The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of export finance globally. Through its Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits (the Arrangement), the OECD aims to create a level playing field for exporters from member countries by establishing rules and guidelines for officially supported export credits.
The core objective of the Arrangement is to prevent unfair competition arising from the use of subsidized export finance. This is achieved by setting minimum standards for terms and conditions, including interest rates, repayment periods, and risk premiums, that officially supported export credits must adhere to. The intention is to ensure that export decisions are driven by commercial considerations rather than by the availability of artificially cheap financing.
Officially supported export credits typically take the form of export credit insurance, direct lending, or refinancing provided by export credit agencies (ECAs). These ECAs, often government-backed or affiliated institutions, offer financial support to exporters by mitigating risks associated with international trade, such as non-payment or political instability in the importing country. The OECD Arrangement governs the terms under which these agencies can provide support.
The OECD Arrangement covers a broad range of export credit activities, including medium and long-term credits for capital goods and services. However, certain sectors, like agricultural commodities and military equipment, are generally excluded or subject to specific provisions. Furthermore, the Arrangement differentiates between developed and developing countries, allowing for more flexibility in the terms of export credits provided to less affluent nations.
Key elements addressed by the OECD Arrangement include: Minimum interest rates, which aim to prevent interest rate subsidies; Maximum repayment terms, ensuring that credits are not extended for excessively long periods; Minimum premium rates, reflecting the risk associated with the transaction; Transparency requirements, compelling member countries to disclose information about their officially supported export credits. These provisions help to promote a more transparent and predictable environment for international trade finance.
The OECD regularly reviews and updates the Arrangement to adapt to evolving market conditions and emerging challenges. These revisions may address issues such as sustainable lending practices, environmental and social risks, and the role of export credits in supporting projects that contribute to global development goals. As international trade and finance continue to evolve, the OECD’s role in fostering fair competition and sustainable practices in export finance remains vital.