Credit insurers cautiously optimistic as merchandise trade returns to pre-pandemic levels

ST Trade is growing, and claims remain benign. But positive indicators belie continuing uncertainty on longer time frames and acute challenges remain in certain sectors and regions

BUDAPEST 12th October 2021: The first face to face meeting of Berne Union Members since October 2019, hosted in Budapest by EXIM Hungary and attended by over 160 individuals, from 52 Berne Union Member Organisations.

As well as discussions around business trends, policy and the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, AGM participants are discussing the evolving business environment in Sub-Saharan Africa, where economic and investment opportunities in some areas are affected by high sovereign debt and political instability. Members are also exploring the path towards net zero export credit with a panel of ECAs discussing their transition strategy and challenges faced.

Full Press Release here: Berne Union Press Release Oct 2021

“Climate policy has become a prime and integral component of the overall strategy of an increasing number of Export Credit Agencies. Managing the transition presents distinct yet significant challenges for each institution. The diversity of business supported by our industry, in terms of both geography and sector, demands a careful and subtle balance between climate considerations and other sustainability priorities, such as energy access and essential infrastructure. This is an area where there are great opportunities to learn from the approaches of our peers who are often grappling with similar challenges.”

Berne Union President, Michal Ron