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.
The defeat of Daesh in Syria and Iraq can hopefully provide greater impetus to new business in Iraq. What is critical now is consolidation of security for the rebuilding of basic infrastructure – such as power generation and water. Jonathan Bell examines inroads being made by European ECAs to support this trade.
Back in 2014 TXF hosted an export finance filmed webinar with participants assessing both the state of the industry then and how it might be in 2019. Jonathan Bell examines what was said about the industry then and how the predictions stack up in today’s landscape.
The race to be a global leader in certain cutting-edge technologies will always be a hard fought one. But in the case of China’s Huawei, the company has unfortunately been wrongly dragged into the whole US-China trade wars saga. Jonathan Bell examines the scene.
Sustainability within commodity production and financing has been slow to properly kick-in. But changes are afoot, and many traders are now making valiant strides to ensure sustainability goals become a real part of their make-up. Jonathan Bell assesses some recent developments.
The cancellation of the hike in tariffs on imports from China into the US is giving rise to hope of a trade deal between the two countries and an end to the all-out trade wars. Jonathan Bell assesses the prospects.
Commodity producers and other corporates in Russia are closely watching the possibility of increased sanctions being imposed by the US. But while the prospect of these is still unclear, there is confidence that lessons learned over the past five years of sanctions will provide a good degree of protection to any impact.
Despite the intense political debate surrounding the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, the project is moving ahead at great pace. Jonathan Bell examines what all the fuss is about.
The increased focus on upstream LNG looks likely to intensify, and the sheer scale of many of these projects will require funds from a range of sources, not least ECA support. Jonathan Bell highlights a couple of prime examples where the ECAs are likely to play leading roles.
The mega Dangote oil refinery will radically change the downstream landscape of Nigeria and enable vital import substitution. Jonathan Bell examines developments.
The Panama Canal is one of the wonders of the world. Jonathan Bell charts its course.
The recent UN climate change conference COP24 gave us all a stark reality check on where we are in terms of trying to do something to save this planet. It’s a massive uphill struggle. Slowly, in some areas the message is filtering through. Here, Jonathan Bell looks at some renewable energy developments which are helping to make a difference.
While the US and China try to seek agreement in their trade war, the prospect of a wider spat could open up as the US eyes technology issues. Jonathan Bell reviews the latest developments.
TXF last week held its annual Cape Town Conference on southern African Commodities, Export & Project Financing. Here, Jonathan Bell highlights some of the key takeaways from the event and some further recent important major project developments.
Making sense of the bigger picture of the state of the global commodity markets is no easy task. But here, Jonathan Bell meets up with a long-time friend and real commodity guru in Geneva - Jean-Francois Lambert, former head of HSBC commodity finance, and now founder and managing partner of Lambert Commodities.
A new report on competition within export, ECA-backed and development financing and how some of these practices are distorting the multilateral finance system has just been released. Jonathan Bell assesses the report and suggests that policy makers need to act now.
Great strides are now being made in enhancing commodity logistics through the use of blockchain in commodity shipments. Jonathan Bell explores some of the recent developments.
China is hosting the world’s first international import expo. Jonathan Bell examines the development in what could be the start of a new era of trade focus for the world’s second largest economy.
Rail projects have the capability to change the face of the African continent for both freight and urban passengers. But, argues Jonathan Bell, proper planning of viable rail links is essential if they are to find the right backers and mix of financing.
Global connectivity is driving the development of urban networks. But, stresses Jonathan Bell, it is cooperation and increasing economic integration which will lead to increased trade growth and development of projects.
High crude oil prices look set to continue despite efforts to increase production. At the same time, argues Jonathan Bell, we are seeing a greater strategic use of crude.
With the new trade agreement between the US and Canada, a revised NAFTA, and the passing of the BUILD Act in the US, Jonathan Bell asks if we are finally beginning to see some positives on trade from the politicians?
Last month, TXF gathered a small delegation of senior players active across West Africa to discuss the exciting developments playing out across the region. Here’s just a snapshot of what we concluded.
Mega upstream gas projects have been prolific in recent years, but asks Jonathan Bell, how is the industry changing and what can we expect with future projects?
China is putting more major funds and resources in place to further cement trade and investment ties with Africa, but asks Jonathan Bell is this sustainable and what are the pros and cons for African states?
The global shipping industry is preparing for a sharp rise in the cost of marine fuel come 2020. Jonathan Bell explores the implications of this – for the crude oil sector, refiners and for global trade.
What does the new trade deal, agreed in principle between the US and Mexico, spell out in the finer detail, and what implications could it have for other trade spats and trade wars that the US has recently instigated? Jonathan Bell takes a closer look and reviews The Week That Was at TXF
The Turkish economy has been overheating. Mounting external debt and the mismanagement of the economy has caused the Turkish Lira to plummet against the US dollar and delivered a serious downgrade in its credit rating. Jonathan Bell examines the consequences of the collapse and what impact this could have on you, as well as what this may mean for other emerging markets and their borrowings, plus his regular look back on the week that was at TXF.
With the United States' first wave of economic sanctions on Iran already having a heavy impact on the Iranian economy, Jonathan Bell looks at how this will also affect the country’s relations with major international companies and trading partners.... as well as a look back at "the week that was"
Last week's announcement that China plans to impose tariffs on up to $60 billion worth of US goods points to a heating up of the trade war between the two countries. Jonathan Bell takes a closer look at the worsening situation and The Week That Was...
This week's edition of The Week That Was focuses on recent problems being caused by resource nationalism in Africa's mining sector
It would be good to escape from major economic trade factors that are influencing our lives – if only for a while, and for some in the Northern Hemisphere that obviously comes as many folk now take their annual summer vacations.
We explored the liquidity needs of the export finance industry in 2018 and beyond, with particular focus on project bonds, ECA bonds, export finance securitisations, institutional investors and sovereign entities as debt providers and the future of secondary market distribution
Jonathan Bell, Editor-in-Chief at TXF gives us his take on news that Tesla is to build an EV Gigafactory in Shanghai, as well as a review of TXF's market coverage from the last 7 days
Topi Vesteri, Deputy CEO, Group CCO at Finnvera and President at the International Union of Credit & Investment Insurers (Berne Union) is to be honoured with the TXF Industry Fellowship Award in recognition for his exceptional service to the international export finance sector.
From patterns in consolidation, competition and coal to local liquidity, legal issues and leveraging the power of sustainability, there were a number of content takeaways from two days of dynamic debate and discussion at TXF Amsterdam 2018.
Charles Hall, the acting chairman of US Ex-Im has retired from the bank. What does this mean for the agency which is still without a board quorum and unable to approve new export deals over $10 million?
London-headquartered insurance broker Texel Finance is about to celebrate 20 years in the business as of 1 December. TXF editor-in-chief Jonathan Bell, caught up with Texel chairman Andy Lennard to talk about the growth of the company and the future for the sector.
Join the movers and shakers of the political risk and trade credit insurance market for a day of networking, education and collaborative discussion
The fun in the sun returns! Bringing all key players together for two days of networking, we explore case studies of the latest deals and examine the next hot opportunities across the region.
Get a fresh look at the Asian Commodity Finance market, share your views and make real connections with regional deal-makers.
TXF Africa 2020 will focus on recent and forthcoming developments across regional export, project & commodity finance and explore new opportunities for each market.
Lead the revolution: join us for the most valuable networking opportunities and exciting content on the commodity finance market and deals
The global export, agency & project finance games return for 2020! Join us in Madrid for the largest gathering of its kind with a vision to taking your network further than ever before.