This is the first book to provide an all-encompassing introduction to the full range of important trade related subjects. Focusing on the basic mechanics of how international trade is actually done, it gathers into a single volume the hows and whys of each step in the process of importing or exporting a product -- e.g., shipping, finance, law, trading blocs, insurance, etc. Offers an approach that is not country specific and can be used anywhere in the world. Covers the entire import/export process step-by-step: the manager's decision to export or import; determining the mode of international transportation; packaging for exporting; INCO terms; The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods; service providers for international trade; documents used in international trade; landed cost estimation; financing of international trade transactions; an example of a Letter of Credit transaction; human factors in international trade; insurance for goods in transit; major trading blocs in the world; barriers to trade; The World Trade Organization; international contract dispute arbitration; ISO 9000, quality control for international suppliers. For anyone involved in import/export.