OECD launches “landmark modernisation” of export credits

After years of negotiations, the Participants to the OECD Arrangement have agreed on a modernisation of export credit terms. The scope of projects eligible under the Climate Change Sector Understanding is broadened to include more climate-related investments. Maximum repayment terms will be increased from 18 to up to 22 years for climate-friendly and green transactions, and from 8.5/10 years to up to 15 years for most other transactions. Other improvements are a reduction of the minimum premium rates for longer repayment periods and more flexible repayment profiles.

While the reform package reflects climate awareness, it is much broader in scope and will improve flexibility in many social and infrastructural areas across the export finance spectrum.

ECAs as well as commercial banks and other financial institutions have long called for such a change. At EKN, Senior Advisor Barbro Johansson comments: “This is tremendous news for EKN and other ECAs who are looking for new ways to support exporters involved in, for example, energy transition projects. By updating the Arrangement to facilitate longer tenors, and with repayment profiles better tailored to the cash flows, it is a welcome development. This means that ECAs can increase their role in the transition,” she says and adds: “These long-awaited changes will improve the affordability of green and social infrastructure and allow the export finance market to play a more prominent role in contributing to a more sustainable world.”

Johansson points out that the increased flexibility must still be supported by a proper risk assessment. “While we welcome opportunities for longer and more flexible repayment terms, when justified, it will still be subject to sound underwriting which benefits all parties.”

Levelling the playing-field

TXF News calls the modernisation “a complete game changer for the export finance community and what many involved in export finance – commercial banks, ECAs, sponsors, borrowers, exporters, governments, funds, investors and others – have been pushing for over a good number of years. And it should ultimately also help in levelling up the so-called 'playing-field' with those countries operating outside the OECD Arrangement.”

The increased flexibility in the financing of green projects is certainly good news for Swedish exporters, concludes Johansson at EKN: “From hotbed startups to established multinational giants, Swedish companies that enjoy a prominent position in cleantech, thanks to innovations that help facilitate the transition to a carbon-free society. Electric mining equipment, transmission infrastructure for offshore wind farms and solar parks, non-fossil fertilizers and zero-emission as well as biofueled public transport are but a few examples.”