The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is an independent U.S. government agency and the official credit agency of the United States. It was founded with the task of facilitating foreign purchases of American products for customers incapable or reluctant to accept credit risks. Ex-Im Bank does not compete with private sector lenders, but rather assumes credit and country risks that the private sector is unable or unwilling to accept and allows transactions to take place.

• Extend Credit and Get Paid- Short-Term Export Credit Service -- Ex-Im Bank makes certain you get paid on your export credit sales on payment terms up to one year. The bank will cover 90-100% of your commercial and political risks.
  
• This product allows you to increase your export sales on payment terms by protecting you against nonpayment when you extend credit to your international buyers. You may also obtain financing for your foreign receivables by assigning your insurance policy.
  
• Benefits of Credit Insurance 
  • Expand Sales and Develop New Markets
  • Boost Borrowing Power
  • Stabilize Cash Flow

• Direct Loans -- The Export-Import Bank approved almost $3.2 billion in direct support of U.S. small businesses as primary exporters in 2006. They authorized 2,253 transactions that were made available for the direct benefit of small business exporters. Ex-Im Bank approved 818 small business transactions of $500,000 or less in 2006.
  
• Indirect Loans -- Ex-Im Bank estimates that the total value of indirect small-business content associated with transactions supported through the Bank's long-term loans and guarantees authorizations during 2006 was $912 million out of a total estimated export value of $7.5 billion.