Export-Import Bank

Export-import Bank (Ex-IM Bank)

The U.S. federal government agency that extends trade credits to U.S. companies to facilitate the financing of U.S. exports.

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Export-Import Bank

The United States government's export credit agency, which extends credit to American exporters. The ExIm Bank also provides guarantees and insurance for exports. Unlike some other export credit agencies, it is not allowed to compete with private banks; it simply extends credit for transactions that would not otherwise receive it. Like other export credit agencies, however, the ExIm Bank is controversial; critics allege that ECAs negatively impact 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.