International Archive

Mexico’s economy, the second largest in Latin America, is powered by vigorous manufacturing and oil sectors and plentiful natural resources. Despite having a thriving economy, Mexico faces wide income gaps, underemployment, a large informal sector and underdeveloped infrastructure, according to FocusEconomics. It is also experiencing heightened cartel violence, increased corruption and sweeping tariff costs.

Trade finance, in its earliest form, was born out of necessity—a way to keep goods moving when trust between distant merchants was in short supply. What began as a strict economic policy in the 16th century has evolved into a multifaceted discipline that fuels business and economic growth worldwide.  This week, we’re celebrating 107 years of The Finance, Credit and International Business Association (FCIB), an association that’s provided the necessary education, resources and opportunities for trade creditors to mitigate risk overseas. Founded in September 1919, FCIB originally stood…

What started as a promising trade agreement between Canada and the United States has turned upside down this past weekend, straining a long-standing business partnership. On August 25, Canada imposed counter-tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on American goods a few days after the U.S. introduced a 50% tariff on roughly $20 billion in Canadian imports.

Evolving trade policies can reverberate across economies worldwide. For businesses with international exposure, that means recalculating landed costs, renegotiating terms with overseas suppliers or absorbing thinner margins almost overnight. 

Mexico is among the world’s 15 largest economies driven heavily by a robust manufacturing sector. As a leading exporter, the country continues to offer substantial business opportunities for creditors around the world. But entering this market successfully requires more than recognizing its potential. 

There is a lot to consider when assessing the risk of international transactions, making real-time information on risk trends incredibly valuable to credit managers tasked with making quick decisions. With supply chain issues, tariff confusion and global conflict growing, assessing the risk of an international transaction is harder.  

Europe comprises a host of nations, each with its own unique economies, shaped by the industries that dominate their respective markets and their distinctive political bodies. Collectively, Europe’s economy represents a large share of international trade, meaning weaknesses in one country have the potential to send ripples across the world. 

Taking on an international account can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never encountered global international statements before. To best mitigate risk and build a strong relationship with your foreign customers, it is important to understand how and why their financial statements might look a bit different.