TradeSmart Online - Atradius ezine

 

Welcome to our TradeSmart Online ezine section. Each issue covers a range of topics which will not only help keep you updated but also provide some useful advice, information and insight into a number of current market, economic and business issues.

 

TradeSmart Online - December 2011

 

A message from David Huey

Welcome to the last edition of TradeSmart Online for 2011.

The Greek debt crisis and the prospect of contagion continue to dominate news reports as global heads of state seek to develop effective and robust solutions to the ongoing problems in Europe.

With the economic impacts of the European situation and US economic uncertainty creating chaos in global markets, analysts are predicting sluggish and unstable conditions for international traders as the major economies of the world look for solutions to stem the debt crisis.

The risks represented by unstable economies do not, necessarily, mean trading should be reduced, but it does mean businesses that trade need to carefully monitor their customers' payment and purchasing behaviour. They need to increase due diligence and assessment around new debtors and generally be vigilant to the possibility of damaging financial loss caused through poor credit practices.

Please see below a synopsis of our country reports into both Italy and Greece, with a forecast for their economic activity in 2012 and the warning signs to be aware of when trading in these countries at the moment. You'll also find below information on our latest Payment Practices Barometer and an article from Travelex into the risk associated with currency movements.

All reports including the country reports on India and Turkey can be downloaded from our website, just follow the links below.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition and may I take this opportunity to wish you and your colleagues, family and friends a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

 

David Huey
Managing Director
Atradius Australia and New Zealand

 

Australian SME businesses exposed to credit risks

Findings of our October 2011 Payment Practises Barometer indicate that despite Australia's relatively stable economy, our large companies and our $100-billion manufacturing industry have increased due diligence around trading credit for additional protection from supply chain insolvencies.

 

Controlling the credit cycle

Despite the absence of a "double dip recession", analysts are cautious and there is economic uncertainty in the supply chain, and, in some cases, delays in trade payments making effective credit management essential for all businesses.  We look at practical ways to control the credit cycle.

 

Working with the Eurozone

The European debt crisis has intensified since July putting both Greece and Italy under extreme pressure as the internal economic situations in both countries continue to deteriorate.

 

Riding the currency waves by Travelex Global Business Payments

Recent times have seen the Australian dollar continue its volatile run. During the month of October alone, the Aussie dollar traded in a 13 cent range from .9389 to 1.0752. This represents a swing of almost 15% in only a month, a significant loss for an importer or exporter caught on the wrong side of the equation.

 

Atradius extends partnership in Asia

In conjunction with our Pan-Asian cooperation partner, Tokio Marine Asia Pte Ltd (TM Asia), Atradius has extended our services in Asia enabling credit insurance policies to be issued locally in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and The Philippines through TM Asia affiliated insurance companies.

 

Latest Country Reports

The most recent Atradius Country Reports on Greece, India, Italy and Turkey are currently available to download.

These are designed to support you in trading abroad by detailing economic performance and providing valuable tips to help minimise risk.

 

Latest Market Monitor

Our December Market Monitor looks at Retail and the Chemical industries.

 

Atradius 4sight

October Atradius 4sight addresses the risks and opportunities in China, Mexico, Portugal, Russia and Turkey.

 

Debt Collection Handbook

The latest updated and expanded edition of the International Debt Collections Handbook is now available, which provides information on debt collection practices in 31 countries including the Slovak Republic, Romania, Sweden and Tunisia for the first time.

 

 

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