Export Credit Agency

Export Credit Agency

An agency established by a country to finance its nation's goods, investment, and services, often offers political risk insurance.

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Export Credit Agency

A private or semi-governmental body that extends credit to local exporters. ECAs also provide guarantees and insurance for exports, and occasionally for imports as well. Sometimes governments use ECAs to subsidize exporters and related businesses, but this is generally frowned upon in international circles. ECAs are controversial; critics allege that their existence negatively impacts international development as developing countries cannot compete with such insured exports. Proponents of ECAs argue that they enable developing countries to import products they otherwise would not be able to afford.