What are the key factors that need to be assessed in context of country risk?

Many companies are crossing national boundaries to exploit new opportunities and minimize any potential threats. Globalization brings both opportunities and risks to multinational enterprises (MNEs) doing business in another country, and requires the MNE to have a system in place to detect and respond to these potential threats and challenges.

A country risk assessment is an important first step for businesses considering doing business abroad. The assessment evaluates the quantitative or qualitative value of the political, economic, social, and business risks of doing business in a particular country. This information can usually be found from country rating agencies. An in-depth country risk assessment is based on those risks that are specific to the country in question, and may include risks associated with the following:

  • Political landscape
  • Economic environment
  • Supply chain factors
  • Labor regulations
  • Intellectual property laws

A country risk assessment sheds light on hidden risks within a country and helps an MNE realign its business strategy based on those risks. Uncovering country-specific risks is a challenging process due to the constantly changing political environments, increased securitization of a country’s debt, increased compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and a host of other factors as well.  While many analysts rely solely on economic and political factors when determining risk, there are cultural and social factors within a particular country that should also be considered. The mere presence of risk should not deter an MNE from doing business abroad. Operating a business always carries some level of risk regardless of the country in which that business is located. However, identifying, evaluating and minimizing the country-specific risks is essential. If these risks are ignored, MNEs could find themselves operating in an environment of unknown and uncontrolled risks that could hinder their revenue, growth and overall success.

Therefore, the question becomes: How is your company mitigating its risk in doing business abroad? We firmly believe in evaluating and mitigating both insurable and non-insurable risk. Ultimately, an assessment will allow a company to understand potential risks of doing business in a given country.

The next step for an MNE in the risk assessment process is determining the company’s risk appetite. We’ll discuss that topic in an upcoming blog post.

There is a risk to every shipment, whether in the U.S. or internationally. When evaluating a strategy for entering a new international market, be aware of potential risks and the resources that can help mitigate that risk. Then you can be as prepared as possible if an adverse event happens. 

Country Factors to Research

  • Political Stability 
  • Foreign Exchange Risk
  • Economic Stability
  • Legal System
  • Intellectual Property Protection Laws
  • Banking Structure
  • Tax Implications
  • Dispute Resolution Options 

Resources and Assistance

  • The U.S. Commercial Service, though trade professionals at U.S. Embassies and Consulates, can provide information about operating in the country.
    • Country Commercial Guides - provide valuable insight into doing business in a country.
    • Initial Market Check - a service that can assess your potential in a market. 
  • Learn in advance whether your product is subject to additional foreign duties as a result of a foreign trade remedy action. The International Trade Administration’s Trade Remedies Compliance staff helps U.S. companies affected by foreign antidumping, countervailing duty and safeguard investigations of their exports. 
     
  • The World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business country ratings.
  • International Monetary Fund’s country information site.
  • Country credit rating from major credit rating firms.
  • Financial risk is one of the main areas of concern for many exporters. The and Small Business Administration (SBA) offer several different programs which can help reduce a U.S. company’s financial risk for an international shipment. 
    • Ex-Im Bank Country Limitation Schedule – check to see if Ex-Im operates in your target market.
  • OPIC Political Risk Insurance is specifically for opportunities in emerging markets.
  • Get information and assistance about Protecting Intellectual Property.
  • Your bank is also an important ally in mitigating financial risk for exports. Work closely and directly with your bank in preparation for an international transaction.

What are the factors of country risk?

Country risk is determined by a range of political, economic and social factors..
Geographic neighbours..
Trading partners..
Co-members of certain institutions or organisations..
Strategic allies..
Nations with similar perceived characteristics..

What are the key factors involved in assessing the importance of a risk?

While many individuals are involved in the process and many factors come into play, performing an effective risk assessment comes down to three core elements: risk identification, risk analysis and risk evaluation.

What are the factors that contribute to the risks of doing business in a country?

Business risk is influenced by a number of different factors including:.
Consumer preferences, demand, and sales volumes..
Per-unit price and input costs..
Competition..
The overall economic climate..
Government regulations..

What are the three key elements of any risk assessment?

Risk assessment is the name for the three-part process that includes:.
Risk identification..
Risk analysis..
Risk evaluation..