EXIM, Washington, 12 February 12 2025) The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. met with Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy to discuss financing for two new nuclear reactors at Kozloduy NPP, following EXIM’s $8.6 billion Letter of Interest. The project supports U.S. businesses and aims to strengthen American energy dominance and global competitiveness.
USA
How the Trump Administration’s Cuts to Development Assistance May Reshape Global Influence
Charged Affairs, Washington, 23 February 2025) The Trump administration’s cuts to USAID and foreign aid programs could reshape U.S. global influence, with a focus on strategic investments over humanitarian assistance. The shift may open opportunities for China to expand its influence, particularly in developing countries like the Cook Islands, where USAID’s withdrawal has led to Chinese funding. However, this move could also impact U.S. competitiveness in global infrastructure projects.
Meteoric maintains Caldeira momentum in bid to build low cost rare earths monster
Stockhead, Perth, |24 February) Meteoric Resources continues advancing its Caldeira project in Brazil, projecting industry-leading low operating costs and high potential returns. Despite a dip in share price, the company plans to finalize its pre-feasibility study soon and aims for production by 2027. Strategic partnerships, including agreements with U.S. and Canadian ECAs, are key to securing future funding.
EXIM Hosts Export Finance Australia, Highlighting Strong Partnership
(EXIM, Washington, 25 February 2025) The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. hosted Export Finance Australia to discuss enhancing their collaboration on critical minerals and supply chain shifts away from China. Both agencies plan to leverage the Single Point of Entry (SPE) initiative for streamlined financing and mutual strategic priorities.
Amaero Signs $22.8MM Credit Agreement with Export-Import Bank of the United States
(Abjournal, Narberth PA. 27 February 2025) Amaero International, a U.S. domestic producer of C103, refractory alloy and titanium powders, executed a credit agreement for a $22.8 million direct loan from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to boost its advanced manufacturing capabilities. The funding supports capital equipment purchases and aligns with U.S. initiatives to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign materials.
President Trump Strengthens Export-Import Bank of the United States, Supports U.S. Jobs by Establishing Board Quorum Through Acting Appointments
(EXIM, Washington, 28 February 28, 2025) President Trump has appointed senior officials James Cruse and James Burrows to lead the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) in acting roles, ensuring the bank is operational. These appointments support EXIM’s role in U.S. competitiveness and energy dominance, aligning with the “America First” agenda. The new leadership comes as the bank drives U.S. manufacturing and export goals forward.
US Sanctions on Gazprombank (Russian ECA?) Imperil Uzbek Copper Mine Expansion
(The Diplomat, Arlington, 5 December) The U.S. Treasury Department’s decision to slap sanctions on Gazprombank poses a potential major headache for Uzbekistan’s burgeoning mining industry, which until now has relied on the Russian lender to finance a $4.8 billion mine expansion set to nearly double the country’s copper production. The U.S. designation of Gazprombank could also result in a major financial hit for European mining and engineering firms, banks, and state-backed export credit agencies active in Uzbekistan, which have thus far continued to transact with entities financed by Gazprombank. Gazprombank has established partnerships with major world financial institutions and leading national import-export agencies. Access to international capital markets helps Gazprombank’s customers attract considerable amounts of funding on convenient terms. UKEF has guaranteed a €12.6m loan to Uzbekistan’s Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex to refinance its purchase of fully automated machinery from the Scottish multinational Weir.
Before Trump takeover France’s Total wants USEXIM to back its Mozambique gas export plan
(Africa Confidential, Cambridge, 20 December 2024) France’s TotalEnergies is making a final push to win United States funding for its liquefied natural gas project in northern Mozambique before Donald J Trump is inaugurated US President on 20 January. Total wants to restart the project held up after attacks on it by Islamist militias. The political fight over Mozambique’s disputed elections together with uncertainties about the incoming Trump administration’s position on the Total project have further delayed Exim Bank’s decision on financing.
Polish nuclear power plant receives €22bn financial backing from US, French & Canadian ECAs
(EnerData, Grenoble, 17 December 2024) The Lubiatowo-Kopalino nuclear power plant project has collected, based on the letters of intent received so far, declarations of financial commitment for a total equivalent of over PLN95bn (€22bn). The project developer Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) has received letters of intent from American and French companies to finance Poland’s first nuclear power plant. The French export credit agency Bpifrance Assurance Export and the French public development bank Sfil will provide over PLN15bn (€3.5bn) to the project. In addition, Export Development Canada will finance up to PLN6bn (€1.4bn), on top of commitments from the American International Development Finance Corporation (€17.5bn) and the US Export-Import Bank (€16.5bn). Cooperation with export credit agencies is an important part of the strategy to secure financing for the nuclear power plant.
Ex-Im Bank’s $2.5 billion Angola loan funds Chinese-tied firms, not American jobs
(Washington Examiner, Washington, 10 November 2024) The U.S. Export-Import Bank faces scrutiny over a $2.5 billion giveaway to green energy development in Angola that benefits foreign companies with ties to China and the Angolan president, despite the bank’s claims that it will support thousands of American jobs. The Ex-Im Bank, led by Biden administration appointee Reta Jo Lewis, loaned over $900 million in June 2023 and another $1.6 billion to American company Sun Africa, which is in charge of developing solar energy plants, mini-grids, and storage and water treatment facilities in Angola. The largest-ever Ex-Im loans were issued as part of the Biden administration’s flagship global infrastructure partnership and the China and Transformational Exports programs, which seek to support American companies competing against China. The bank touts that the financing will support over 4,700 American jobs. Despite the bank’s statements that the financing agreement benefits American exports and jobs, the announced suppliers are foreign companies and include firms close to Angolan President João Lourenço or frequent contractors to the Chinese government, the Washington Examiner can reveal.
