Ex-Im Reauthorization

The U.S. Export-Import Bank is known as a "sunset agency," which, trust us, is not as romantic as it sounds. It means that Ex-Im must rely on Congress to re-authorize its operations through supporting legislation. No approval, and the sun goes down on business as usual.

Ex-Im's current authorization is set to expire on September 30, 2014. Ex-Im has recently submitted a request to renew its charter for another 5 years - through FY2019 - and this issue is sure to be in the news over the summer.

In the event of a lag in reauthorization or a disruption of normal operations, we will do our best to keep you informed. Keep in mind that we can also help you evaluate the other options available to you for your insurance and financing needs.

If you would like more information or want to lend your voice to the public debate, consider contacting your Congressperson.

Read what Small Businesses say about how Ex-Im supports expanded exports.

For more info on Ex-Im Bank's 80th Anniversary and Chronology click here.

Russia/Ukraine

The political upheaval and international crisis surrounding Ukraine and Russia has the potential to greatly impact economic relations and disrupt international trade.

Please note that Ex-Im Bank remains open for coverage in both countries although Discretionary Credit Limits have been withdrawn -(CLS Note 1). Buyer underwriting now requires credit reports on all buyers in Russia and Ukraine, even for SBCL renewals. Please remember to check the Country Limitation Schedule regularly. We have also seen evidence of private Insurers pulling back credit limits for buyers in Ukraine since the end of April.

In addition to global news sources, the following resources may give you an additional perspective as to how some major Insurers view the situation:

Euler - Weekly Export Risk Outlook (28 May 2014)
Euler - Country Report, Russia (31 March 2014)
Euler - Country Report, Ukraine (19 March 2014)

Atradius - Monthly Economic Update (May 2014)
Atradius - Trade Guide, Russia (2011)

FCIA - Major Country Developments (May 2014)

Coface - Country Risk Assessment, Russia
Coface - Country Risk Assessment, Ukraine

AIG's New Medium-Term Insurance

AIG has recently introduced a Medium-Term Trade Credit Insurance solution that provides protection for manufacturers and financial institutions against loss due to a customer or borrower's non-payment for capital goods, machinery and related equipment sold on payment terms of 2-5 years.

Click here for AIG's full product profile and Contact TAG if you are interested in learning more!

What's NEXT?

U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker recently announced that the Obama Administration will build on the success of the National Export Initiative (NEI) by launching NEI/NEXT: a new customer service-driven strategy with improved information resources that will ensure American businesses are fully able to capitalize on expanded opportunities to sell their goods and services abroad.

NEI/NEXT will help American companies reach more overseas markets by improving data, providing information on specific export opportunities, working more closely with financing organizations and service providers, and partnering with states and communities to empower local export efforts.

Click here to see State Export Information and Success Stories.

If you want to have a little fun with your friends, click here for the NEI/NEXT Acronym List. You can ask their opinion on the TPP and T-TIP or what OMB has in store for the SBA, USTDA, and OPIC in the next fiscal year.