The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service launched this Web site to expedite and simplify applications to three USDA export financing programs. The General Sales Manager Online System enables U.S. exporters and U.S. banks to submit required documentation online, or electronically, for the GSM-102 and Facility Guarantee Programs. These programs facilitate commercial financing of U.S. agricultural exports.

Users must establish an online account before they can submit applications for payment guarantees as well as submit the following via the Internet:

The new online system increases data reliability and reduces document-processing time for the three programs, which encourage exports to buyers in countries where credit is necessary to maintain or increase U.S. sales, but where financing may not be available without U.S. government guarantees.

Additional information about the GSM Online System System is available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/excredits/gsmonline/gettingstarted.asp.

Exporters who need further information should contact the Contract and Registration Branch of FAS at (202) 720-3224, or by email at AskGSM@fas.usda.gov. U.S. banks needing further information should contact the Bank Analysis Branch of FAS at 202-690-1249 or by e-mail at michelle.zissimos@usda.gov.