Note: The spoken Chinese Mandarin
language has 4 spoken tones. We have attempted
to re-create those below where after each
syllable we tell you (1), (2), (3), or (4)
as they correspond to each of the 4 tones.
We encourage you to complement your Xianzai.com
Emergency Chinese newsletter with a good offline
study program.
International Trade: guo(2) ji(4) mao(4)
yi(4)
NEW
WORDS
Import: jin(4) kou(3)
Export: chu(1) kou(3)
Customs duty: guan(1) shui(4)
Letter of credit: xin(4) yong(4) zheng(4)
Agent: dai(4) li(3)
LESSON
- How many products will you import?
ni(3) yao(4) jin(4) kou(3) duo(1) shao(3)
chan(2) pin(3)?
- Are the goods ready for export?
huo(4) wu(4) zhun(3) bei(4) hao(3) chu(1)
kou(3) le ma?
- How much customs duty will I have to
pay?
wo(3) xu(1) yao(4) fu(4) duo(1) shao(3)
guan(1) shui(4)?
- Can I get a letter of credit from this
bank?
wo(3) ke(2) yi(3) cong(2) yin(2) hang(2)
na(4) li(3) na(2) dao(4) xin(4) yong(4)
zheng(4) ma?
- Can you recommend a customs agent for
me?
ni(3) neng(2) gei(3) wo(3) jian(4) yi(4)
yi(1) ge(4) hai(3) guan(1) dai(4) li(3)
ma?
* Tip: Many international companies come
to China to take advantage of the skilled labor
force and lower costs of doing business. Foreign-funded
companies account for over half of China's total
exports each year.
But like many things in China, international
trade can be complex especially if you don't
know the rules and regulations. At the very
beginning of your research, contact your country's
Embassy or Consulate to find a good customs
agent. Ask plenty of questions and listen
to the answers carefully. A skilled and experienced
international trade expert can save you countless
hours and dollars.
