Managing Exchange Rate Risk
Mahindra International (India) imported spares of an engine from a US manufacturer for $ 5,000 per
annum at a price of $ 2.5 per piece. The average exchange rate during 2001-02 was Rs. 47.70/$. The
Indian company imported the spares also from a British manufacturer. In fact, it had diversified its
import in view of reducing the risk associated with the supply. The import from the USA was
competitive in view of the fact the same spares imported from the UK was slightly costlier. The
American spares cost Rs. 119.25 per piece, while the British spares cost Rs. 120.00 per piece. In
2002-03, US dollar appreciated to Rs. 48.40 with the result that the cost of American spares turned
higher than the British spares. In the sequel of the appreciation of US dollar, the Indian importer cut
its demand from 2,000 pieces to 500 pieces. The loss to the US exporter was colossal. But at the same
time, the Indian Importer suffered a lot. It had to pay a higher price for the US spares in terms of
rupee. And also, it had to divert its import from the USA to the UK insofar as the pound sterling did
not appreciate during this period. All this happened in the wake of the exchange rate changes.
Questions:
1. Mention the loss borne by the US exporter in the sequel of appreciation of dollar.
2. What strategy the Indian importer needs to follow to hedge the exchange rate risk?
Case let 2
ABN Amro Bank and Correspondent Banking in India
ABN AMRO bank has emerged as a major correspondent bank owing to a large network. In
India, it operates in six major cities, viz. Baroda, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and
Pune. Being a correspondence bank, its product offerings are found primarily in the area of
trade and clearing. It is doing well in these owing to strong tie-up with local Indian banks
reaching 350 centres across the country. As a result, payments are effected speedily and
effectively.
Cash Management
The customized products in the area of cash management include cheques payable at par at all its
branches across the country, apart from traditional collection services, such as collection of
outstation/upcountry cheques drawn on other banks. ABN AMRO is a member of all major clearing
centers in the major financial centers. It has an electronic delivery system and structures multilateral
netting of cash.
Trade Services
Under trade services, the Bank offers a comprehensive range of products, such as:
1. LC reimbursement
2. Indian rupee trade payments
3. Handling documentary bills for collection
4. Bills negotiation
5. Letter of credit advising
6. Letter of credit confirmation
7. Guarantees
Examination Paper of Finance Management
4
IIBM Institute of Business Management
Treasury Services
Treasury services at ABN AMRO Bank (India) are available round-the-clock. Rupee funding at its
treasury desk is provided at competitive rates along with advice on market trends and rates. It
provides also advisory services on the request of financial institutions and corporate in the area of
regulatory, economic and financial matters including depository services.
Questions:
1. Describe the network of ABN AMRO Bank in India.
2. What role does it play for global cash management?