January-September 2015: Largest-ever transaction and continuing increase for SMEs

The guarantee volume for the period was SEK 78.0 billion, compared with SEK 29.9 billion the previous year. The increase is primarily due to the Brazilian transaction. Even if the transaction is disregarded, the guarantee volume for the period showed an increase.

During the period, EKN guaranteed 1,186 export transactions destined for 106 countries, compared with 1,048 the previous year. A total of 95 per cent of the guarantee volume relates to emerging markets, which is an increase from 74 per cent the previous year. The large transaction with Brazil has contributed to the increase, but this has also been a trend for a number of years. It also means that the defence industry accounts for the largest proportion of the period's guarantee volume. Export transactions in the telecom, transport and mining sectors have also contributed to the guarantee volume increase.

“The Gripen transaction will strengthen and develop the long-standing business relations between Brazil and Sweden well into the future. It is part of our mission to guarantee payment risks in all sizes of export transactions. In parallel with this transaction, we have set a record for guarantees issued for SME transactions,” says Director General Karin Apelman.

EKN's focus on reaching out to more SMEs has been successful. The number of new SMEs choosing to guarantee their payment risks with EKN was 68, compared with 58 for the same period in 2014. The SME guarantee volume amounted to SEK 1.7 billion, compared with SEK 1.1 billion the previous year. The SME offer volume increased by nine per cent during the period.