As part of the Trump Administration’s efforts to expand American agricultural exports, Luke J. Lindberg, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, announced that USDA is expanding financing options under the Export Credit Guarantee Program, known as GSM-102.
Under the new policy, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will offer an 18-month repayment option that allows buyers pay the full loan amount at the end of the term instead of in installments. This new option will initially be available in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia – all regions with strong potential for American export growth – is expected to make U.S. financing more competitive and increase the use of GSM-102.
“This new policy brings GSM-102 in line with current industry practices and gives American exporters new opportunities for financing in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia,” said Under Secretary Lindberg. “It’s another way the Trump Administration is working to support American farmers and producers and bring America’s bounty to the world.”
GSM-102 provides credit guarantees to U.S. banks and, in some cases, to U.S. exporters to help finance foreign purchases of American food and agricultural products by approved foreign banks. While GSM-102 already allows repayment terms of up to 18 months, this is the first time that borrowers will be able to repay the full amount in a single payment at the end of the 18-month term.
USDA expects this change to increase use of the program in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and to help expand American agricultural exports without increasing the program’s current financial risk.
Under Secretary Lindberg made the announcement during an agribusiness trade mission to Indonesia as part of the Trump Administration’s broader efforts to open to open new markets and reduce trade barriers.
These updates to GSM-102, along with expanded market access from a stronger trade partnership, will help give Indonesian consumers better access to high-quality American food and agricultural products.
The new repayment terms take effect on February 3, 2026. More information about GSM-102 is at www.fas.usda.gov.
