Trade Finance Services

Welcome to the Trade Finance Hub

Explore how we can support your business with tailored trade finance solutions to boost your international imports and exports. Whether you're looking to secure funding or expand your knowledge, our hub offers the latest insights, research and resources to help you navigate global trade with confidence.

Access Trade,
Receivables and Supply Chain Finance.

We help businesses secure trade and receivables financing through our network of over 270 banks, funds and alternative lenders.

  • What Is Trade Finance
  • Benefits of Trade Finance
  • Who Benefits from Trade Finance
  • How We Can Help
  • Want to Learn More About Trade Finance

What Is Trade Finance?

Trade finance refers to the financial tools and services that support the movement of goods and services in international and domestic trade. It provides working capital at different stages of a transaction-helping suppliers, buyers and intermediaries manage cash flow, reduce risk and complete deals smoothly.

Whether you're purchasing raw materials, shipping finished goods, or waiting on invoice payments, trade finance bridges the cash flow gap and keeps your business moving.

Why It Matters

Managing working capital is essential for any business involved in trade. Trade finance allows companies to:
  • Unlock funds tied up in purchase orders, stock, or receivables
  • Offer competitive terms to customers and suppliers
  • Shorten payment cycles and maintain liquidity
  • Grow without waiting on payments

    • In essence, it’s a key driver of global commerce. In fact, estimates suggest up to 80% of global trade relies on some form of trade finance.

    How Trade Finance Works

    A typical trade finance transaction involves:
  • A buyer (importer)
  • A seller (exporter)
  • A finance provider

    • Transactions are backed by documents such as contracts, invoices, shipping records and insurance. The financier provides funding or guarantees payment based on these terms.

    Common Trade Finance Instruments

  • Purchase Order (PO) Finance – Advance funds based on confirmed orders
  • Stock or Inventory Finance – Funding tied to goods in storage or transit
  • Structured Commodity Finance – Tailored solutions for commodity traders
  • Invoice Finance & Factoring – Advance payment on outstanding receivables
  • Supply Chain Finance – Early payment for suppliers using buyer’s credit strength
  • Letters of Credit (LCs) – Secure payment between buyer and seller
  • Bonds & Guarantees – Support for contract performance and compliance
    • Trade finance can be used for both import and export activities, making it a versatile tool for businesses involved in cross-border trade.

    Benefits of Trade Finance for Businesses

    Trade finance plays a critical role in helping companies manage cash flow, reduce risk and support growth-especially in global markets where payment terms, trust and timing are often challenging.

    Key Advantages of Trade Finance :

    Access to Capital Without Added DebtTrade finance unlocks working capital tied up in inventory, receivables, or confirmed orders. This gives businesses access to funding without taking on traditional loans or overextending their credit. Stronger Supplier and Customer Relationships By bridging payment gaps, trade finance allows companies to offer better terms to both buyers and suppliers-supporting long-term partnerships and a more reliable supply chain. Larger Orders, Better PricingWith improved cash flow, businesses can place larger orders, take advantage of bulk discounts and increase efficiency through economies of scale. Improved Cash Flow ManagementTrade finance helps reduce key metrics like Days Payable Outstanding (DPO) and Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), supporting more stable financial planning and operations. Supports Business GrowthWhether you’re scaling operations, fulfilling large contracts, or entering new markets, trade finance gives you the flexibility to expand without tying up cash

    Who Benefits from Trade Finance?

    Trade finance is widely used by:
  • SMEs looking to scale without access to large credit lines
  • Large corporations managing complex global supply chains
  • Governments and public entities financing infrastructure or development trade

    • Why It’s Especially Valuable for SME :

    Unlike traditional lending, trade finance focuses on the strength of the transaction-not just the borrower’s balance sheet. This allows smaller businesses to:
  • Take on larger orders
  • Work with higher-credit buyers
  • Grow despite limited financial history or collateral
  • Trade finance structures also come with built-in risk mitigation, helping companies reduce exposure to:
  • Late payments
  • Bad debts
  • Inventory pressure

    • How We Can Help

    We connect your business with the right trade finance solutions through our network of 300+ global lenders. Our team of industry and regional experts helps you navigate complex transactions, unlock working capital and scale with confidence.

    Want to Learn More About Trade Finance?

    You're in the right place. Explore our curated insights, expert articles and in-depth research on trade and export finance. Stay up to date with the latest trends in global trade, listen to industry-focused podcasts and access thought leadership content-all designed to help you navigate the world of international commerce with confidence.

    FAQ'S

    Trade finance supports various payment structures to reduce risk and improve cash flow in international transactions. The most common methods include:

    Cash Advances: Payment is made to the seller before shipment, offering minimal risk to the exporter and ensuring upfront capital. Letters of Credit (LCs): A bank guarantees payment to the seller once specific conditions and documentation are met, offering strong security for both buyer and seller. Documentary Collection: The seller’s bank sends shipping documents to the buyer’s bank and payment is made upon document acceptance, providing a controlled but less secure method than LCs. Open Account: The buyer receives the goods first and pays later, typically within 30–90+ days; ideal for trusted partners but riskier for exporters, who may need financing to cover the payment gap.

    USA

    Exim Trade Finance 30 Wall Street,
    7-8 Fl Suite #133, New York, NY, 10005, USA

    +1 (929) 563-6077

    India – Mumbai

    2nd Floor, Marine Drive, Express Towers,
    Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400021

    +91 91752 17909

    London

    167–169 Great Portland Street, 5th Floor,
    London, England W1W 5PF

    +44 20 4577 0397
    Phone