The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is celebrating World Trade Week — and World Trade Month throughout May — as an opportunity to underscore the importance of international trade to the U.S. economy.
With U.S. exports of goods and services totaling more than $2.5 trillion in 2021, EXIM President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis is highlighting the value of exporting with a special message.
“For 88 years, EXIM has played a critical role in fostering economic opportunity for U.S. companies and our workers,” Chair Lewis said. “As we move forward at this critical juncture, and as our nation and the world recover from the pandemic, my focus will be on helping the agency seize this historic opportunity to live up to our mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports."
EXIM President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis celebrates World Trade Month. You also can view her message here.
Chair Lewis’ message is illustrated by small businesses who have relied on EXIM’s solutions to grow their businesses, including:
- AcousticSheep of Erie, Pennsylvania, which opened two dozen new markets over the past four years.
- Darn Tough Vermont, of Northfield, Vermont, which expanded sales to more than 25 countries.
- KOVAL Distillery, of Chicago, Illinois, which generates about 30 percent of overall revenue from export sales.
Global Trade Strengthens the U.S. Economy
In proclaiming May 15-21 as World Trade Week, President Biden underscored the importance of exporting to the U.S. economy and its workforce. “Not only are we building American products and services here at home — we are selling them around the globe,” he said.
The President stressed the need for comprehensive trade policy that increases and diversifies the pool of American businesses engaging in international trade, particularly businesses in historically underserved communities — and he emphasized the key role EXIM plays in providing export assistance.
“We have made it possible for small and medium enterprises engaged in export-oriented manufacturing projects to benefit from medium- and long-term loans and loan guarantees offered by the Export-Import Bank of the United States,” he said.
To support underserved businesses, EXIM’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Division (MWOB) works closely with organizations that have a minority trade focus, to help spread the word about EXIM financing and create opportunities for export-ready U.S. businesses that are owned by women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Keep Your Business Growing While Navigating Challenges
To build on the momentum of World Trade Month, you’re invited to join EXIM in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Commercial Service, and U.S. Census Bureau for a special event on May 26, 2022, at 2 pm EDT:
Surviving & Thriving: Celebrating U.S. Small Businesses Going Global
During this free webinar, you will:
- Gain insights from successful small business exporters who continue to win international business.
- Learn about export financing and trade counseling services that can help your company reach global markets.
- Discover trade information resources to support your export plans.
Don't miss this opportunity — register today!
To find out how EXIM can help your business compete in the global marketplace, schedule a free consultation with a trade finance specialist and launch your export journey today.
