What is the ruling on dealing with an entity that requests an upfront percentage (4% for six months and 7% for a year) of the value of an import deal for goods in exchange for opening a letter of credit to cover the purchase?

It is not permissible to enter into the aforementioned transaction, whether the entity is merely a guarantor—due to the impermissibility of taking compensation for sponsorship—or if it will lend the price, as it would be an interest-bearing usurious loan.