What components constitute agency export profits?

According to trade service data released by the General Administration of Customs in 2023, the profit structure of professional agency export companies typically includes the following core elements:

• Basic Service Costs: Charged at 0.8%-3% of the contract amount
  • Document preparation (commercial invoice/packing list)
  • customs clearanceInspection declaration services
  • Foreign exchange verification and cancellation processing
• Tax refund differential income: The difference between the agencys actual tax refund rate and the contractually agreed tax refund rate
• The exchange ratePrice difference: The bank exchange rate difference during foreign currency settlement
• Logistics commission: Shipping rebates provided by shipping companies/freight forwarders
• Value-added service income: Including credit insurance, supply chain financing, etc.

Why do price differences exist in basic service fees?

Based on the authors operational experience in Fortune 500 companies, agency fee differences mainly stem from:

• Trade complexity: Customs clearance difficulties for special categories such as hazardous goods/food products
• Single shipment valueOrders above $5 million may qualify for tiered rates
• The settlement cycleCost difference between T/T 30 days and L/C 90 days financing
• Additional servicesValue-added services such as destination port customs clearance assistance

How do tax refund differentials affect final profits?

Illustrated through a 2023 electromechanical product export case:

• HS code refund rate: 13%
• Agency contract stipulates 11.5% refund rate
• The 1.5% difference constitutes the agents main profit source

Calculation formula:Tax refund differential profit = (Actual refund rate - Contract refund rate) × Tax-inclusive value

What hidden costs can exchange rate fluctuations generate?

Special attention required under intensified two-way RMB exchange rate fluctuations in 2024:

• Hedging time gapTime interval between contract signing and actual settlement
• Bank spreadDifference between spot exchange buying rate and agents quoted rate
• Cross-border settlement methodsFee differences between CIPS and SWIFT systems

How to verify the reasonableness of agency quotations?

Recommended three-step verification process for enterprises:

• Compare market ratesRefer to guide prices published by China Customs Brokers Association
• Breakdown of chargesRequest detailed fee composition list
• Simulation calculation verification:
  • FOB value of goods: $100,000
  • Agent fee rate: 1.2% → $1,200
  • Tax refund difference: 1.5% → ￥12,750 (at 8.5 exchange rate)
  • Total profit ≈ ￥21,450

Specifically reminded:After the implementation of the "Single Window" reform by customs in 2024, the cost of customs declaration has generally decreased by 15-20%. However, some agencies may still charge according to the old standards. It is recommended that enterprises request the latest customs payment receipts.