[The articles on this website were written based on my vast experience in the field. However, in no way do they provide textbook solutions, a recommendation, or a call to action with a specific approach]
For those of you dealing in international trade, please see some tips that will help you in the current climate:
For Exporters
Stay in touch with your clients – some of them are in countries that are also deep into Covid-19.
Update your international customers on their order status.
Update the delivery dates.
Don’t disappear and disconnect.
It’s important that your international customers hear from you and that you stay in touch on an ongoing basis.
WE DELIVER THE GOODS
Continue your marketing efforts as best you can, for the day after.
Tips for Importers
Be in touch with your suppliers – they too have problems in the countries from where the products are supplied.
Stay fully updated on the delivery status from every supplier.
Update your local clients on estimated delivery dates.
Consider air cargo instead of sea shipping, in order to fulfill your commitment to customers in Israel (you can do this for some, but not all clients).
As a lesson learned from the crisis with China – try to diversify your suppliers, build a mix of Chinese manufacturers as well as manufacturers from other countries.