Declared Objectives for Blocking Commercial Cards

The primary goal of blocking commercial cards is to control the foreign exchange market and manage exporters’ currency obligations. Economic experts believe this method can force exporters to sell their goods at lower prices. This not only reduces the country’s export resources but also compels exporters to compete with lower global prices.

In fact, the government’s intention with this measure was to prevent uncontrolled outflows of foreign currency from the country, while also requiring exporters to return the currency earned from exports to official channels. However, rapid implementation without proper communication left many economic actors unaware of the details and methods of the restrictions.

Main Challenges in Implementing the Commercial Card Blocking Plan

The implementation of the commercial card blocking plan has caused serious issues for participants in international trade. These challenges can be categorized into three main areas:

1. Ambiguity in Execution and Tiered Obligations

The plan was implemented in a tiered manner with non-transparent quotas. Quotas varied across different months, and ultimately, cards that had not fulfilled their currency obligations were completely blocked. This phased approach caused confusion among exporters and did not align with standard international trade practices.

2. Lack of Transparency in Quota Communication

Communication regarding the blocked quotas was insufficient. The type and details of the quotas were not properly communicated to shipping companies, customs brokers, and other economic actors. Many businesses were unaware of these sudden quota cuts, resulting in operational and financial challenges.

3. Incompatibility with Global Trade Practices (Incoterms)

One of the major shortcomings was the plan’s misalignment with standard international trade practices. In international exports and imports, contractual terms such as EXW, FOP, CIF, DDP, etc., are widely used. However, the plan was implemented in a way completely inconsistent with global standards. This created significant problems, especially for countries under sanctions, and requires urgent adjustment.

Final Solution to the Commercial Card Blocking Issue

The main problem behind commercial card blocking and currency restrictions stems from the imbalance in the dollar exchange rate and international sanctions. A fundamental solution should focus on lifting sanctions and improving the international economic environment, rather than merely imposing domestic restrictions.

Exporters and companies involved in international shipping should understand that as long as the focus is not on resolving macro-level external issues, challenges related to currency obligations and global trade will not be fully resolved.

In addition, transparent communication, alignment with global practices, and clear phased regulations can improve the implementation of the plan and prevent confusion among economic actors.