exportkrediter

Exportkrediter are financial arrangements that provide financing for the sale of goods and services to foreign buyers. They are commonly offered by export credit agencies (ECAs) or banks with government backing, and may be designed to support national exporters by enabling competitive credit terms for international buyers.

Common instruments include buyer's credits, where the importer obtains a loan to pay for the purchase with the ECA or bank guaranteeing the loan; supplier credits, where the exporter extends credit directly to the importer; and export credit guarantees or political risk insurance, which protect lenders or exporters against default, currency, or political risks. Programs may combine financing with guarantees or insurance and may include coverage of pre- and post-shipment costs.

Repayment terms vary widely, from short-term financing to long-term facilities of 5 to 20 years for infrastructure projects. Interest rates are typically linked to reference rates plus a margin and may be subsidized in whole or in part under official programs. Some export credit facilities also provide currency risk management or credit enhancements to lenders.

Official export credits are coordinated internationally under the OECD Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits, which sets guidelines on terms, maturities, interest rates, and subsidies to promote fair competition and debt sustainability. ECAs evaluate the creditworthiness of buyers, project risk, and country risk before approving support.

Exportkrediter can help domestic industries access international markets and spur investment in large projects, particularly in infrastructure and capital goods. They also draw criticism for potentially subsidizing exports, distorting competition, and affecting debt sustainability in importing countries; supporters argue they reduce financing risk and enable strategic gains.