A Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) is a financial instrument that serves as a secondary payment method, issued by a bank on behalf of a buyer, to guarantee that the seller will receive payment in the event that the buyer is unable to make payment. SBLCs are primarily used in international trade transactions but can also be used in domestic transactions, such as real estate transactions or construction projects.
An SBLC is a financial safety net for the seller, who is assured that they will be paid in full, even if the buyer is unable to fulfill their obligation. While it is generally used as a standby payment method, there may be cases where an SBLC is used as the primary payment method, especially in high-risk transactions.
It’s important to note that an SBLC is not a loan, but rather a guarantee of payment. The issuing bank is responsible for checking the credibility and creditworthiness of the buyer regarding their ability to make payment before issuing an SBLC. The buyer typically requests an SBLC, in exchange for which the bank charges a certain commission or cost for its services. As such, the buyer may be unwilling to pay, creating insecurity in SBLCs. To mitigate this risk, the bank requires various types of security, such as collateral or cash deposits, before issuing an SBLC.
SBLCs are typically used to provide security on projects that generate revenue over a long period of time. They are also used in international trade to assure the seller that the buyer will fulfill their promises. An SBLC is a long-term instrument with a validity period that can vary depending on the terms of the agreement but is usually one year. In comparison, a Letter of Credit (LC) is a short-term instrument that generally matures within 90 days.
While charges for issuing a regular SBLC range from 1% to 10% of the covered amount, and for LCs it ranges from 0.75% to 1.50% of the covered amount, these percentages can vary depending on various factors such as the creditworthiness of the buyer, the type of transaction, and the issuing bank.
In the sugar trade, where large volumes of goods are often shipped over long distances, the use of an SBLC can provide added security for both the buyer and the seller. For example, a Brazilian sugar exporter may require a standby letter of credit from a buyer in another country in order to guarantee payment for a shipment of sugar. This can help to ensure that the exporter is paid for their goods even if unforeseen circumstances prevent the buyer from making payment.
In conclusion, an SBLC is a financial instrument used in international trade transactions, and domestic transactions as well, to ensure that the seller receives payment in the event that the buyer is unable to pay. SBLCs provide a safety net for sellers, allowing them to proceed with the transaction with the assurance that they will be paid in full. While SBLCs are typically more expensive than LCs, they are an effective way to mitigate the risk of non-payment in high-risk transactions.
To stay informed and inspired by developments in global trade, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Twitter ( X ), Linkedin, and Facebook. Be at the forefront of international trade and seize new opportunities in this ever-changing landscape. Visit www.lakaybusiness.com and join our community of professionals as we navigate the challenges and unlock the potential of global trade together.
- Brazil’s Coffee Industry: Brewing Success in the Global Market
- THE RISE OF REGIONAL TRADE HUBS
- THE FUTURE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE WITH AI
- THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
- WHY COUNTRIES TRADE: UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS
- BRAZILIAN SUGAR MARKET TRENDS
- ELECTRIC VEHICLE TRADE WAR
- BREAKING NEWS: US OVERTAKES CHINA
- SUGAR PRICES: A GUIDE TO KEEPING UP WITH INTERNATIONAL
- SHIPPING WOES: THE HIDDEN REASON YOUR PURCHASES COST MORE
- FRANCE’S GREEN RENAISSANCE IN BRAZIL (1)
- BRAZIL POWERS CHINA’S FROZEN CHICKEN CRAZE
- ZIMBABWE INTRODUCES GOLD-BACKED CURRENCY
- UNVEILING THE GLOBAL CHESSBOARD: HOW GOVERNMENTS SHAPE…
- UNRAVELING THE BEST HISTORY OF GMO AND NON-GMO
- ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES ON A POTENTIAL WORLD WAR 3
- CHINA’S GREEN LEADERSHIP: A KEY PLAYER IN CLIMATE S.1
- CULTIVATING SUCCESS: WHY INVESTING IN AGRICULTURE?
- WELCOME TO THE LAKAY BUSINESS INSIDER
- MASTERING THE ART OF NEGOTIATING FAVORABLE PAYMENT TERMS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Hi, this is a comment.
To get started with moderating, editing, and deleting comments, please visit the Comments screen in the dashboard.
Commenter avatars come from Gravatar.