This paper analyses the relationship between time for exports and imports, logistics services and international trade. Time is found not only to reduce trade volumes but, more importantly, lengthy procedures for exports and imports reduce the probability that firms will enter export markets for time-sensitive products at all. Furthermore, a broader range of products are becoming time-sensitive following the proliferation of modern supply chain management in manufacturing as well as retailing. Labour-intensive products such as clothing and consumer electronics are increasingly time-sensitive and many developing countries urgently need to shorten lead time in order to stay competitive in these sectors. The report argues that reforms to this effect can be implemented at relatively low cost, and in low-income countries.