Trade & Commodities

Why Most Export Businesses Fail — And What I Learned From the Ground By Kamal Ahmed “A Foundational Perspective for Entrepreneurs and Executives Entering Global Trade.” Introduction Many people believe that starting an export business is simple. Find a buyer.Confirm an order.Ship the goods.Get paid. On paper, it looks like a smooth process. But in […]

Introduction International commodity trade offers significant opportunities, but it also involves substantial risks. Transactions often span multiple countries, involve high financial exposure, and require coordination between various parties, including suppliers, banks, and logistics providers. Many failed deals are not the result of market conditions, but rather the lack of proper risk management and due diligence. […]

Introduction In international commodity trade, one of the most critical decisions between buyers and sellers is the choice of payment method. Selecting the right financial instrument is not just a technical matter—it directly impacts risk, trust, transaction speed, and overall deal success. At TPS (Trading & Procurement Services), we work with globally accepted payment instruments […]

Introduction In international commodity trade, intermediaries play a common and often necessary role in connecting buyers and sellers across different markets. However, the presence of multiple intermediaries—especially unverified or unauthorized ones—can also create confusion, delays, and increased risk. Many transactions fail not because of issues between the buyer and seller, but due to miscommunication, lack […]

Introduction In international commodity trade, one of the most common sources of confusion among buyers is the misunderstanding of Incoterms—particularly CIF, FOB, and CFR. Many buyers compare prices without realizing that these terms represent completely different cost structures, responsibilities, and risk allocations. As a result, decisions are often made based on incomplete understanding, leading to […]

Introduction In international commodity trade, price is often the first and most discussed topic between buyers and suppliers. However, many buyers focus only on obtaining the lowest possible price without fully understanding how commodity pricing is actually structured. This lack of understanding often leads to unrealistic expectations, failed negotiations, and engagement with unreliable suppliers. In […]

Introduction International commodity trading is often misunderstood as a simple buying and selling activity. In reality, successful transactions follow a structured, multi-stage process involving documentation, banking coordination, logistics, and clear communication between all parties. Many deals fail not because of price or supply issues, but due to a lack of understanding of how professional commodity […]

Introduction International commodity trading offers significant opportunities, but it also comes with risks—especially when dealing with unknown suppliers across borders. One of the biggest concerns for buyers today is the presence of fake suppliers, misleading offers, and non-secure transaction practices. Many buyers lose time, resources, and sometimes money due to poor verification or unrealistic expectations. […]

Introduction In international commodity trade, buyers often focus heavily on price, payment methods, and logistics. However, one of the most critical elements of any transaction is frequently overlooked—the Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA). An SPA is not just a formality. It is the legal foundation that defines the entire transaction, including responsibilities, payment structure, delivery […]

“A practical guide to understanding ICPO and its role in structured commodity transactions.” Introduction In commodity trading, many deals start with interest—but not all reach execution. After initial discussions, sellers need to know: Is the buyer serious or just exploring? This is where ICPO (Irrevocable Corporate Purchase Order) becomes important. ICPO represents a formal commitment […]