WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The Trump Administration is expanding export financing tools to strengthen overseas demand for U.S. agricultural products, giving foreign buyers more flexibility while supporting American farmers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new repayment options under its Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) to improve competitiveness in key growth markets.
Under the updated policy, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will offer an 18-month, lump-sum repayment option that allows approved foreign buyers to repay the full loan amount at the end of the term rather than through scheduled installments. The option will initially apply to buyers in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia — regions USDA views as critical for long-term export growth.
USDA officials say the change aligns GSM-102 with common private-sector financing practices, making U.S. products easier to purchase in markets where credit access can limit trade. The agency emphasized that the adjustment does not increase financial risk to the program while expanding its practical use.
Farm-Level Takeaway: More flexible export financing could strengthen demand in emerging markets and support higher U.S. agricultural exports.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
GSM-102 provides credit guarantees to U.S. banks and exporters financing foreign purchases of American food and agricultural products through approved foreign banks. While the program has long allowed repayment terms of up to 18 months, this marks the first time borrowers can choose a single end-of-term payment structure.
The announcement was made during an agribusiness trade mission to Indonesia, part of broader efforts to open new markets, reduce trade barriers, and expand access to U.S. farm goods abroad.
WTO gauges point to agricultural raw materials trade growing more slowly than overall goods, reinforcing the need to manage export risk and monitor policy shifts closely.
December 03, 2025 03:46 PM
·
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined us to break down what telehealth entails and which conditions can be managed through remote appointments.
December 03, 2025 02:17 PM
·
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
December 03, 2025 01:52 PM
·
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
December 03, 2025 01:36 PM
·
Federal lawyers submitted a brief this week backing Bayer’s argument that federal laws governing herbicides like Roundup should prevent lawsuits over the popular chemical.
December 03, 2025 12:08 PM
·
China’s renewed purchases signal improving sorghum demand at a time when export markets are otherwise uneven. Meanwhile, agriculture groups across the U.S, Canada, and Mexico want to protect close trade relations.
December 03, 2025 11:51 AM
·
The Environmental Protection Agency confirms that new single-fluorinated pesticides are not PFAS and remain fully compliant with current safety standards.
December 03, 2025 11:00 AM
·
December 02, 2025 01:26 PM
Strong demand supports sweet potatoes, but grading challenges and rising costs weigh on returns for Southeastern growers.
December 02, 2025 06:17 AM
·
