As Congress reconvened on Sept. 14, the California Chamber of Commerce urged the California congressional delegation to pass a robust, long-term reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM).
With the long-term reauthorization and targeted reforms, Congress can ensure that EXIM operates at full capacity to support American manufacturing, supply chains, and global competitiveness in an increasingly competitive international marketplace.
In its letter to the congressional delegation, CalChamber notes that reauthorizing EXIM for 10 years also will provide long-term certainty and enable the bank to meet demand for trade financing that fills critical gaps in private sector financing and helps level the global playing field
EXIM’s authorization is scheduled to expire this year.
Export-Import Bank
EXIM is the official export credit agency of the United States. Its mission is to support American job creation, prosperity, and security through exporting by unlocking financing solutions for U.S. companies competing around the globe.
EXIM Bank offers various programs to help small and medium-sized exporters with two specific objectives:
• To enhance an exporter’s success by incorporating insurance products that allow sellers to extend competitive credit terms to foreign buyers while mitigating risk and potential losses due to nonpayment of invoices (through export credit insurance); and
• To facilitate an exporter’s access to adequate and affordable capital from commercial lenders through loan guarantees and collateral eligibility of insured foreign account receivables.
In the 2025 fiscal year alone, EXIM authorized $8.7 billion in transactions supporting approximately 40,000 American jobs, with more than 87% of transactions directly supporting small businesses. The bank maintains a low default rate and, through fees and interest, continues to generate revenue for taxpayers.
California Global Standing
California’s nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of $4.25 trillion places the state behind only the United States, China, Germany, and Japan in global rankings. California is currently the fifth largest economy in the world.
Although trade is a nationally determined policy issue, its impact on California is immense. In 2025, California exported to more than 225 foreign markets. Trade offers the opportunity to expand the role of California’s exports.
EXIM is a vital element for U.S. exporter success. More than 115 foreign Export Credit Agencies provide broad financial support for their exporters. It is critical for U.S. industry to be supported by a strong, well-resourced finance partner like EXIM Bank to ensure competitiveness.
That is why CalChamber joined more than 300 chambers, associations, and companies on a coalition letter in July asking Congress to swiftly reauthorize the EXIM Bank.
The coalition letter, organized and submitted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, included organizations representing manufacturers, agricultural businesses, service companies, and other business from across every state in the country.
Advocate for Resilience
As the lead advocate and trusted resource for California businesses, CalChamber drives pro-growth policies, empowers employers with tools to thrive, and brings industry, government, local and international partners together to accelerate innovation and sustain a strong, resilient statewide economy.
In keeping with long-standing policy, CalChamber enthusiastically supports free trade worldwide, expansion of international trade and investment, fair and equitable market access for California products abroad, and elimination of disincentives that impede the international competitiveness of California business.
