The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is an independent and vital federal agency that supports American jobs and businesses by facilitating the export of American-made goods and services to overseas customers. EXIM operates under a congressional charter that expires after a set number of years, so Congress must vote to reauthorize it to keep it in operation. Here’s why Congress must act quickly to reauthorize and strengthen the EXIM bank:
1. EXIM sustains American jobs and drives economic growth.
By helping American businesses sell their goods and services abroad, EXIM opens new markets, strengthens U.S. manufacturing, and helps companies grow – sustaining existing jobs and creating new ones. Since 2014, EXIM has supported over $175 billion in total export value of American-made goods and services, fueling economic growth for thousands of American companies in communities across the country.
2. EXIM ensures American companies can compete in the global market.
EXIM reduces barriers for exporting by giving American businesses the tools they need to win contracts, reach new customers, and compete with foreign exporters. Tools like financing and credit assistance make it possible for American firms to pursue deals that might be otherwise out of reach.
3. EXIM supports small and medium-sized businesses.
Small and medium-sized businesses often don’t have access to commercial financing options to expand sales to overseas customers. That’s where EXIM steps in, providing loan guarantees, export credit insurance, and working capital. In fact, the bulk of EXIM transactions support small businesses. In 2025, 87% of EXIM transactions directly benefited U.S. small business exporters.
4. EXIM levels the playing field.
There are at least 115 foreign export credit agencies offering competitive financing tools that give their exporters a leg up in competitive markets. American companies need EXIM to help level the playing field when bidding against foreign competitors like China whose export credit agencies are investing 14 times more than EXIM Bank.
5. EXIM makes money for the taxpayer.
EXIM is a self-sustaining agency and can offset, or pay-back, its allocated funding and help pay down U.S. debt. Since 1992, EXIM has generated $9.8 billion in revenue for U.S taxpayers after providing for expenses and administrative costs.
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The House of Representatives Reauthorizes U.S. Export-Import Bank