A VARIETY OF U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, state government units, and multilateral lenders offer trade finance programs that are used by smaller and mid-size U.S. exporters.

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK
The Ex-Im Bank, most active of the U.S. agencies, is required to deliver at least 20% of its annual financing to smaller exporters. It has been increasing the value and number of these transactions, and the number of firms whose business it supports. 

Smaller firms are major users of Ex-Im’s working capital guarantee and short-term credit insurance programs, use its medium-term programs, and occasionally its long-term guarantees.

THE WORKING CAPITAL FACILITY supports loans by private lenders that help exporters pay for, and fabricate, the products sold to foreign buyers.
THE SHORT-TERM EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE PROGRAMS provide protection against non-payment by foreign buyers. Smaller firms actively use the “multi-buyer” program that covers the payment risk typically  of 5-10, or 15-20 customers.

THE MEDIUM-TERM FACILITIES (guarantees and insurance) support equipment financing with payments typically of five years.

Delivery of Ex-Im programs is mostly accomplished through about 135 lenders (banks, finance companies)and about 50 credit insurance brokers. Some 50 state-local government units serve as facilitators.

The Bank has a national office network. Units can be found in New York, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, San Diego, San Francisco, and Orange County. Contact info is located on its web site (www.exim.gov).

AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
The Ag Dept. offers two export finance programs, one for food and agricultural products, the other for equipment used in agribusiness-related facilities. Focus is on emerging markets. Small & mid-size exporters are a recent priority.

THE EXPORT CREDIT GUARANTEE program (GSM-102) supports the sale of commodities (grain, lumber, fruit) and "high-value" items (beer, ice cream, soft drinks).
The program guarantees  payments due from foreign banks to exporters or financial institutions in the U.S. Typically, the exporter is paid by the U.S. bank as shipments occur, the U.S. bank extends credit to a foreign bank that  issues a letter of credit.
The Dept. announces allocations of program cover to specific markets, products. Web site lists approved lenders (U.S., abroad), eligible products. Delivery is online. The web site is at fas.usda.gov/excredits.

THE FACILITY GUARANTEE program finances equipment, services to build or improve storage, processing, and handling operations that will expand U.S. agricultural commodities exports.
The program covers deferred payment terms (to ten years) under a foreign bank letter of credit. Allocation of program cover is announced periodically, identifying countries or regions. Focus is on the Americas.