Glossary

A letter of credit (LC) is a financial document issued by a bank that guarantees payment to the seller once the agreed-upon conditions are met. It acts as a secure method of payment in international trade, reducing the risk for both buyers and sellers. The LC ensures that the seller will receive payment upon fulfilling their obligations and provides confidence to the buyer that the goods will be delivered as agreed.

There are two main types of LCs: irrevocable and revocable. An irrevocable LC cannot be changed or canceled without the consent of all parties involved. A revocable LC can be changed or canceled by the issuing bank at any time, without notice to the other parties.

The process of opening an LC begins with the buyer contacting their bank and requesting one. The buyer will provide the bank with information about the goods they are purchasing, the terms of the sale, and the name and contact information of the seller. The bank will then issue the LC and send it to the seller's bank.

When the seller receives the LC, they will know that they have been guaranteed payment for the goods they are selling. They can then ship the goods and present the required documents to the issuing bank. Once the documents are in order, the issuing bank will pay the seller and then collect the money from the buyer.

LCs are a popular method of payment in international trade because they offer a number of advantages to both buyers and sellers. For buyers, LCs provide peace of mind knowing that they will receive the goods they have ordered. For sellers, LCs provide certainty of payment and help to mitigate the risk of non-payment.

Here are some of the advantages of using LCs in international trade:

• Reduces risk: LCs reduce the risk of non-payment for both buyers and sellers.
• Provides certainty: LCs provide certainty of payment for sellers and confidence in delivery for buyers.
• Facilitates trade: LCs make it easier for businesses to trade internationally.
• Improves cash flow: LCs can help businesses improve their cash flow by providing them with a guaranteed source of payment.

Here are some of the disadvantages of using LCs in international trade:

• Cost: LCs can be expensive to set up and use.
• Complexity: LCs can be complex to understand and use.
• Delays: LCs can add delays to the trade process.

Overall, LCs are a valuable tool for businesses that trade internationally. They offer a number of advantages that can help to reduce risk, improve cash flow, and facilitate trade.