Examples of how forward contracts are used in global trade

Posted on 2023-05-08

Forward contracts are widely used in international trade to mitigate risks associated with currency fluctuations. One of the most common examples is a company that exports goods to another country and will receive payment in the foreign currency. In this case, the company is exposed to the risk that the value of the foreign currency will decrease before it can be exchanged for the domestic currency.


To mitigate this risk, the company can enter into a forward contract with a bank or financial institution that allows it to lock in an exchange rate at which the foreign currency can be exchanged for the domestic currency at a future date. This way, the company can protect itself from any adverse currency movements and ensure that it receives the expected amount of domestic currency.

Another example is a company that imports goods from another country and needs to make payment in the foreign currency. The company can use a forward contract to lock in an exchange rate at which it can purchase the foreign currency and make the payment. This allows the company to budget and plan for its foreign currency expenses, knowing the exact amount of domestic currency that will be required to make the payment.

Forward contracts are also used by investors and speculators in the global economy. For example, an investor may enter into a forward contract to speculate on the future direction of a currency's exchange rate. If the investor believes that a currency will appreciate in value, they can enter into a forward contract to purchase the currency at the current exchange rate and then sell it at a higher exchange rate in the future, thereby making a profit.

Overall, forward contracts play a critical role in managing currency risk in global trade and investment, allowing companies and investors to protect themselves from fluctuations in exchange rates and make informed decisions about their international transactions.

Looking to learn about forex? Take our crash courses at our Forex University. If you’re looking to setup a demo trading account then click here. Finally, if you’re looking for Forex Signals, Forex Portugal provides free & premium signals on-demand.

Found this article helpful?

[ 0 Out of 0 Found Helpful ]

Still no luck? we can help!

Submit a ticket and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Support Chat Available
Account login is required to start, please login to your account to proceed.