Ex-Im Bank doubles export loans

Ex-Im Bank doubles export loans    The U.S. Export-Import Bank has more than doubled its export loan authorizations to $13.2 billion during the first half of fiscal year 2010.
   The bank reported a 125 percent increase compared to the record $5.9 billion authorized during the same period in fiscal year 2009.
   Small business export loan authorizations have also increased $500 million during the same period to $2.3 billion, or 28 percent more than the first half of fiscal year 2009.
   The Ex-Im Bank noted that its 2010 first-half figures are the latest in a series of records, while addressing tightened liquidity in the market. In fiscal year 2009, total authorizations came to $21 billion while authorizations for small business exporters totaled $4.36 billion, both records for the bank.
   'Export financing for buyers of U.S. goods and services sold in Asia increased from $456 million last year to $1.9 billion so far this fiscal year; all other regions in the world posted increases this fiscal year except Africa where exports are roughly even,' the bank said.
   Ex-Im Bank receives no appropriations from Congress, paying for its operations from the interest and fees it collects. As of March 31, the bank's fiscal year 2010 receipts in excess of costs totaled $162.6 million.