Trading houses have been important players in international trade for centuries. A trading house may accept orders either from a domestic or foreign patron, or it may manufacture its own product using supplies from different countries and then sell it in foreign countries. Trading houses have different roles involved in the international trade of goods and services and they often act as intermediaries between exporters and importers.

Trading houses provide a wide range of services to their clients, including arranging and managing logistical services, such as export licensing and documentation, third-party logistics, warehousing and distribution; financial services, such as financing, currency conversion and insurance; cultural liaison, marketing and sales services; and development and manufacturing services, such as product design and quality control.

Trading houses are very valuable sources of information for prospective exporters and importers, as they have access to up-to-date trade data and strong relationships with local business contacts. They often have an advantage when it comes to local knowledge and know-how, and may even be able to offer discounts to their customers. Trading houses also often have access to specialist suppliers and markets, helping exporters and importers to source hard-to-find items.

Trading houses can provide some additional benefits, including mitigating the risk associated with importing goods, such as currency fluctuations, and can provide financial services, such as factoring and acceptance of drafts. They also provide short-term financing to the exporter, allowing them to purchase the needed supplies from their suppliers.

Thus, trading houses can provide valuable services and support to exporters and importers by providing a comprehensive range of services to ensure that goods and services are efficiently transported within the international marketplace. By utilizing the services of a trading house, exporters and importers can rest assured that their goods and services will be securely shipped to their destination in a timely and cost-effective manner.