It is appropriate that at a time of enormous change and opportunity in the international trade scene and procurement environment that Alan Branch has chosen to write International Purchasing and Management, a unique and authoritative guide to the essential and strategic buying of products overseas. Written in his usual lucid and pragmatic style, the book looks at all of the stages involved in the international purchasing process to secure a delivered competitive price quotation from the suppliers premises to the buyers warehouse. It particularly reflects the international environment/infrastructure in which the goods are purchased. Branch takes the reader through the initial rationale of a company business to buy overseas, the selection and negotiation processes, the importing/exporting methodology, and finally the logistics of distribution and payment. Particular emphasis is also placed upon risk areas, the competitive environment and future trends. International Purchasing and Management includes a series of case studies; additional features on cargo insurance, Inco Terms 2000 and import customs practice planning, and an appendix of trade terms and abbreviations. This book will prove essential for CIPS, BTEC and degree courses on International Trade and Marketing, Retail Buying, Logistics and Purchasing, as well as for courses by trade associations and Chambers of Commerce, and as an aide memoire to importers and overseas buyers.