Agency export,Through which channels are payments actually received?

In 2025 export agency business,fund settlement pathscan be divided into three types:

• Direct collection model
  • Principal collects foreign exchange independently and then pays agency commission
  • Agent deducts fees after collecting payment and transfers the balance
• Financial institution channels
  • Through commercial banksInternational SettlementSystem
  • UseTransboundary PaymentsPlatforms (such as 6 newly licensed institutions approved in 2025)
• New digital payments
  • Cross-border pilot of central bank digital currency (currently covering 18 countries)
  • Blockchain trade finance platform

What are the changes in mainstream settlement methods in 2025?

According to Q1 2025 data from China CustomsUsage rate of export agency settlement toolsShowing new trends:

• Telegraphic transfer (TT) accounts for 52%: Remains the preferred method for SMEs
• Letter of credit (LC) decreased to 28%: Digital document submission increased by 40%
• Documents against payment (DP) rebounded to 15%: Due to increased transaction volume in emerging markets
• Digital currency settlements exceeded 5%: Mainly applied in RCEP member country trade

How to choose the most suitable payment method?

Comprehensive considerations requiredFour dimensionsDecision criteria:

• Transaction country risk rating
  • For Category A countries (Europe, US, Japan, etc.): Recommend TT with payment after delivery
  • For Category B countries (Southeast Asia, etc.): Suggest LC + export credit insurance
• Transaction amount size
  • Below $50,000: Prioritize third-party payment platforms
  • $50,000-$500,000: Bank channels are more secure
• Industry characteristics
  • Commodities: Must use letters of credit
  • Cross-border e-commerce: Suitable for split payment arrangements

How to prevent foreign exchange receipt risks?

Special attention required in 2025Three new risk points:

• Digital currency exchange rate fluctuations: Recommend locking in digital RMB settlements
• Emerging market foreign exchange controls: 6 countries including Algeria added new remittance restrictions
• Enhanced anti-money laundering reviews: Transactions above $50,000 require complete trade documentation

Specific preventive measures include:

• Require buyers to provideSWIFT MT799 advance payment guarantee
• Purchase insurance through SinosurePolitical risk additional coverage
• Specify in the contractExchange loss sharing clauses

What should be noted in tax treatment for export agency?

2025 tax audit priorities include:

• Deviation rate between payment/receipt and customs declaration amountDeviations exceeding ±5% require special explanation
• Commission payment documentationMust include tax clearance certificates
• Using digital currency settlements requires reporting onForeign exchange monitoring platformrecorded

Recommended compliance solutions:

• Agency model: Declare according toService expensesValue-added tax
• Buyout agency model: Must reflectPurchase-sale price difference
• Cross-border e-commerce model: Applicable toMarket procurement 1039 policy

FAQ

Q: What to do if agency company account is frozen?
A: 2025 recommended approach:Dual-account strategyBasic accounts are used solely for tax payments, while business accounts utilize commercial banks.Cross-border capital poolThe service.

Q: How to cope with drastic exchange rate fluctuations?
A: Can be handled through banksForward exchange settlementto lock in exchange rates, or useCross-border currency settlementhedging to avoid foreign exchange risks.

Q: When is the safest time to pay agent commissions?
A: It is recommended to adopta payment-upon-receipt system: Settle within 3 working days after receiving full payment from foreign buyers to avoid advance funding risks.