Export Finance for International Trade Businesses
International trade businesses exporting UK goods and services face long payment cycles, currency risk, and buyer creditworthiness concerns. Export finance addresses all three: providing working capital to fulfil orders, credit insurance against buyer default, and (through UKEF) government-backed support.
For businesses where export is a significant revenue stream, a structured export finance facility, combining working capital, credit insurance, and letters of credit, provides the confidence to grow international sales.
Key Benefits
- Working capital to fulfil export orders before payment
- Credit insurance against buyer default in any country
- UKEF-backed facilities improve terms and availability
- Grow international sales with confidence in payment security
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a manufacturer to use export finance?
No. Trading companies, distributors, and service exporters are also eligible. UKEF support is available for both goods and services exported from the UK.
What about exporting services?
Service exports (consultancy, engineering, IT, creative) are eligible for UKEF support and export finance. The facility funds your working capital costs (staff time, travel) while the overseas client pays.
How do I manage currency risk?
Export finance providers can offer multi-currency facilities. For managing exchange rate risk, forward contracts (locking in a rate for future payment) are the standard tool, available through your bank or FX specialist.
What if the overseas buyer wants credit terms?
UKEF can provide buyer credit guarantees, allowing you to offer competitive payment terms (e.g. 2-5 year credit) to overseas buyers. This is a powerful competitive tool, especially for capital equipment sales.
Related Funding Options
Trade Finance for Import & Export Businesses
Letters of credit, import finance, and supplier guarantees for UK international trade businesses.
Unsecured Business Loans for Import & Export
Working capital for UK import and export businesses. Fund international trade, customs costs, and currency management.
Invoice Finance UK
Release cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Invoice factoring and discounting for UK businesses. Advance up to 90% of invoice value within 24 hours.
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Get matched with lendersCoreFi is a trading name of JG Core Ltd (Company #16218779, England & Wales). CoreFi acts as a commercial finance broker and does not provide regulated financial advice. All products described are unregulated business-to-business finance. Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute a formal offer of finance. Terms, rates, and availability are subject to lender criteria and may change without notice.