Beginning with a historical overview of barter and countertrade, Francis goes on to examine the extent of countertrade and the reasons for its increasing presence on the international trade scene. He presents terms and definitions and then proceeds to a detailed analysis of the countertrade deal and the steps that must be taken by involved parties. He describes the countertrade service industry, trading companies, countertrade in Eastern Europe, and types of agreements, and concludes with expert advice on managing countertrade. Helpful appendix sections present information on countertrade practice worldwide, bank export trading companies in the U.S., penalty guarantees, insurance, and more. Anyone involved in international trade will find The Countertrade Handbook an indispensable source of vital information about this increasing, but often costly and risky, facet of international trade.