Export-Import Bank of the United States

811 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20571

202-565-3946
800-565-3946
http://www.exim.gov

The Export-Import Bank helps finance the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (ExIm Bank), established in 1934, operates as an independent agency of the U.S. Government under the authority of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended (12 U.S.C. 635 et seq.). Its Board of Directors comprises the President and Chair, the First Vice President and Vice Chair, and three directors—a total of five members. With the advice and consent of the Senate, the President appoints all of them.

The ExIm Bank helps American exporters adjust to government-supported financing competition from other countries. The assistance allows U.S. exports to compete for overseas business on the basis of price, performance, and service, which protects U.S. jobs. The Bank also fills gaps in the availability of commercial financing for creditworthy export transactions by providing a variety of financing mechanisms, including working capital guarantees, export-credit insurance, and financing for the purchase of U.S. goods and services.

The Bank is required to find a reasonable assurance of repayment for each transaction it supports. Its legislation requires it to meet the financing terms of competitor export credit agencies, but not to compete with commercial lenders. Restrictions also apply to the Bank's support for military goods and services and to its operation in some countries.

A self-sustaining agency, EXIM operates at no cost to taxpayers. Since 2009, EXIM has contributed nearly $3.8 billion to American taxpayers.

Activities

The ExIm Bank is authorized to have loans, guarantees, and insurance outstanding at any one time in aggregate amount not exceeding $120 billion. A variety of Ex-Im Bank programs offered under broad export financing categories—working capital guarantees, export credit insurance, loan guarantees, and direct loans—support U.S. exporters.

The Bank's regional offices focus on small business outreach and support. Its Small Business Committee makes recommendations on and coordinates and evaluates Bank functions necessary for an effective small-business strategy.

Sources of Information

Electronic Updates

An online subscription form is available to sign up for email updates from the Ex-Im Bank.

Employment

To carry out its mission, the Bank relies on professionals with a range of skills and expertise: attorney-advisors, business development and loan specialists, economists, engineers, and resource managers in accounting, finance, human resources, and information technology.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

A FOIA request must be made in writing. It may be submitted using the online request form or by email, fax, or postal mail.

News

ExIm Bank posts board agendas and meeting minutes, reports, and speeches online.

The Chair writes a quarterly newsletter that includes information on the Bank's performance over the previous 3 months. The newsletter also includes analysis of global economic trends, customer stories, practical export tips, upcoming Bank events, and other resources.

Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

The OIG investigates complaints of abuse, fraud, and waste. Phone, 888-644-3946.

Open Government

The ExIm Bank is becoming more collaborative, participatory, and transparent by making data available in an open format and by providing a mechanism for the public to submit feedback.

Project Information and Concerns

The "Environmental and Social Project Information and Concerns" Web page provides an online form for expressing project-specific concerns, requesting project-specific information, or submitting information on a particular project.

Regional Offices

The ExIm Bank operates regional export finance centers and field offices nationwide. A List of these centers, with their contact information, is available online.

For further information, contact the Business Development Office, Export-Import Bank, 811 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20571. Phone, 202-565-3946 or 800-565-3946.