Includes how major projects are financed and gives examples where relevant. Explains activities of the multilateral development banks in and other aid-funded projects where procurement is open to U.S. bidders.
Last Published: 8/14/2019
Most U.S. Government international financing programs to support U.S. exports have halted consideration of transactions in Russia in response to Russia’s intervention in eastern Ukraine and purported annexation of Crimea.  This includes both the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC, soon to be transformed into the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, or “DFC”).  Prior to these suspensions, assistance had come in the form of working capital loans, loan guarantees, insurance, lease financing, grants for major projects, and in some cases, financing for the foreign buyers of U.S. manufactured products.  Other sources of international trade and project financing in Russia include regional development banks, usually tied to large infrastructure or other developmental projects (see “Multilateral Development Banks, below).

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers financing packages specifically targeted to assist small and medium-sized U.S. exporters expand overseas and fund export transaction costs or financing for the export of goods or services.  SBA programs can provide the liquidity needed to accept new orders, enter new markets and compete more effectively in the international marketplace.  Some of their programs include: Export Express Loan Program, Export Working Capital, International Trade Loans, and the SBA and EX-IM Bank Co-Guarantee program.  For more information, please go to the SBA website.

Multilateral Development Banks

In July 2014, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) froze all decisions regarding new projects in Russia.  However, the EBRD continues to support its existing projects and clients in Russia. 

The U.S. Commercial Service maintains Commercial Liaison Offices in each of the main Multilateral Development Banks, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank. These institutions lend billions of dollars in developing countries on projects aimed at accelerating economic growth and social development by reducing poverty and inequality, improving health and education, and advancing infrastructure development. The Commercial Liaison Offices help American businesses learn how to get involved in bank-funded projects, and advocate on behalf of American bidders. Learn more by contacting the Commercial Liaison Offices to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (http://export.gov/ebrd) and the World Bank (http://export.gov/worldbank).


 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.