Is the entry threshold of the foreign trade industry high? What basic professional knowledge and skills are required?

As a senior foreign trade person, I can tell you for sure that the entry threshold of the foreign trade industry is not low. To gain a foothold in this highly competitive industry, you need to have comprehensive professional knowledge and skills. Below, I will elaborate on the basic requirements for entering the foreign trade industry, including international trade, business English, foreign trade processes and other key capabilities. First of all, to enter the foreign trade industry, you must have a solid knowledge of international trade and business English. International trade is the cornerstone of this industry, and it is very important to understand basic trade theory and practice. You need to be familiar with the basic concepts of international trade, trade models, tariffs and non-tariff barriers, etc. At the same time, business English is the main tool for communicating with foreign customers, and good English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are essential. This is not just about being able to communicate fluently, but more importantly, understanding professional terms and contract terms to avoid misunderstandings or even mistakes caused by language problems. According to the survey, 70% of foreign trade companies list business English ability as an important indicator when recruiting. Secondly, mastering the foreign trade process is the key to entering the industry. Foreign trade business involves multiple links, including inquiry, quotation, contract, payment, insurance, transportation, import and export customs declaration, etc. Each link needs to be handled carefully to ensure the smooth progress of the transaction. For example, inquiry and quotation are the first step to obtain an order, and you need to be able to respond to customer needs quickly and accurately; the confirmation of contract terms is very important, and any omissions or errors will bring legal risks; the selection and confirmation of payment methods are related to the company's financial security; and insurance, transportation and customs declaration are important steps to ensure that the goods reach the hands of customers smoothly. According to statistics, about 80% of novices in foreign trade companies need long-term training and guidance in this regard. Third, good communication, coordination and negotiation skills are also essential skills for foreign trade business. Foreign trade customers come from all over the world, and communication in different cultural and language backgrounds requires you to have a high degree of flexibility and sensitivity. Effective communication can help you better understand customer needs, solve problems in a timely manner, and establish long-term cooperative relationships. Negotiation skills are indispensable when conducting business negotiations with customers, suppliers, logistics companies, etc. Excellent negotiators can not only get better conditions for the company, but also win the trust and respect of customers. According to an industry survey, 90% of successful foreign trade salesmen have excellent communication and negotiation skills. Fourth, market analysis ability cannot be ignored. Foreign trade business relies on a deep understanding and accurate prediction of the international market. You need to pay attention to the global economic situation, industry trends, competitors, etc., and formulate market positioning and marketing strategies based on the characteristics of your own products. For example, before entering a new market, you need to conduct a comprehensive market research to understand the market's needs, policies, competition, etc., in order to formulate an effective market entry strategy and promotion plan. Data shows that about 65% of foreign trade novices lack experience in market analysis and need to continuously improve their abilities through training and practice. Finally, it is also necessary to understand relevant laws, regulations and trade policies. International trade involves many laws, regulations and policies, including import and export regulations, tariff policies, intellectual property protection, etc. As a foreign trade salesperson, you must ensure that all transactions are legal and compliant to avoid legal disputes. To this end, you can improve your legal knowledge by taking relevant courses, participating in industry training, or consulting professional lawyers. More than 90% of senior foreign trade people have a certain understanding of industry laws and regulations and can apply them in their daily work. In short, the entry threshold of the foreign trade industry is indeed relatively high, and it requires comprehensive professional knowledge and skills. Although it may seem difficult at first, as long as you keep your feet on the ground, continue to learn and accumulate experience, you will definitely be able to find your place in this industry. Moreover, as you continue to accumulate practical experience, you will find that your professional quality and market competitiveness have been significantly improved. I hope these experiences and suggestions can be helpful to you who are preparing to enter the foreign trade industry. If you have any questions about the foreign trade industry or need further guidance, please feel free to contact me. I wish you outstanding achievements in your foreign trade career!