Export Working Capital Financing
Explore export working capital financing options designed to help you meet your liquidity goals and help maximize the full potential of your export business.
M&T’s Working Capital Financing for Exporters & Indirect Exporters
Exporters often find that they lack sufficient working capital to fill their export orders because banks may limit the use of inventory destined for export or foreign accounts receivable in the borrowing base.
Indirect exporters, who sell goods or services to U.S. export companies, may face similar challenges in securing working capital loans.
The M&T International Trade Finance Group can deliver the capital you need to expand your export capabilities. We leverage programs offered by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to possibly extend increased loan amounts and expanded credit criteria to meet your working capital needs.
The M&T Advantage
Increased Collateral Value
By including exportable inventory (raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods) and foreign accounts receivable in the borrowing base, M&T is able to make a larger loan on your existing collateral base.
You’ll benefit from generous advance rates:
- 75% for inventory, including work-in-process
- 90% on the foreign accounts receivable
Fast Service
M&T is a delegated authority lender of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. We can accommodate an Ex-Im Bank guarantee for up to $7.5 million per exporter. We can also accommodate the SBA’s guarantee up to its maximum. This means fast service and no time lost waiting for government approvals.
Requirements for Revolving Lines of Credit
The line of credit can be on a revolving basis, usually for one year, or on a transaction-specific basis for as long as needed.
General Exporting Requirements
- All disbursements must finance actual exports from the United States
- Export business must have at least a one-year operating history
- Export business must have a positive net worth
Indirect Exporter Requirements
As a manufacturer and supplier of goods and/or services to a U.S. buyer, you may qualify under a U.S. government-sponsored program to get assistance with your working capital. In recent years, the Export-Import Bank and SBA have altered their working capital programs to provide financing for Indirect Exporters (companies that produce goods or services that are sold to U.S. companies and are subsequently exported). Contact us to learn more about how we can support your financing objectives.
Letter of Credit Financing (for Exporters)
If needed, Letters of Credit for bid and performance bonds or Standby Letters of Credit can be covered under the working capital line. Collateral requirements are reduced at 25% of the Letter of Credit amount.
Exporter Customer Spotlight
Learn how M&T Bank worked with a packaging machinery manufacturer in western New York to improve a cash flow shortage and pay its employees and suppliers.
The Situation
The company was unable to borrow against export-related inventory and foreign accounts receivable, and the buyer’s payment would not be made until shortly after goods were shipped. The company needed a bank that was willing to lend against the contract-specific inventory and resulting account receivable, thus providing the working capital necessary for production.
The M&T Approach
M&T provided a working capital loan guaranteed by the Export-Import Bank with expanded advance rates against the export-related inventory and the foreign account receivable.
The Results
- Down payment flowed directly into operations
- Improved cash flow enabled the manufacturer to pay suppliers and employees on time
- Competitive advantage was gained by offering extended terms to the buyer and not requiring payment in advance
- Profitable deal was completed by securing the proper bank financing
Indirect Exporter Customer Spotlight
Learn how we helped an equipment manufacturer for the food processing industry to improve cash flow and be able to pay its employees and suppliers.
The Situation
The company was restricted under its current borrowing because 80% of its inventory was tied up in WIP, which banks typically exclude as collateral in a domestic line of credit. Additionally, the buyer wanted extended terms and would not make payment until after the company shipped the exportable goods.
The M&T Approach
M&T provided a working capital loan guaranteed by the Export-Import Bank with expanded advance rates against the indirect export-related inventory, including WIP.
The Results
- Improved cash flow enabled the manufacturer to pay suppliers and employees on time
- Competitive advantage was gained by offering extended terms to the buyer and not requiring payment in advance
- Profitable deal was completed by securing the proper bank financing