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Cross-Border Positions during the pandemic

Cross-Border positions, also referred to as external positions, are most likely for any organization that goes global. Suppose your organization has its main office in, for example, the United States, with branches in Europe and/or Asia. In that case, you will have asset and liability positions of reporting banking offices outside the US. Cross-border financing helps with international trade by providing a source of funding, enabling businesses to compete globally and beyond their domestic borders. This sometimes requires the lender or provider to act as an agent between companies, suppliers, and end-customers. Examples are cross-border loans, letters of credit, repatriable income, or bankers acceptances (BA).

With the global pandemic forcing organizations to change strategies or even their core business, many have expanded globally or relocated to another country. We have taken a closer look at the changes in cross-border positions worldwide by viewing outstanding claims and liabilities of Q3 2020 in trillions of US dollars.

Developed countries

Between Q3 2019 and Q3 2020, cross-border claims on developed countries increased by 1.75 trillion USD, with the liabilities increasing by 1.46 trillion USD.

Claims in developed countries, otherwise called advanced economies, have declined. Intragroup positions partly drove the movements from one year earlier. The decline is centered on related offices, especially on those in the US, due to the unwinding of central bank dollar swap lines.

Non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) were involved with the decline; claims on the UK, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and Italy declined, with most of them vis-à-vis NBFIs. Another partly offset influence was the increase in Japan and Germany’s claims, notably their NBFIs and resident banks.

During the pandemic, creditor banks in developed countries and offshore centers have reported a large contraction in their cross-border claims on emerging markets and developing economies (EMDE). During Q2 and Q3 of 2020, global cross-border shares on emerging markets and developing economies declined by 95 billion USD. Major developed countries and offshore creditors – such as UK, US, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan banks – reduced their lending to developing countries by 97 billion USD in these six months.

Offshore centers

The Q3 2020 claims have increased by 0.07 trillion USD in the offshore centers, with the Q2 2020 liabilities increasing by 0.15 trillion USD.

Compared to claims on developed countries, claims on offshore centers expanded by 41 billion USD. Especially Hong Kong SAR and the Cayman Islands have been doing well. More than half of Hong Kong’s increase was intragroup claims, with Singapore and Bermuda having the least growth.

Emerging market and developing economies

The Q3 2020 claims increased 0.03 trillion USD compared to Q3 2019. The Q3 2020 liabilities, compared to Q3 2019, have increased as well, with 0.13 trillion USD.

Cross-border claims on emerging markets and developing economies continued to fall, driven again by claims on Latin America and the Caribbean, with the year-on-year growth remaining negative. Just as one year earlier, these movements were partly driven by intragroup positions. Claims on non-financial corporations in major economic regions of Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Argentina declined the most.

As mentioned earlier, creditors reported a large contraction in cross-border claims in developing countries. However, simultaneously, creditor banks within these countries reported a modest expansion. In contrast to the reduced lending of 95 billion USD, banks in EMDE booked a 26 billion USD increase in cross-border claims during Q2 and Q3 2020. The banks that led this expansion in emerging Asia-Pacific were mainly China and Chinese Taipei.

Before you expand or start abroad, it is helpful to know what parts of the world are convenient for your business. Having cross-border positions in countries such as the US, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Japan can be rewarding; however, even though they work well together, each country and/or state has individual rules. Meanwhile, China and Russia have many business opportunities, but you must have high insider knowledge to use and find all the business possibilities. The UK has always played a big part in the global economy; however, much has changed due to Brexit. In case you want a professional to help you with this, feel free to send us a message. As the saying goes: a good beginning is half the work.

Related GCA articles:

The 2021 New Year Resolutions of China in Economy and Finance

The Brexit impact on Japan

Brexit: Some pointers for you and your company

More Global Transparency on Assets and Less Tax Havens on the List

Cooperation between China and Central-Eastern European Countries (CEEC) is to be deepened

Sources

BIS

The Brexit impact on Japan

11 Jan 2021

Brexit, Current news, Europe, Japan, United Kingdom

Brexit, CEPA, CPTPP, FTA, trade

Brexit not only has a significant impact on the United Kingdom and Europe. The impact is global as well. Even as an independent nation, the UK is a big player in world trade. Another big player is Japan, being the third-largest trade country in 2018. Japan and the UK invest in each other, being in each other’s top 6 trading partners. However, Japan has a healthy and sustainable economic relationship with the EU; the EU-Japan Balance sheet is in almost perfect equilibrium. The upcoming years are crucial for Japan to lay the foundation of a new post-Brexit order. Unfortunately for the UK, according to Tokyo Review, the UK is not Japan’s highest priority. Nonetheless, the UK and Japan are vocal advocates for free trade and are determined to defend a rules-based international trading system. What are the current opportunities to trade and ensuring that the UK remains the gateway to Europe, or will this be the downfall that causes Japan to relocate their business elsewhere?

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

In 2020, Japan and the UK signed an FTA, namely the CEPA (UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement/日英包括的経済連携協定). This agreement is the first deal the UK has struck as an independent nation. With this deal, the countries wish to overcome the economic challenges surrounding COVID-19. In other words: Lower import and export tariffs.

For the next three years, the UK wishes to secure FTAs with countries covering 80% of the UK trade. Meanwhile, the total UK-Japan trade value is 29 billion GPB (in 2018). A long-term FTA between the UK and Japan could increase the total trade value by 15.2 billion GPB. By removing trade barriers, small and medium-sized enterprises that import and export goods gain benefits. This situation creates the desire for UK-companies to enter the Japanese market and Japanese companies to enter the UK-market as well. The covered areas in the treaty are:

Agriculture, food and drink
Manufacturing
Digital and data
Financial services
Creative industry
Fashion
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
Services
Investment

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

The CPTPP is one of the world’s largest free trade areas, with 13% of the GDP (Global Gross Domestic Product) in 2018. Japan is the largest CPTPP member, representing over 28% of the total trade. The UK wishes to join the CPTPP, with the signing of CEPA being the first step. If the UK joins, the GDP increases to 16%. The UK will benefit from significant long-term trade. The UK will benefit from investment opportunities in business in the Asia-Pacific region, and vice versa.

We all go through uncertain times. It is yet to be seen how Brexit and future trade treaties will unfold for the UK and Japan’s trade relationship. If you are unsure of what to do, talk to us, we would love to help. If you would like to read more about CEPA and the UK’s future plants to join CPTPP, you can find more in-depth information on the UK Government website. Meanwhile, we summarized benefits and (potential) threats for the UK-Japan trade in an overview below:

Benefits and threats for the UK

*Section*	*Benefit*	*Threat*
*Digital trade*	The UK’s ambitious digital provisions, including the free flow of data between Japan-UK, lead to innovation and development of emerging technologies (blockchain, driverless cars, quantum computing). The estimated trade boost is estimated to be over 15 billion GBP.	The UK left the most significant free trade zone of the EU and Japan. Even with the UK’s extra focus on digital trade, tariffs could rise nonetheless.
*Profession and business services*	CEPA allows professionals to move more quickly and support recognition of professional qualifications, such as accountancy and the legal profession. The export of businesses from the UK to Japan, including accountancy, engineering, and legal services, is 1.5 billion GBP.	Political significance with CEPA is certain, but the economic impact is likely to be very small. This is due to limited improvements compared to the EPA (EU-Japan Economic Partnership). According to UoS, lawyers worry about subsidy deals being weaker in Japan than in the EU.
*Financial services*	With reduced barriers to cross-border trade and investment and co-operation between UK-Japan on financial regulation, the export of financial services to Japan is estimated to grow. The current export of financial services is 4.1 billion GBP.	Whereas CEPA is more potent than EPA, it can have drawbacks. For example, the UK wants to receive quotas for some agricultural products exported with a lower tariff. Instead, the UK can use left-overs from the EU’s quota with Japan, potentially putting UK exporters at a disadvantage.
*Automotives*	Cars are one of the UK’s top goods exports to Japan, worth around 1.1 billion GBP. By 2026 the British tariffs on Japanese cars are removed.	The EU is Japan’s biggest car market. If trading between Japan and the UK becomes undesirable, Japan can choose Europe instead. Since 2016, Japan has already postponed or closed some car factories and projects. Critics say that the UK’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is only boosted by 0.07%, a fraction of the lost trade with the EU.

Sources

United Kingdom Government – Tokyo Review – University of Sussex – Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan) – The Japan Times

Brexit: Some pointers for you and your company

05 Jan 2021

Brexit, Current news, Europe, United Kingdom

Brexit, customs, Europe, import and export, trade, United Kingdom

There seems to be no escape: Brexit. Before the news came out that there finally was a deal, December was a month full of nervous waiting. The advice from the Customs, Chamber of Commerce, Tax Authorities, MLNV, the Embassy, and the Task Force VK all sounded the same: Whether there is a deal or no-deal, preparations are necessary! The deal situation has a few advantages (compared to a no-deal), such as facilitating documents of preferential origin and import duties, but this does not mean there is less work to be done.

We have listed a few pointers for you and your company.

1. Prepare your documents

Prepare for custom formalities, supervision of goods traffic, levying of customs duties and excise duties, and the non-tariff trade barriers. Most companies trading with the UK are familiar with these topics. We have listed some necessary documents for you, with a brief explanation.

1.1 Export from the EU to the UK? Take care of the export invoice (excluding VAT), transport documents and export declaration

This situation has a few adjustments. You can no longer make an intra-community delivery when providing the export invoice, which means an export declaration is required. An EORI number is necessary for this export declaration. You must ensure a correctly completed export declaration for the transport documents (CMR, B/L, or AWB) and proof of export. This declaration allows you to claim exemption from VAT with the tax authorities, depending on your Incoterm. Make sure to have your documents ready and stored because the customs can check your documents for up to 7 years.

When importing into the EU from the UK, it goes the other way around: the British supplier provides the export invoice and a British export declaration as proof of the VAT. He also includes transport documents, UK export declaration and, depending on where the goods enter the EU, the transit documents (T1). In the EU, you need an import declaration (AGS or EORI number), payment of import duty, consumption tax and VAT. With your requested VAT code number, according to Article 23 of the Turnover Act, you can reverse charge the VAT. This step is especially crucial for the person who takes care of the logistics for you.

1.2 Pay attention to the UK import declaration

You have to communicate an agreement about the import declaration with the customer. To apply for an EORI number, visit your designated tax authority’s website (e.g., if you own a Dutch company, you have to go to the Dutch tax authorities). For a British EORI number, you must go to the British Government website.

1.3 Bringing goods to the UK from the EU through roll on roll off ports?

The British Government has made an overview of preparations for using roll on roll off ports and ferry services. You can view this on their website.

1.4 Arrange the UKCA marking

(Web)shops have to deal with new rules, such as distinguishing between packages worth more or less than 135£. UKCA marking replaces CE marking. The safety requirements remain largely the same, but the UK standard is needed to get your products to the UK market. Some CE markings can still be used in the UK market until 1/1/2022. However, this does not apply to every marking. Therefore, check the UK Government website on how to arrange the UKCA marking.

2. Make sure everyone knows what to do

In matters such as VAT reverse charge, Incoterm costs, import and export declarations, and transport documents, you must continuously communicate with other parties (such as customers and suppliers). The necessary information can be obtained here:

2.1 Check the Brexit Checker

The UK Government has all the essential information. If you do not know what to look out for, you can do the Brexit Checker. We recommend this, even if you have done this scan before, as it updates frequently.

2.2 Check the consequences for public administrations and EU businesses

Do you have questions and uncertainties about excise duties, intellectual property law, and prohibitions and restrictions? The European Commission listed the EU guidelines so that you can keep an eye on these matters.

2.3 Check the UK Government

Changes in, for example, VAT payments can be found on the website of the UK Government. In general, the website provides essential information on the Brexit situation.

3. Select the best Incoterm

As you can see above, there are many Incoterms to choose from, so pick one that suits you best. Who will bear which costs (import duties, customs clearance costs) and transport risk depend on the agreed Incoterm. Pay attention to long-term contracts, EXW and DDP risk factors, risk during loading and unloading, and transport risk. For example, with the FCA Incoterm, the buyer is primarily responsible for the arrival of goods, whereas the DDP Incoterm, the seller is primarily responsible. You have to consider which party should be accountable and where the risk transfer points lie for you. Discuss this with your customer and suppliers.

If you are not sure which Incoterm suits you best, and how to arrange this, go to the UK Government website.

4. Check, check, and check again!

Djoeke Adimi, of the Task Force VK, describes the situation as ‘significantly complex.’ “If you want to trade or continue to trade with the UK, you have to do your homework.” You need to sit down and work for a while, and by this we mean: you have to check everything carefully, down to the details. The complexity depends on which actions you want to perform.

Feel free to talk to us, or visit brexitloket.nl or gov.uk for further details on Brexit matters. Do not be afraid to work together and ask for assistance: Although you need to have your paperwork in order, you certainly do not have to do this alone.

Bronnen:

Brexit Loket (Dutch Government) – Dutch Chamber of Commerce – Dutch Tax Authorities – Dutch Customs – UK Government

Illustrations by Global Connect Admin B.V.

Brexit: Reset

16 Jun 2017

Brexit, Current news, Uncategorized

The Outcome of Brexit Is Now Uncertain After Theresa May’s Electoral Defeat

In-depth negotiations on Britain’s withdrawal from the EU are set to begin on June 19. Since British Prime Minister Theresa May’s unexpected electoral defeat in the parliamentary elections on June 8, the outcome of these negotiations is as uncertain as ever:

Pixabay/12019

Before the election, Theresa May had threatened to proceed with a “hard” Brexit, that is, a complete phase-out of the European internal market and customs union. Her goal was then to conclude a free trade agreement with the EU based on the country’s own conditions, not unlike the CETA free trade agreement between the EU and Canada. This would lead to extensive new hurdles for imports and exports, such as higher customs duties and complicated import regulations, changes to Intrastat reporting obligations as well as different regulations on value added tax and general compliance requirements. Legal aspects such as consumer and data protection requirements, competition law and applicable legal venues would also be affected by the extensive changes.

Such profound reforms would be disastrous, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, because often the complexity and costs associated with the reforms would exceed these companies’ resources.

Leading up to election, it was already clear, however, that the EU would continue to be very critical of a free trade agreement unless Britain made significant concessions with regard to maintaining the right to free movement for EU citizens. On Wednesday following the election, the British Government seemingly indicated a willingness to concede on this point. This could be the first sign that the weakened new government in Britain will yield to pressure from all political camps as well as the British economy.

This does not seem to come unexpectedly, as Theresa May now feels compelled to cooperate with two political groups whose ideas of Brexit are a far cry from her own: Within the party, a Scottish group of conservatives behind Ruth Davidson has suddenly gained a powerful position. The Scots, however, seek a “soft” Brexit, which is characterized by more freedom instead of increased economic barriers. For example, they want Britain to remain within the EU internal market, with all the legal consequences this may bring.

May is seeking an alliance with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Northern Ireland, led by Arlene Forster, which would ensure the Conservative Party has the absolute majority in important government decisions. However, given their geographical location, the Northern Irish would also like to remain in the EU internal market and preserve freedom of movement for citizens. Unlike their political adversaries, Sinn Féin, they reject creating a special status only for Northern Ireland within the UK, but rather strive for a uniform solution for the entire kingdom.

Given this situation wrought with conflict, we can expect to see the Brexit negotiations change course several times in the coming months. One thing is certain for now: the longer it remains impossible to predict the exact consequences for companies, the more this will harm trade relations between the EU and the United Kingdom, and as a result there will be fewer innovations and investments spanning the English Channel.

Brexit: A Major Challenge for Companies Operating in the UK

31 Mar 2017

Brexit, Current news

On 23 June 2016, British citizens voted with a narrow majority (51.89%) in favour of withdrawing from the EU, thereby bringing an end to their longstanding love-hate relationship with the continent. Brexit proponents were driven by their strong aversion towards alleged overregulation by authorities in Brussels and a rejection of immigration of young people from the EU.

The Current Situation

Just over nine months later, the Brexit vote still divides British society: The British Prime Minister, Theresa May, initiated the official secession procedures on March 29, 2017. While May does not want the UK to maintain a partial membership in the EU and prefers her country to leave both the internal market as well as its customs union, several public campaigns and renowned politicians like former Prime Minister Tony Blair have kept trying to stop the Brexit.

Pixabay/ Elionas2

Consequences For the Economy

The details of the economic consequences of this historic decision for Britain and the EU remain to be seen even 9 months on. Economic experts provide conflicting forecasts on a daily basis. The coming years will show whether countries will experience the Brexit as a blessing or a curse.

For now, the United Kingdom recorded growth of 2% in 2016, but the pound sterling has weakened since the Brexit referendum. And even the creditworthiness of the UK has been downgraded by several rating agencies. In general, London’s position as the financial capital of the world has become unstable. Several major banks such as Goldman Sachs and UBS have already announced that they will set up offices in Frankfurt for their EU-related business. Other European capital cities will benefit from the crisis of the British financial hub.

However, companies from other industries will also seek to leave a United Kingdom that no longer wants to have ties to the European internal market. To combat this trend, the British Government is offering new incentives for locating to the United Kingdom such as low corporate taxes.

Companies that have economic connections to Great Britain, either because they maintain holdings there or conduct extensive business activities in the United Kingdom, can expect significant changes in terms of administration, finance and taxes. Questions of value-added tax and income tax, customs law and the free movement of workers must be revisited and re-evaluated, which will require a considerable effort. No fewer than 21,000 EU laws must be adapted for the UK’s departure.

Companies that have subsidiaries on the island are already starting to feel the effects of the continuing decline of the pound sterling and therefore face significant challenges in their balance sheets when compiling their annual reports. A decrease in investments, locations and assets associated with the decline of the pound sterling may cause problems for profitability.

To avoid financial and tax risks, companies should therefore seek advice at an early stage.