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International sales of high-value capital goods or services and exports to large-scale projects, which require medium- or long-term financing, often pose special challenges to exporters as commercial lenders may be reluctant to lend large sums to foreign buyers, especially those in developing countries, for extended periods. One viable solution to these challenges is foreign buyer financing offered by the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank). As the official U.S. export credit agency, Ex-Im Bank supports the purchases of U.S. goods and services by creditworthy foreign buyers who are unable to obtain the financing they need through traditional commercial sources. Ex-Im Bank does not compete with commercial lenders but provides products that fill gaps in trade financing by assuming country and credit risks that the private sector is unable or unwilling to accept. With Ex-Im Bank’s foreign buyer financing, U.S. exporters can turn their business opportunities into real transactions and get paid cash on delivery and acceptance of the goods or services.
Applicability |
Suitable for the export of high-value capital goods or services or large-scale projects that require extended-term financing |
Risk |
Risk is transferred to Ex-Im Bank and to the foreign buyer who is required to make a 15 percent cash down payment to the exporter |
Pros |
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Cons |
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Ex-Im Bank assists U.S. exporters by: (a) providing direct loans; or (b) guaranteeing repayment of commercial loans to creditworthy foreign buyers for purchases of U.S. goods and services. These loans are generally used to finance the purchase of high-value capital equipment or services or exports to large-scale projects that require medium- or long-term financing. Ex-Im Bank’s foreign buyer financing is also used to finance the purchase of refurbished equipment, software, and certain banking and legal fees, as well as some local costs and expenses. There is no minimum or maximum limit to the size of the export sale that may be supported by the Bank’s foreign buyer financing. Ex-Im Bank requires the foreign buyer to make a cash payment to the exporter equal to at least 15 percent of the U.S. supply contract. Repayment terms up to five years are available for exports of capital goods and services. Transportation equipment and exports to large-scale projects may be eligible for repayment terms up to 10 years (12 to 18 years for certain sectors). Military items are generally not eligible for Ex-Im Bank financing nor are sales to foreign military entities. In addition, goods must meet the Bank’s foreign content requirements. Finally, Ex-Im Bank financing may not be available in certain countries and certain terms for U.S. government policy reasons (for more information, see the Country Limitation Schedule posted on the Bank’s Web site, www.exim.gov, under the “Apply” section).
For more information about loans from Ex-Im Bank, visit its Web site at www.exim.gov or call 1-800-565-EXIM (3946).