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7 Chapter 7: THE IMPORT/EXPORT BUSINESS

THE IMPORT/EXPORT BUSINESS

Cranes in a Seaport

 

Proficiency in the Spanish language is of utmost importance in the import/export business in the United States, as it plays a vital role in establishing successful international trade relationships. Effective communication in Spanish is necessary for engaging with clients, product suppliers, and business partners abroad. Many significant players in the global market operate in Spanish-speaking regions, making it essential to understand the language for negotiating deals, ensuring the quality of products, and navigating international trade laws.

Clear communication with clients and suppliers builds trust, improves product quality, and facilitates seamless transactions. Understanding international laws and agreements in Spanish is vital for compliance and successful navigation of the intricacies of global commerce. Moreover, communicating with workers in Spanish promotes a safe and cooperative working environment, ensuring that international standards and safety protocols are followed.

Proficiency in Spanish is an asset in the hiring process, as it attracts talent from diverse backgrounds and contributes to the overall success of import/export enterprises operating in the global marketplace.

 

What to Find in This Chapter 

Chapter Introduction: “The Import/Export Business”

Vocabulary Activities:

  1. Discovering Global Connections
  • Match imported products from Latin American countries with corresponding US industries.
  • Explore economic ties and impacts of global trade.
  1. Vocabulary Voyage
  • Read and understand a paragraph about maritime ports.
  • Identify unfamiliar nouns, look up definitions, create vocabulary lists.
  • Engage in class discussion to share meanings and examples.

Communication Activities:

  1. Import-Export Negotiation
  • Simulate negotiation between American entrepreneur and Colombian coffee representative.
  • Cover pricing, quantities, shipping logistics, certifications, and contract terms.
  1. The Peruvian Entrepreneur
  • Role-play negotiation between Peruvian entrepreneur and US retail business manager.
  • Discuss product details, pricing, shipping, cultural significance, and collaboration opportunities.

Translation Challenge:

  • Translate the paragraph on multilateral export control regimes from English to Spanish.
  • Discuss challenges and compare translations in pairs or groups.
  • Reflect on the importance of accurate translation in legal and technical contexts.

Vocabulary Activities:

1. Discovering Global Connections

Translate the following words referring to construction tools t from English to Spanish and write the definitions in Spanish.

Instructions:

  1. You will be provided with two lists: one containing 20 imported products from Latin American countries, and the other listing 20 industries in the United States.
  2. Your task is to match each imported product with the industry to which it is primarily imported. Take your time to consider the potential connections between the products and the industries.
  3. Think about the impact of global trade and how different products contribute to various sectors of the U.S. economy.
  4. Once you’ve made your matches, we will discuss the answers as a class to deepen our understanding of the economic ties between Latin American countries and the United States.
1.      Petróleo crudo A.     Comercio minorista de alimentos y supermercados
2.      Frutas tropicales (bananas, piñas, mangos) B.     Comercio minorista de alimentos y restaurantes
3.      Café C.      Joyería y orfebrería
4.      Oro D.     Industria chocolatera y confitería
5.      Plátanos E.      Industria textil y confección de ropa
6.      Azúcar F.      Distribución y venta de frutas frescas
7.      Vino G.     Industria del café y cafeterías
8.      Aguacates H.     Industria pesquera y restaurantes de mariscos
9.      Flores frescas I.       Floristerías y venta minorista de flores frescas
10.   Mariscos (camarones, langostinos) J.       Industria del aluminio y fabricación de productos metálicos
11.   Cacao K.      Industria vitivinícola y distribuidores de vinos
12.   Jugos de frutas L.      Industria maderera y fabricación de muebles
13.   Productos de cuero M.    Industria petrolera y refinación
14.   Vegetales frescos (tomates, pimientos, aguacates) N.     Procesamiento y distribución de carne
15.   Ropa y textiles O.     Industria química y farmacéutica
16.   Carne de res y cerdo P.      Empresas de bebidas y jugos
17.   Madera y productos de madera Q.     Fabricación de productos de cuero y calzado
18.   Aluminio R.     Industria azucarera y confitería
19.   Productos químicos orgánicos S.      Tabacalera y fabricación de productos relacionados
20.   Tabaco y productos relacionados T.      Industria textil y confección de ropa

2. Vocabulary Voyage

Read the following paragraph:

Un puerto marítimo es un nodo vital en el comercio internacional, facilitando la importación y exportación de bienes a nivel global. Cuando los barcos llegan al puerto, se inicia un proceso coordinado para la eficiente manipulación de la carga. Primero, las autoridades portuarias llevan a cabo inspecciones aduaneras y de seguridad para garantizar el cumplimiento de regulaciones. Posteriormente, las grúas descargan los contenedores del barco y los colocan en áreas designadas del puerto. La gestión eficiente de la logística es esencial; se utilizan tecnologías avanzadas para rastrear y organizar los productos. Las instalaciones portuarias cuentan con zonas de almacenamiento temporales donde la mercancía se clasifica antes de ser cargada en camiones o trenes para su distribución interna. Además, los puertos están equipados con infraestructuras de transporte conectadas para facilitar la movilidad de bienes hacia destinos finales. En este complejo engranaje, la colaboración entre autoridades, operadores portuarios y transportistas es esencial para mantener un flujo constante y eficiente de mercancías en el negocio de importación y exportación.

instructions:

  1. Reading Assignment: Read the provided paragraph about the functioning of a maritime port. Pay close attention to any nouns you don’t know.
  2. Identify Unknown Nouns: While reading, underline or highlight any nouns that are unfamiliar to you.
  3. Dictionary Exploration: Use Spanish-English dictionaries or online resources to look up the meanings of the underlined or highlighted nouns. Make sure to find the most relevant and contextually accurate definitions.
  4. Create Vocabulary Lists: Write down the meanings of the newly learned nouns. Additionally, try to write a sentence or two using each term to reinforce your understanding.
  5. Class Discussion: We will have a class discussion where you can share the meanings of the identified nouns. Feel free to provide examples of how these words are used in the context of the paragraph.

Communication activities:

1. Import-Export Negotiation

Role Activity Instructions: Import-Export Negotiation

Objective: The goal of this role activity is to simulate a negotiation between an American entrepreneur (Student 1) looking to establish an import-export business with Colombian coffee and a Colombian representative of coffee farmers (Student 2). The negotiation will cover various topics, including pricing, quantities, shipping logistics, certifications, and contract terms.

Instructions:

  1. Role Assignment:
    • Student 1: American Entrepreneur
    • Student 2: Colombian Representative of Coffee Farmers
  2. Preparation:
    • Research your assigned role to understand the perspective and responsibilities associated with it.
    • Familiarize yourself with key aspects of the coffee industry, particularly those relevant to your role.
  3. Introduction (5 minutes):
    • Begin with a brief self-introduction and a description of your business background (Student 1) or the role of coffee farmers in Colombia (Student 2).
  4. Conversation Topics (20 minutes): Engage in a structured conversation covering the following topics:
    • Quality and Variety of Colombian Coffee
    • Pricing and Quantities
    • Shipping and Logistics
    • Certification and Quality Assurance
    • Contract Negotiation
    • Payment Terms and Financing
    • Market Trends and Demand
    • Long-term Partnership
  5. Negotiation Strategies:
    • Aim to understand the interests of the other party while presenting your own needs and objectives.
    • Be prepared to make compromises and find mutually beneficial solutions.
    • Take notes during the negotiation to keep track of key points.
  6. Interaction:
    • Engage in a dynamic and interactive conversation, asking questions and providing detailed responses.
    • Use the information researched for your role to enrich the negotiation.
  7. Closing (5 minutes):
    • Summarize the key points discussed during the negotiation.
    • Discuss potential next steps and any agreements reached during the negotiation.
  8. Debriefing (10 minutes):
    • Reflect on the negotiation process and outcomes.
    • Discuss challenges faced, successful negotiation strategies, and areas for improvement.
  9. Feedback:
    • Provide constructive feedback to each other, highlighting effective communication and negotiation skills.
    • Discuss how the negotiation could be improved or modified for a successful partnership.

2. The Peruvian Entrepreneur

Role Activity Instructions: Export Negotiation Between Peruvian Entrepreneur and US Retail Business Manager

Objective: This role activity aims to simulate a negotiation scenario between a Peruvian entrepreneur (Student 1) running a small business that employs indigenous women to produce decorative items and a US retail business manager (Student 2) interested in establishing a business partnership. The negotiation will cover a range of topics, including product details, pricing, quantities, shipping logistics, certifications, cultural significance, collaboration opportunities, and customs processes.

Instructions:

  1. Role Assignment:
    • Student 1: Peruvian Entrepreneur
    • Student 2: US Retail Business Manager
  2. Preparation:
    • Research your assigned role thoroughly to understand the business background, products, and industry specifics.
    • Familiarize yourself with export-related terms, pricing strategies, shipping logistics, and cultural aspects related to your role.
  3. Introduction (5 minutes):
    • Start the negotiation with a brief self-introduction, providing relevant details about your business background (Student 1) or the retail business you manage (Student 2).
  4. Product Details (10 minutes):
    • Student 1 provides comprehensive details about the decorative items, emphasizing cultural aspects, production processes, and uniqueness.
    • Student 2 actively engages by asking questions regarding the production, materials used, and potential appeal in the US market.
  5. Pricing and Quantities (15 minutes):
    • Student 1 discusses pricing structures for the decorative items and potential bulk discounts.
    • Student 2 raises queries about the pricing strategy concerning the US market and discusses quantities for an initial order.
  6. Shipping and Logistics (10 minutes):
    • Student 1 explains the logistics of exporting items from Peru, detailing shipping methods, transit times, and potential challenges.
    • Student 2 inquires about shipping costs, delivery timelines, and packaging considerations for retail.
  7. Certifications and Cultural Significance (10 minutes):
    • Student 1 provides information on certifications the products may have and emphasizes their cultural significance.
    • Student 2 discusses the importance of certifications in the US market and explores potential marketing strategies based on cultural significance.
  8. Collaboration Opportunities (10 minutes):
    • Student 1 expresses interest in a long-term partnership and discusses potential collaborative opportunities, such as exclusive designs or customization for the US market.
    • Student 2 explores possibilities for joint marketing efforts or exclusive arrangements, considering retail trends.
  9. Port of Exportation and Customs (10 minutes):
    • Student 1 provides details about the port of exportation in Peru and any customs considerations.
    • Student 2 seeks clarification on customs processes in the US and any documentation required for the importation of decorative items.
  10. Closing and Next Steps (5 minutes):
    • Summarize the key points discussed during the negotiation.
    • Discuss potential next steps, including follow-up actions, sample shipments, and agreement timelines.

Translation Challenge

1. Multilateral Export Control Regimes

  1. Translate the provided English paragraph into Spanish.

The U.S. actively engages in multilateral export control regimes to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and prevent destabilizing accumulations of conventional weapons. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), a U.S. Department of Commerce division, administers regulations governing the export and reexport of items under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). BIS aims to enhance national security, foreign policy, and economic objectives through effective export control and treaty compliance, fostering U.S. strategic technology leadership.

BIS enforces the EAR, regulating items with commercial uses that could also be employed in arms, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, or human rights abuses. The Export Administration reviews license applications and provides information through its Office of Exporter Services, aiding compliance with the EAR. The Office of Technology Evaluation analyzes export data trends and offers public access to relevant information.

Export Enforcement, another BIS division, ensures compliance with the EAR through global site visits (End-Use Checks) and collaborates with U.S. embassies, foreign governments, and industry stakeholders. Red flags, “Know Your Customer” guidance and training resources support exporters. The EAR doesn’t cover all U.S. goods, services, and technologies, with specialized exports regulated by other government agencies. The Consolidated Screening List aids the industry in screening potential parties involved in regulated transactions.

Discussing Translation Challenges

  1. Translation Difficulties Discussion: Discuss the challenges you encountered while translating the paragraph in pairs or small groups. Consider intricacies related to legal terms, cultural concepts, and maintaining the original meaning.
  2. Comparison and Analysis:
    • Classmate 1: Review their translation and identify any differences or similarities compared to your own. Note any distinct phrasing or choices they made.
    • Classmate 2: Analyze their translation and pinpoint any variations in wording, tone, or structure compared to your translation.
    • Classmate 3: Evaluate their translation, focusing on differences or similarities in conveying the original paragraph’s nuances and meaning.
    • Classmate 4: Examine their translation, highlighting any unique approaches or word choices that deviate from your version.

3.  Sharing Insights

  1. Group Discussion: Come together as a class and share your observations from comparing the translations. Discuss the intricacies of translating legal and technical terms, adapting cultural context, and maintaining clarity.
  2. Reflection and Feedback: Reflect on the challenges of translating legal and bureaucratic language. Discuss the importance of conveying accurate information while ensuring the text remains comprehensible for the target audience.

This activity engages students in understanding the complexities of translating legal and technical content. It promotes collaborative learning, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the nuances of language and context. Additionally, it allows students to analyze and learn from different translation approaches.

2 Creating an Informative Flyer in Spanish

Class Activity: Creating an Informative Flyer in Spanish

Objective: Develop proficiency in Spanish while summarizing and communicating key information about U.S. export licensing.

Instructions for Students:

  1. Introduction (10 minutes): In this activity, we will delve into U.S. export licensing. Begin by understanding the significance of export licensing and the role of the U.S. Department of Commerce, particularly the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).
  2. Text Analysis (15 minutes): Examine the provided text closely. Identify and discuss the main points, focusing on control lists, technology levels, and “deemed” export rules. Clarify any vocabulary or concepts that may be unclear.

The U.S. Department of Commerce, specifically the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), manages export licensing and controls, with various agencies overseeing different aspects. BIS export licenses are necessary for items with military, terrorist, or proliferation uses, and exporters must consider end use or end user. Overlooking key aspects of export licensing can lead to complications. Businesses should not assume exemption based on factors like the quantity of goods or the destination country. Careful scrutiny of control lists, such as the U.S. Munitions List and Commerce Control List, is crucial, encompassing not just complete systems but also raw materials and related items. Different technology levels impact licensing requirements, and attention should be given to “deemed” export rules and re-export scenarios. Businesses must protect items against unauthorized transfers, understand criteria for transactions under the Incoterm “Ex Works,” and comply with regulatory nuances outlined in the Export Administration Regulations. Continuous awareness and adherence to these considerations are vital for successful and lawful exports.

  1. Vocabulary Building (10 minutes): Familiarize yourselves with essential Spanish vocabulary related to export and licensing. Ensure you comprehend key terms in both English and Spanish to effectively convey the information.
  2. Flyer Structure (15 minutes): Understand the structure of a flyer. Discuss important elements like headings, bullet points, and visuals. Emphasize the importance of clarity and simplicity in conveying information.
  3. Group Work (30 minutes): Form small groups. Your task is to create a visually appealing flyer in Spanish that summarizes the key information about U.S. export licensing. Be creative in both design and language use.
  4. Peer Review (20 minutes): Present your flyers to the class. After each presentation, be prepared for questions and feedback from your classmates. Consider the importance of effective communication in a professional context.
  5. Reflection (10 minutes): Conclude the activity with a class discussion. Share what you have learned about export licensing, discuss any challenges faced during flyer creation, and reflect on the significance of accurate language use in professional communication.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Accuracy and clarity of the information presented.
  • Creativity and visual appeal of the flyer.
  • Use of appropriate vocabulary in Spanish.
  • Overall effectiveness in conveying the key points of U.S. export licensing.

This activity aims to engage you in the content, enhance your language skills, and provide a practical application of professional communication in Spanish. Enjoy the creative process!

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Professional Spanish for Borders & Languages Copyright © by David Vasquez Hurtado is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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