Note: The spoken Chinese Mandarin language has 4 spoken tones. We have attempted to re-create those below where after each syllable we tell you (1), (2), (3), or (4) as they correspond to each of the 4 tones. We encourage you to complement your Xianzai.com Emergency Chinese newsletter with a good offline study program.

International Trade: guo(2) ji(4) mao(4) yi(4)

NEW WORDS
Import: jin(4) kou(3)
Export: chu(1) kou(3)
Customs duty: guan(1) shui(4)
Letter of credit: xin(4) yong(4) zheng(4)
Agent: dai(4) li(3)

LESSON

• How many products will you import?
  ni(3) yao(4) jin(4) kou(3) duo(1) shao(3) chan(2) pin(3)?
  
• Are the goods ready for export?
  huo(4) wu(4) zhun(3) bei(4) hao(3) chu(1) kou(3) le ma?
  
• How much customs duty will I have to pay?
  wo(3) xu(1) yao(4) fu(4) duo(1) shao(3) guan(1) shui(4)?
  
• Can I get a letter of credit from this bank?
  wo(3) ke(2) yi(3) cong(2) yin(2) hang(2) na(4) li(3) na(2) dao(4) xin(4) yong(4) zheng(4) ma?
  
• Can you recommend a customs agent for me?
  ni(3) neng(2) gei(3) wo(3) jian(4) yi(4) yi(1) ge(4) hai(3) guan(1) dai(4) li(3) ma?

* Tip: Many international companies come to China to take advantage of the skilled labor force and lower costs of doing business. Foreign-funded companies account for over half of China's total exports each year.

But like many things in China, international trade can be complex especially if you don't know the rules and regulations. At the very beginning of your research, contact your country's Embassy or Consulate to find a good customs
agent. Ask plenty of questions and listen to the answers carefully. A skilled and experienced international trade expert can save you countless hours and dollars.