Export-Import Bank

The Export-Import Bank of the United States helps the private sector to create and maintain U. S. jobs by financing exports of the Nation's goods and services. To accomplish this mission, the Bank offers a variety of loan, guarantee, and insurance programs to support transactions that would not be awarded to U. S. companies without the Bank's assistance. The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im 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 consists of a President and Chairman, a First Vice President and Vice Chair, and three other Directors, all are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Ex-Im Bank's mission is to help American exporters meet government-supported financing competition from other countries, so that U. S. exports can compete for overseas business on the basis of price, performance, and service, and in doing so help create and sustain U. S. jobs. The Bank also fills gaps in the availability of commercial financing for creditworthy export transactions. Ex-Im 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. Legislation restricts the Bank's operation in some countries and its support for military goods and services.