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<Upper-Intermediate> Lesson No.22

International Commodity Finance Structuring and Management / 国際コモディティファイナンスの組成と管理

0.Greetings & Ice-break (2min.)|挨拶と導入

 

0-1 Greetings

Let’s practice a short small talk that you can use to greet a business partner and start building a good relationship.

講師との挨拶を兼ねて、ビジネスパートナーと信頼関係を築くための短いスモールトークを練習してみましょう。

[Tips / 会話のヒント]

・Can you hear me clearly? 

 私の声はクリアに聞こえますか?
・How's your day going so far?

 今日はどんな一日でしたか?
・Talk about one small topic (Work, Weather, News, Hometown, Sports event, etc.)

 軽い話題について話しましょう(仕事、天気、ニュース、地元、スポーツイベントなど)

0-2 Introduction​

In today’s lesson, we’ll learn about the following situation. Have you ever experienced something similar?

本日のレッスンでは以下のようなシチュエーションについて学びます。同様のシチュエーションを経験したことがありますか?​

​​

- If you have experience, please tell us what it was like, what was difficult, or what you learned.

   経験があれば、どんな内容だったか、難しかったことや学んだことなどを教えて下さい。 

- If you don’t have experience, try to imagine yourself handling that situation in English.

  What do you think would be challenging?

  経験がなければ、英語でその状況に対応しているところを想像してみましょう。どんなことが難しそうですか?

Situation / シチュエーション

Structuring complex commodity finance deals in English, evaluating price volatility, country risks, and transportation risks for international trading.
国際商品取引の複雑なファイナンス案件組成で、価格変動リスクなどを英語で評価し、高リスク・高リターン取引を安全に実行する場面です。

1. Read (2 min)|型を学ぶ
Let's read the following key sentences aloud!
下記の文章や単語を順番に音読しましょう!

1-1 Basic phrases
1.Let me elaborate on...(...について詳しく説明させてください)
2.We can structure a...(...を組成できます)
3.We'll coordinate with...(...と調整します)
4.This eliminates...(これにより...が排除されます)
5.Let me explain the calculation...(計算について説明させてください)
6.We can accommodate that...(それに対応できます)
7.This demonstrates our commitment to...(これは...への当社のコミットメントを示すものです)

1-2 Essential words
1.assess(評価する)
2.elaborate(詳しく説明する)
3.mitigate(軽減する)
4.coordinate(調整する)
5.impose(課す)
6.justify(正当化する)
7.hesitant(躊躇している)
8.accommodate(対応する)
9.expedite(迅速化する)
10.consult(相談する)
2. Try  (3 min)|ロールプレイ練習

Let’s practice the role-play.

ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Structuring complex commodity finance deals in English, evaluating price volatility, country risks, and transportation risks for international trading.
国際商品取引の複雑なファイナンス案件組成で、価格変動リスクなどを英語で評価し、高リスク・高リターン取引を安全に実行する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
Thank you for meeting today. We're considering financing for a copper concentrate shipment from Chile. Can you assess the key risks we should address in this transaction?
(本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。チリからの銅精鉱輸送の融資を検討しています。この取引で対処すべき主要なリスクを評価していただけますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
Certainly. Let me elaborate on the three critical risks. First, price volatility — copper prices can fluctuate significantly during the 45-day shipping period. Second, country risk — Chile's regulatory changes may affect export procedures. Third, collateral management — we must monitor the commodity's location and quality throughout transit.
(承知しました。3つの重要なリスクについて詳しく説明させてください。第一に、価格変動性です。銅価格は45日間の輸送期間中に大きく変動する可能性があります。第二に、カントリーリスクです。チリの規制変更が輸出手続きに影響を与える可能性があります。第三に、担保管理です。輸送中、商品の所在と品質を監視する必要があります。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
I'm particularly concerned about the price risk. If copper prices drop 15 percent during shipment, our entire margin disappears. How can we mitigate this exposure?
(特に価格リスクが心配です。輸送中に銅価格が15パーセント下落すれば、当社の利益が完全に消えてしまいます。このエクスポージャーをどのように軽減できますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
We can structure a hedging solution. We'll coordinate with commodity brokers to establish forward contracts that lock in the current price of 8500 USD per ton. This eliminates price uncertainty. Additionally, we'll impose a loan-to-value ratio of 70 percent on the collateral, providing a buffer against moderate price declines.
(ヘッジソリューションを組成できます。商品ブローカーと調整し、現在価格のトン当たり8500米ドルで固定するフォワード契約を確立します。これにより価格の不確実性が排除されます。さらに、担保に対して70パーセントの融資比率を課し、適度な価格下落に対する緩衝材を提供します。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
That sounds reasonable. But what about the insurance and inspection costs? We've received quotes that appear quite high — around 120000 USD for the entire shipment. Can you justify this amount?
(それは妥当に聞こえます。しかし保険と検査費用についてはどうでしょうか?全輸送分で約12万米ドルという、かなり高額に見える見積もりを受け取りました。この金額を正当化できますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
Let me explain the calculation. The cost consists of three components. Marine insurance accounts for 65000 USD, covering loss or damage during ocean transit. Independent inspection and assay services cost 35000 USD to validate quality and weight at loading and discharge ports. Warehouse and handling fees at the destination port add 20000 USD. These are consistent with industry standards for high-value mineral shipments.
(計算について説明させてください。費用は3つの要素で構成されています。海上保険が6万5000米ドルで、海上輸送中の損失または損傷をカバーします。独立検査および分析サービスが3万5000米ドルで、積込港と荷揚港で品質と重量を検証します。仕向港での倉庫保管料と荷役料が2万米ドル追加されます。これらは高価値鉱物輸送の業界基準と一致しています。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
I understand the breakdown, but we're still hesitant about the total financing cost. Is there any flexibility if we commit to a longer-term relationship?
(内訳は理解しましたが、総融資コストについてはまだ躊躇しています。長期的な関係を約束すれば、何か柔軟性はありますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
Yes, we can accommodate that. If you commit to a minimum of 4 transactions over the next 12 months, we'll reduce the interest margin by 0.5 percent on each deal. We'll also expedite the documentation process, cutting approval time from 10 days to 5 days for subsequent transactions. This demonstrates our commitment to building a long-term partnership in commodity finance.
(はい、それに対応できます。今後12か月間に最低4件の取引を約束していただければ、各取引の金利マージンを0.5パーセント引き下げます。また、書類手続きを迅速化し、その後の取引の承認時間を10日から5日に短縮します。これは商品金融における長期的パートナーシップ構築への当行のコミットメントを示すものです。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
That's a compelling offer. Let me consult with our procurement team and get back to you by the end of this week. I appreciate your detailed explanation of the structure.
(それは魅力的な提案です。調達チームと相談して、今週末までにご連絡します。ストラクチャーについての詳細な説明に感謝します。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
Thank you for considering our proposal. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need any clarification on the terms. We're ready to proceed once you confirm your decision.
(当行の提案をご検討いただきありがとうございます。条件について何か明確にする必要があれば、遠慮なくご連絡ください。ご決定を確認次第、進める準備ができています。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
Understood. I'll make sure our team reviews all the risk mitigation measures you've outlined. Your expertise in commodity transactions is exactly what we need for this complex deal.
(承知しました。あなたが概説したすべてのリスク軽減策をチームが確認するようにします。商品取引におけるあなたの専門知識は、この複雑な取引にまさに必要なものです。)
3. Use  (4 min)|ロールプレイ & 実践(空欄補完)

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Structuring complex commodity finance deals in English, evaluating price volatility, country risks, and transportation risks for international trading.
国際商品取引の複雑なファイナンス案件組成で、価格変動リスクなどを英語で評価し、高リスク・高リターン取引を安全に実行する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
Thank you for meeting today. We're considering financing for a copper concentrate shipment from Chile. Can you assess the key risks we should address in this transaction?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
Certainly. Let me [詳しく説明する] on the three critical risks. First, price volatility — copper prices can fluctuate significantly during the 45-day shipping period. Second, country risk — Chile's regulatory changes may affect export procedures. Third, collateral management — we must monitor the commodity's location and quality throughout transit.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
I'm particularly concerned about the price risk. If copper prices drop 15 percent during shipment, our entire margin disappears. How can we mitigate this exposure?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
We can structure a hedging solution. We'll [調整する] with commodity brokers to establish forward contracts that lock in the current price of 8500 USD per ton. This eliminates price uncertainty. Additionally, we'll [課す] a loan-to-value ratio of 70 percent on the collateral, providing a buffer against moderate price declines.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
That sounds reasonable. But what about the insurance and inspection costs? We've received quotes that appear quite high — around 120000 USD for the entire shipment. Can you justify this amount?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
Let me explain the calculation. The cost consists of three components. Marine insurance accounts for 65000 USD, covering loss or damage during ocean transit. Independent inspection and assay services cost 35000 USD to validate quality and weight at loading and discharge ports. Warehouse and handling fees at the destination port add 20000 USD. These are consistent with industry standards for high-value mineral shipments.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
I understand the breakdown, but we're still hesitant about the total financing cost. Is there any flexibility if we commit to a longer-term relationship?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
Yes, we can [対応する] that. If you commit to a minimum of 4 transactions over the next 12 months, we'll reduce the interest margin by 0.5 percent on each deal. We'll also [迅速化する] the documentation process, cutting approval time from 10 days to 5 days for subsequent transactions. This demonstrates our commitment to building a long-term partnership in commodity finance.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
That's a compelling offer. Let me consult with our procurement team and get back to you by the end of this week. I appreciate your detailed explanation of the structure.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
Thank you for considering our proposal. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need any clarification on the terms. We're ready to proceed once you confirm your decision.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
Understood. I'll make sure our team reviews all the risk mitigation measures you've outlined. Your expertise in commodity transactions is exactly what we need for this complex deal.
4. Challenge (7 min)|応用実践

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

*Let's practice this part repeatedly until we can speak it smoothly.

  このパートはスムーズにスピーキングできるようになるまで繰り返し練習しましょう。

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Structuring complex commodity finance deals in English, evaluating price volatility, country risks, and transportation risks for international trading.
国際商品取引の複雑なファイナンス案件組成で、価格変動リスクなどを英語で評価し、高リスク・高リターン取引を安全に実行する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
Thank you for meeting today. We're considering financing for a copper concentrate shipment from Chile. Can you assess the key risks we should address in this transaction?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
Certainly. [3つの重要なリスクについて詳しく説明させてください。] First, price volatility — copper prices can fluctuate significantly during the 45-day shipping period. Second, country risk — Chile's regulatory changes may affect export procedures. Third, collateral management — we must monitor the commodity's location and quality throughout transit.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
I'm particularly concerned about the price risk. If copper prices drop 15 percent during shipment, our entire margin disappears. How can we mitigate this exposure?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
[ヘッジソリューションを組成できます。] [商品ブローカーと調整し、現在価格のトン当たり8500米ドルで固定するフォワード契約を確立します。] This eliminates price uncertainty. Additionally, we'll impose a loan-to-value ratio of 70 percent on the collateral, providing a buffer against moderate price declines.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
That sounds reasonable. But what about the insurance and inspection costs? We've received quotes that appear quite high — around 120000 USD for the entire shipment. Can you justify this amount?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
[計算について説明させてください。] The cost consists of three components. Marine insurance accounts for 65000 USD, covering loss or damage during ocean transit. Independent inspection and assay services cost 35000 USD to validate quality and weight at loading and discharge ports. Warehouse and handling fees at the destination port add 20000 USD. These are consistent with industry standards for high-value mineral shipments.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
I understand the breakdown, but we're still hesitant about the total financing cost. Is there any flexibility if we commit to a longer-term relationship?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
Yes, we can accommodate that. If you commit to a minimum of 4 transactions over the next 12 months, we'll reduce the interest margin by 0.5 percent on each deal. We'll also expedite the documentation process, cutting approval time from 10 days to 5 days for subsequent transactions. [これは商品金融における長期的パートナーシップ構築への当行のコミットメントを示すものです。]

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
That's a compelling offer. Let me consult with our procurement team and get back to you by the end of this week. I appreciate your detailed explanation of the structure.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Commodity Finance Banker】:
Thank you for considering our proposal. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need any clarification on the terms. We're ready to proceed once you confirm your decision.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
Understood. I'll make sure our team reviews all the risk mitigation measures you've outlined. Your expertise in commodity transactions is exactly what we need for this complex deal.
\ If you have some extra capacity, give it a try(余力があればやってみましょう)/
5. Real-world application (5 min)|実務応用

Let's speak freely with the phrases and flow we learned today. If you can, imagine your real job—it makes practice more effective.
本日学習した単語やフレーズ、会話の流れを思い出しながら、自由に話してみましょう。可能であれば、自身の実務を想像しながら話すと効果的です。​

Situation / シチュエーション
A client is considering commodity trade financing for a mineral shipment from South America.
You need to assess the transaction risks and propose appropriate financing structures.
南米からの鉱物輸送に対する商品貿易金融を検討している顧客がいます。
取引リスクを評価し、適切な融資ストラクチャーを提案する必要があります。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Trade Finance Client】:
We're exploring financing options for this commodity shipment. Can you walk me through the risk assessment and financing structure you would recommend?
(この商品輸送の融資オプションを検討しています。推奨するリスク評価と融資ストラクチャーについて説明していただけますか?)

🧑‍🎓【Student / Your Role】:
(Free Speaking based on today's lesson)

Hints / ヒント
1. Elaborate on the critical risks
2. Propose hedging solutions
3. Explain the cost breakdown
4. Offer flexible terms for long
​※This is not a role-play. Please speak until you finish your thoughts.
 このパートはロールプレイ形式ではありません。最後まで通して話してみましょう。
6.  Wrap-up (2 min) |レッスンの振り返り

Let's review today's lesson with your teacher!
今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!

 

6-1 Comments from student

・Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
・Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

 

6-2 Feedback from teacher

・Good points / 良かった点
・Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
・What to review / 復習ポイント

 

*6-3 Questions from student (if any)

Japanese translation(日本語訳)

1. Read (2min)(型を学ぶ)|基本フレーズ

2. Try  (4min)(ロールプレイ練習)|型を使った練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

3. Use  (7min)|応用
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

4. Challenge (7min)|実践
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

5. Wrap-up (3min) – レッスンの振り返り

"Let’s review today’s lesson with your teacher!”

「今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!」

5-1.  Comments from Student

  - Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ

  - Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

5-2.  Feedback from Teacher

  - Good points / 良かった点

  - Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント

  - What to review / 復習ポイント

5-3. Question from Students (If any)

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