[International Trade] WEEK1(2)

Summary

Key Points

• Despite lower risk, exporting incurs costs such as intermediary fees, high transportation charges, and tariffs, which can reduce profit margins. 1:48
• Exporting may be impractical when production costs are lower in the target country, transportation costs are prohibitive, domestic capacity cannot meet foreign demand, product adaptation is extensive, import restrictions are high, or consumers prefer locally‑originated goods. 3:36
• Franchising is a form of licensing where an independent operator pays fees and royalties to use the brand and business model, offering rapid market entry with limited capital outlay. 10:33
• Licensing allows a foreign partner to use a company’s intellectual property for a fee, but it carries the risk of creating a future competitor. 11:19
• Exporting is the simplest and lowest‑risk way for firms to enter foreign markets because it avoids large capital investments abroad. 12:06
• The choice of entry mode influences a firm’s expected returns, risk exposure, and level of control over operations in the foreign market. 12:20
• Strategic alliances and partnerships involve contractual cooperation with local firms to share resources, reduce risk, and gain market knowledge, though they require careful alignment of objectives. 14:19
• Foreign direct investment can be achieved through acquisitions of existing firms, providing immediate market presence and customer base but demanding high upfront costs. 17:17
• Greenfield ventures involve building a wholly‑owned subsidiary from scratch, giving maximum control but involving significant time, money, and risk. 18:31
• Understanding these entry strategies and their trade‑offs equips managers to justify and implement international expansion effectively. 22:47