Crude oil producers got a sharp wake-up call with the recent Dutch court ruling against Shell. In a fast changing world many of the big oil producers need a wake up to the full reality of reducing emissions. At the same time some realism needs to remain during such transitionary periods.
The Ever Given container ship has been ‘arrested’ and the Egyptian authorities are demanding massive compensation. And with the Japanese owners of the ship declaring ‘general average’ there is now a virtual minefield for shippers and insurers to navigate. We explore some of the potential issues.
On 27 April the European Union (EU) ratified the Brexit trade agreement with the United Kingdom. Here, TXF speaks to Alan Farkas, partner at international law firm Dorsey & Whitney, about whether the ratification has set the EU on a path to granting the UK ‘equivalence’ and what the agreement might mean for the financial services sector.
Changes to the rules on local content within ECA-backed export financing is just one of the elements of the OECD Arrangement that many have been asking for. Now an increase in the local content percentage rule looks set to give the export finance community a fillip it has been seeking for a long time.
With numerous deals submitted for the TXF Export Finance ECA-backed Perfect 10 and heavy voting through Tagmydeals.com, the shortlist provided some excellent deals and ultimately there were some hard choices to be made. The overall list of winners is indicative of a very impressive performance from the export finance global community for deals signed in 2020.
From speedy deal gestations to the calibre of an ECA's product offering, the Export Finance Industry Awards 2021 recognises industry excellence based on the banking and ECA heatmaps produced in TXF Research’s Global Export Finance Industry Report 2021. Find out this year's winners here.
The export finance sector has remained robust and resilient throughout the pandemic. TXF’s Industry Report and the Deals of the Year 2020 demonstrate this clearly. But what is the sector outlook for 2021 and beyond?
Mozambique’s economic future rests on the success of the development of the country’s LNG development projects. So, with so much at stake, why has the government and the armed forces been so inept at ensuring security, and where is the urgency to properly deal with this situation?
So many negative stories have hit the commodity finance sector through the past year. But it is definitely not all doom and gloom, as the big traders get stronger and the commodity boom looks set to run fuelled by the green energy transition, EVs and infrastructural development.
Increasing pressure is being put on lenders to drop hydrocarbon projects, but this is much easier said than done and a proper transition period allows for all parties to develop sustainable alternatives. Jonathan Bell assesses some of the issues.
The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project between Russia and Germany has only 150 kilometres of pipeline left to lay, but increased sanctions from the US and now calls to halt the project from the EU Parliament itself put the whole project at much bigger risk. Jonathan Bell examines the current situation.
In what has been one of the most eventful years for commodity trade finance, we take a long hard look at some of the major happenings and assess what these mean for the sector at large and for future financing.
The container changed global seaborne trade forever. As consumers we simply expect goods to be transported and arrive, but two major incidents this year reveal the harsh realities that can occur in the transport of goods by sea.
The recent signing of the RCEP creates the world's largest trading bloc. But, while warmly welcomed to cut red-tape constricting trade, despite its size it is not seen as the game changer it could have been.
Increasing geo-political concerns and the need for in-depth due-diligence in the Middle East has led business risk intelligence company EXX Africa to rebrand as Pangea-Risk. TXF talks to Robert Besseling, founder and CEO of Pangea-Risk about the expansion into Middle East markets.
Trade finance has many challenges to overcome and the sector knows where it needs to target with this overhaul. Tackling these areas to improve the trade climate will not only bring huge opportunities in trade but also help boost global GDP considerably.
Emmanuelle Petelle, deputy head of trade finance services, global transaction banking at Societe Generale outlines three key messages: trade finance is moving from proof of concept to everyday augmented reality; confidence amongst banks and customers is growing in alternative bidding platforms; and governments and companies have a growing role to play in shaping the future.
TXF World Fair delegates have embraced private virtual meetings with 6,700+ private meetings arranged so far! Around the virtual conference business is being done across the breadth of the TXF platform. Elsewhere, in the last few days Berne Union members have voted in Michal Ron as the new president, and the largest solar farm in sub-Saharan Africa to date gets Swedish ECA backing.
Massive potential lies ahead for many African and Asian countries. Find out more by joining the TXF Export Finance Virtual Global Fair and embracing the best networking tools around through TXF’s very own new platform.
ECAs and export finance activity have been paramount to global trade and project success so far throughout the pandemic. Discussion on the key themes, topics, trends and essential detail are lined up for the TXF Export Finance Virtual World Fair later in October.
The focus on the financing of oil & gas projects in light of reducing GHG emissions under the 2016 Paris Agreement has rightly intensified. But there needs to be a realistic discussion on the whole process, as cutting ECA funding will seriously damage many emerging markets. TXF also looks at the recent detailed article on this subject penned by Henri d’Ambrieres of HDA Conseil.
The prolonged Covid pandemic is encouraging significant changes in global trade patterns, and according to a recent HSBC survey, Asian corporates are expanding their supply chain footprint throughout Asia. We also look at ways to help reduce the $2-$5 trillion global trade finance gap.
Tesla has been running the show on so-called gigafactories for electric vehicles for some time. But now Europe with considerable support from DFIs and backing by ECAs for select projects is firmly in the race.
Mozambique has pinned considerable hope on two mega LNG projects. Jonathan Bell assesses the situation and examines the fortunes of Mozambique LNG and Rovuma LNG.
The US administration has drastically upped the ante in its economic war against China with its actions against Huawei. At the same time, US Exim is one agency that has been charged to not only promote US exports and jobs but also counter Chinese state financing where necessary. Jonathan Bell assesses the developments and implications.
The high-profile collapse of Singaporean-based oil trader Hin Leong and other certain suspect cases has highlighted malpractices within the sector and concern for future lendings. Jonathan Bell assesses what this all means for the commodity finance community in the city state.
The oversupply of crude oil coupled with the massive fall in demand due to Covid-19 has led historically low prices. What is the impact of this and who are the winners and losers? Jonathan Bell delves into the well to explore the scene.
Please watch the video link below to see how one industry practitioner – Jerry Kohler of Texel - is making a difference by raising money for those less fortunate.
TXF spoke with James Esdaile, managing director at BPL Global, to discuss the significant exposure private insurers have to credit and political risk insurance (CPRI) amid the Covid-19 crisis. As ECAs gear up to further support exporting companies, what role will the private insurance sector play in export finance? Will the pandemic change the dynamic of the CPRI market? And how will the private sector look in the wake of coronavirus?
TXF spoke with Valentino Gallo, founding partner at Javalyn Partners, an independent structured asset management firm that specialises in infrastructure and trade finance, to discuss the real impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the trade and export finance market.
At long last US Exim has got the mandate that US exporters have been crying out for. But, asks Jonathan Bell, will the recent events in Iraq and the troubles with Iran spill over and impact US export activity in Middle East markets?
The tentative US-China phase one trade agreement last week brought cheer to the markets. But, asks Jonathan Bell, with so few firm details will this become a real deal and move on to meaningful progress to end this heavily damaging saga to world trade?
TXF Asia took place in Singapore earlier this month to discuss the growth of ECA and agency financing in the APAC region. Jonathan Bell, editor-in-chief and director at TXF explores the changing face of financing in the region and outlines some of the key opportunities and trends emerging from the conference.
Massive potential lies ahead for many African and Asian countries. Find out more by joining the TXF Export Finance Virtual Global Fair and embracing the best networking tools around through TXF’s very own new platform.
Latest reports indicate that the global trade finance gap stands at $1.5 trillion. Jonathan Bell reviews the scene and questions why so much more isn’t being done to improve the situation.
Overall volumes of global commodity trade financing fell by almost 30% according to the TXF H1 2019 Commodity Report. Jonathan Bell reviews this drastic drop and assesses whether it is simply a portrait of volatile commodities and market trends or more far-reaching influences impacting global business.
Glencore’s decision to temporarily mothball the world’s largest cobalt mine in the DRC raises many questions about the state of mining in the central African country. Jonathan Bell examines the reasons behind the decision and assesses what the future could hold for both the country and Glencore.
The TXF half-year 2019 export finance report shows a bullish start to the year in the power sector, Japan’s JBIC coming in as top direct lender and the US and Australia being the two top destination markets. Jonathan Bell provides some teasers.
In a ramp up of the US-China trade wars, the US is accusing China of being a currency manipulator in order to gain trade advantages. But, asks Jonathan Bell, is this simply a Chinese response to lessen the impact of US trade tariffs, part of a more aggressive stance from China or is it part of a much more complex overall picture?
Cofco has signed the largest loan for an agri trading company yet which is linked to sustainability elements. Jonathan Bell examines this growing trend within agri-finance and importantly, how the Chinese trader is helping to push for increased traceability of soy beans.
TXF talks to Makiko Toyoda and Jessica Schnabel, the women who are spearheading the development of IFC’s latest initiative to raise access to trade finance for women-owned businesses, revealing ambitious goals and the practical steps to help fulfil them.
Despite some of the legal challenges taking place in the US, financiers can be expected to remain committed to the huge volume of hydrocarbons financing which will take place over the next couple of decades. Jonathan Bell examines the scene.
The decision to maintain oil production cuts, and by so doing the market price, is a clear reflection of the impact of the US-China trade wars. Jonathan Bell assesses the new alliances.
African power generation is still dominated by a mix of hydro and coal, but renewables are finding good purchase in almost every country and at increasingly affordable scale and cost. Finding the right mix in a testing climate change environment though presents many challenges. Jonathan Bell assesses the landscape.
As the shipbuilding industry in Norway transitions, so the government support appears well-placed to back new developments. However, in the case of finance for a krill-fishing vessel just how sustainable is this backing from the agencies?
Now that SWIFT’s Trade Services Utility (TSU), the matching application that underpinned the Bank Payment Obligation, is on its way out, the wiring of trade finance needs looking at. Katharine Morton warns that it can feel like explaining how electricity works.
Philippe Mills, chief executive officer of SFIL, the French public development bank, talks to Jonathan Bell about how the French agency is making a difference on the French export front.
Calling all changemakers in trade & export finance! Join us to plot your ideas about diversity, sustainability and inclusion in the industry.
We are delighted to bring back this senior-level virtual event dedicated to the MENA region! Examine the regions' key trends and future opportunities whilst networking in a safe space.
Your largest export, agency & project finance event returns to Madrid for 2021 after a 2020 virtual extravaganza! Industry renowned as the go-to for global export finance. Let the deal-making begin!
After a year away, we are delighted to bring the TXF Global Commodity Finance physical event to Geneva! Join dealmakers from across the globe to network in-person for an unmissable opportunity
A key event in the export, agency & project finance event calendar for senior and influential professionals working across the Asia-Pacific region. Networking and deal opportunities abound!
A dedicated forum in Singapore for the APAC commodity finance community. Join dealmakers from across Asia-Pacific as we tackle key industry issues and analyse the latest deals in the market.
TXF presents the very latest updates on Spanish Export Finance. This virtual annual event will cover all current and future deals and explore new opportunities for the market.
TXF France is the industry leading event to make connections and discover new sectors, regions and ideas for ECAs, banks, exporters and service providers.
The next episode of this intimate and focused event returns virtually to get you up to date on the latest trends in Italian Export Finance. Expect first-class networking and debate
The trusted meeting place for anyone involved in the financing of German exports.
TXF presents this intimate and focused event returning virtually to get you up to date on the latest trends in British Export Finance. Expect first-class networking and debate!