There are many cases where transactions involving foreign exchange (FX) are not confined to the
immediate1 future. Traders with foreign countries and clients that have loan commitments overseas can use forward FX as an effective form of risk management. For example an exporter doesn't receive payment for the sale until the goods have been received and an importer doesn't pay for the goods at the time of the order, but when they are supplied. It is quite possible that the exchange rates could differ significantly between the dates of agreeing to the price of the goods and actually making the payment.