Buyer

In foreign trade, 'Buyer' refers to the importer or purchaser who buys goods or services, and is one of the core parties to an international trade contract. Its meaning is more specific than 'customer', usually referring to the party who actually places the order and pays for the goods; unlike an 'importer', the buyer does not necessarily import the goods themselves and may import through an agent; and unlike the 'consignee', the buyer is the contract buyer, while the consignee is only the party taking delivery. Usage scenarios include inquiries, offers, contract signing, letter of credit issuance, payment, and dispute resolution. Points to note: First, clarify the buyer's identity (end user, distributor, or agent), which affects contractual liability and after-sales obligations; second, verify the buyer's creditworthiness to prevent rejection, default, or fraud risks; third, under different trade terms such as FOB and CIF, the buyer bears different costs and risks; fourth, the buyer's name in the contract must be consistent with the letter of credit applicant to avoid document discrepancies. In short, an accurate understanding of the buyer's role helps foreign trade practitioners control transaction risks, choose appropriate settlement methods, and maintain customer relationships.