Ex-Im Bank
Ex-Im Bank to step up support for space industry challenged by Chinese competitors
Congress stood up the “Program on China and Transformational Exports" which Ex-Im is now working to implement
Ex-Im Bank gets seven-year extension
The $1.37 trillion omnibus bill, which funds the U.S. government through Sept. 30, 2020, provides Ex-Im its longest authorization period ever, though still shorter than what some lawmakers had sought.
Kacific, with SpaceX launch imminent, borrows $160 million for satellite refinancing
Kacific said it recently secured $160 million from the Philippines-based Asian Development Bank and GuarantCo, a European- and Australian-government backed infrastructure investment organization, along with other financiers.
Satellite industry shifts away from export credit financing
Export credit financing, which less than a decade ago was a critical element of satellite industry business plans, has now largely faded from the market as private financing becomes more accessible and affordable.
UK Export Finance steps up space sector focus
Britain’s export credit agency has long discussed more involvement in the satellite industry, but didn’t have any major deals to show for it until now.
House proposes Ex-Im Bank extension to 2026 • GomSpace conducts more layoffs • Inmarsat wins potential $246 million DoD contract
An agreement reached in the U.S. House of Representatives June 18 could keep the Export Import Bank of the United States open until 2026.
Ex-Im Bank advocates push for 10-year authorizations
Supporters of the Export-Import Bank of the United States told Congress June 4 that the bank’s charter should last 10 years before requiring reauthorization instead of the three to five years normally allotted.
Senate prepares to vote on Ex-Im board nominees
The Senate is expected to vote this week on three nominees to serve on the board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, giving it the ability for the first time in years to approve large deals, including for satellites and launches.
Falcon 9 launch the final leg of Indonesian satellite’s roundabout journey
The Indonesian communications satellite that is SpaceX’s primary payload for its second Falcon 9 launch this year overcame a change of manufacturers and the loss of a U.S. Ex-Im Bank loan to reach the launch pad.
White House resubmits NOAA, Ex-Im Bank nominations
The White House has once again nominated Barry Myers to be administrator of NOAA, as well as four people to serve on the board of the Export-Import Bank.
Ex-Im Bank nominee fairs well in Senate hearing
U.S. satellite manufacturers say they need Ex-Im Bank to have a level playing field with foreign competition. The bank currently lacks enough board members for a quorum, making large satellites, and any other deals over $10 million, bigger than what Ex-Im can finance.
Senators still unconvinced Trump’s Ex-Im pick has the bank’s best interest in mind
U.S. senators vetting President Trump’s leadership nominations for the Export Import Bank of the United States voiced serious concerns about Scott Garrett, who as a congressman voted against the export-credit agency.
White House nominates additional directors for Ex-Im Bank
The White House has nominated three additional people to serve as directors of the Export-Import Bank, including one with experience in the satellite industry.
U.S. Trade Representative nominee waiting for White House instructions on Ex-Im Bank
Robert Lighthizer told senators it would be up to President Trump to nominate new board members for the bank.
Satellite builders unsure what Trump will mean for their business
Satellite manufacturers aren’t yet sure how the policies of the Trump administration will impact their businesses.
Boeing expects market for big communications satellites to remain soft
The commercial market for geostationary communications satellites shows no signs of rebound, according to Boeing executives who attribute lackluster demand to the rapid pace of innovation in the satellite market, few launch opportunities and the inability of the U.S. Export Import Bank to finance large transactions.
