Rate of Exchange explained for Import & Export Business

If your export business is performing well in domestic market for some time, you should be thinking of expanding it to the international market. Not only it can provide you with more profits but selling more units will also help in bringing down the cost per unit. Reaching out to global markets can be your way to prosperity which you have been dreaming for. But before you expand your business to outside markets, you must understand that domestic trade is quite simple when compared to international trade, which brings many new factors into play. Exchange rate is probably the most important one, you must understand what is it and how it can disturb your profits before you go through the pricing process. Let’s start with a basic definition.

Exchange rate:

All major countries have their own currencies. When you are selling to these countries, your sellers will be willing to pay in their own currency, while you can demand for a payment in your own currency. The buyer must then go to his bank and have his currency converted. This conversion will be done at foreign exchange rate. Rate of exchange is the value or price of one currency in terms of another currency. Rate of exchange is also a very important factor of the economy, having an impact on country’s overall imports & exports.

Forms of exchange rate:

Two methods are used to determine foreign exchange rate.

i) Floating Exchange rate
ii) Fixed Exchange rate


Floating (or flexible exchange rate), the one widely used in most parts of the world; let the markets decide by means of demand & supply, at which rate the local currency will be converted into other currencies. This type of exchange rate is often fluctuating, and the exporters need to be secure that some dramatic change will not shrink their profits to an undesirable level. Forward exchange rate (estimated exchange rates for some future supply) should be carefully calculated when pricing. Normally exporters come up with a cushion to secure their position in case of sudden change in exchange rate. Fixed exchange rates are decided by regulatory authorities to achieve their economic goals.

Providing the lowest cost possible is vital in international trade, so you cannot shift the whole burden on buyers. Thus, it is necessary that you observe your target market carefully, past fluctuations in its exchange rate and economic stability before you finally decide on prices of your products and services.