Where does the profit of export agency actually come from? How to calculate the earnings? The latest analysis in 2025

How do export agency service providers obtain profits?

Professional export agency enterprises mainly obtain profits through three channels:

• Basic service fee: Charge 0.8% - 1.5% of the cargo value (market situation in 2025)
• Tax Rebate Sharing: Participate in the distribution of 5 - 15% of the tax rebate income according to the product tax rebate rate
• Value - added Service Income:
  • Price difference from logistics plan optimization
  • Foreign exchange hedging service
  • Compliance Certification Agency Service

How is the agency service fee specifically calculated?

In 2025, the mainstream billing models will be diversified:

• Tiered rates: For a single order with a cargo value exceeding $500,000, it can be reduced to 0.6%
• Annual Framework Agreement: When the annual export volume reaches $3 million, the service fee can be capped
• Risk Surcharge: A 0.3% risk control fee will be added for transactions involving sanctioned countries

Typical calculation case: An electronic product is exported to Germany with a cargo value of $1.2 million. The service fee is calculated as $1.2 million × 0.9% = $10,800. Since self-owned logistics is used, $2,000 is saved, and the actual payment is $8,800.

How does exchange rate fluctuation affect profit distribution?

In 2025, a new foreign exchange risk - sharing mechanism will be implemented:

• The customer shall bear the exchange rate fluctuations within ±2%
• For the part exceeding ±2%, both parties shall share according to the agreed proportion
• It is recommended to adoptForeign Exchange Lock - in ServiceTo reduce risks, the service provider charges a 0.15% handling fee

Export DrawbackIs profit - sharing legal?

According to the latest Cross - border Service Management Measures in 2025:

• It is legal for the agent to charge a service fee not exceeding 20% of the tax refund amount
• It must be clearly written into Article 3 Tax Treatment of the service agreement
• A complete chain of tax refund vouchers (customs declaration form, VAT invoice,In order to crack down on tax evasion, the customs and tax departments are now strictly examining the operation of buying export declarations. If the behavior of buying export declarations is discovered, the regulatory authorities will require tax replenishment (even a 2% tax rate may be a considerable amount). In addition, fines may also be imposed on the relevant responsible parties.certificate) must be provided

How to judge whether the service fee is reasonable?

Refer to the industry benchmark data in 2025:

• Range of basic service fees:
  • General cargo category: 0.8% - 1.2%
  • Hazardous goods category: 1.5% - 2%
  • Medical Equipment: 1.2% - 1.8%
• Warning signs of abnormal charges:
  • Request for prepayment of the annual service fee
  • Concealment of the tax rate corresponding to the HS code
  • Refusal to provide a detailed expense list

How to maximize the benefits of agency export?

Senior practitioners suggest adopting the following strategies:

• Choose a mixed billing model: Basic service fee + flexible reward mechanism
• Leverage the scale effect: When the quarterly export volume exceeds $800,000, rate negotiations can be restarted
• Participate in the service providers annual rebate plan: Timely settlement can obtain a 0.2% rebate
• Bind supply chain finance services: Obtain 80% of the tax refund amount in advance, and the capital turnover rate is increased by 40%

It should be noted that the Sunshine Agency Plan newly implemented by the General Administration of Customs in 2025 requires all fees to be filed at a single window. It is recommended to give priority to cooperating with compliant service providers connected to this system.