International Trade
The International Trade Loan Program offers term loans to businesses that plan to start or continue exporting or that that have been adversely affected by competition from imports. The proceeds of the loan must enable the borrower to be in a better position to compete. The program provides a 90% guaranty on loan amounts up to $5 million.
How Funds May Be Used
Funds may be used for permanent working capital, debt refinance or the acquisition, construction, renovation, modernization, improvement or expansion of long-term fixed assets.
Eligibility
International Trade loans are available to small businesses that are in a position to expand existing export markets or develop new export markets, or small businesses that have been adversely affected by international trade. Businesses must also be able to demonstrate that the loan proceeds will improve their competitive position.
Loan Amount
The maximum gross amount is $5 million and the SBA-guaranteed amount is $4.5 million.
Loan Maturity
The maturity of an International Trade Loan is 10 years for permanent working capital, up to 10 years for machinery and equipment or the useful life of the equipment (not to exceed 15 years) and up to 25 years for real estate.
Interest Rate
SBA does not establish or subsidize interest rates on loans. Interest rates are negotiated between the borrower and the lender, subject to SBA caps. Rates can either be fixed or variable, and are tied to the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal, the one-month LIBOR rate, or the optional peg rate that is published quarterly in the Federal Register. For loans greater than $50,000 and maturity in excess of seven years, lenders may charge up to 2.75 percent over prime rate.
SBA Fee
The SBA guaranty fee is the same as the regular SBA 7(a) loan program. The fee is charge on the guaranteed portion and is normally between 2 percent and 3.75 percent, depending on the size of the loan.
Collateral
International Trade loans are generally secured by a first lien position or first mortgage on the property or equipment financed by the loan. A second lien position on the property financed by loan may be accepted, if the SBA determines the second lien position provides adequate collateral coverage. Additional collateral (to the extent it is available) may be accepted to ensure that the loan is fully collateralized.
For More Information
For more information and application assistance, contact your local U.S. Export Assistance Center.
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