Export and Import Bank

September 13, 2022
Imports And Exports

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) is an independent, self-sustaining agency with more than 80 years record of supporting U.S. jobs by financing the export of American goods and services.

EXIM Bank's mission is American jobs.

By financing the export of American goods and services, EXIM Bank has supported 1.4 million private-sector, American jobs in the past seven years, supporting 109, 000 jobs in FY 2015 alone.

EXIM Bank is more critical than ever to small businesses.

Small business exporters need certainty and protection to tackle new markets, expand and create jobs. In FY 2015, nearly 90 percent of EXIM Bank's transactions—more than 2, 300—directly supported American small businesses.

EXIM Bank is efficient and delivers for the American taxpayer.

Over the past two decades, the Bank has generated nearly $7 billion more than the cost of its operations. That's money EXIM Bank generates for the American taxpayer, to help reduce the federal deficit.

EXIM Bank is vital to countering aggressive foreign competition.

With nearly 85 other export credit agencies around the world trying to win jobs for their own countries, EXIM Bank helps level the playing field for American businesses. "Made in America" is still the best brand in the world, and EXIM Bank ensures that U.S. companies never lose out on a sale because of attractive financing from foreign governments.

EXIM Bank responsibly manages risk.

As reported to Congress, EXIM Bank's active default rate was 0.235%— less than one quarter of one percent—as of September 30, 2015. EXIM Bank is committed to effective risk management and maintains prudent reserves to cover potential losses – seventeen times greater than the Bank's current default rate.

EXIM Bank does not compete with the private sector.

EXIM Bank fills export financing gaps through its loan, guarantee, and insurance programs when the private sector is unable or unwilling to do so. At the same time, private sector lenders are EXIM Bank's partners. In FY 2015, nearly 90 percent of EXIM Bank transactions involved commercial financial institutions.

The Export-Import Bank has a long history of bipartisan support.

: "[EXIM Bank's] record of repaid loans and repayable loans, your infinitesimal portion of written-off loans is one that I can do nothing except to say congratulations to your Directors, the President, and to all of you."

: "...the Export-Import Bank has created a wholly new program of export financing which now provides U.S. business with credit facilities equal to any in the world."

: "In order for the United States to maintain its strong position in foreign markets, it is important that the Congress pass the Export-Import Bank bill and avoid attaching unnecessary encumbrances."

: "Exports create and sustain jobs for millions of American workers and contribute to the growth and strength of the United States economy. The Export-Import Bank contributes in a significant way to our nation's export sales."