of topics, from foreign trade definitions, bank guarantees, and risk management, to shipping and collection, and the latest legislation. Written and organized for maximum clarity and accessibility, this comprehensive volume includes: * The roles of commercial banks, private institutions, and governments in export-import financing, and how they interact * How transactions are executed, including the role of foreign exchange and techniques for hedging * The tools, techniques, and vehicles for financing all types of inter-national trade, from letters of credit to bankers' acceptances The definitive guide for keeping pace with the ever-changing nature of international finance