# How is an EWCP loan different from an International Trade loan?

**Short answer:** Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) is short-term financing for export orders and receivables, up to 36 months. An International Trade loan is a longer term loan for U.S. facilities, equipment and some working capital. Both reach $5,000,000 with a 90% guaranty (SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 5).

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Last checked: 2026-11-08

An EWCP loan is short-term financing tied to export transactions. An International Trade loan is a term loan for U.S. capacity and competitiveness (SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 5, Paras. B and C).

## Side by side

- Purpose: EWCP finances only export transactions (Para. B.3). International Trade loans finance U.S. facilities and equipment, working capital, certain changes of ownership and refinancing (Para. C.2).
- Who qualifies: EWCP needs 12 full months of operations or sufficient management experience (Para. B.1). International Trade loans need export growth or injury from import competition (Para. C.1).
- Maximum: $5,000,000 for both (Paras. B.4 and C.3).
- Guaranty: 90% on both, capped at $4,500,000 (Appendix 16, Para. B.6).
- Maturity: up to 36 months for EWCP. General 7(a) limits for International Trade, such as 10 years for working capital (Appendix 17).
- Interest: no SBA maximum on EWCP (13 CFR 120.344(c)). International Trade loans use the 7(a) ceilings: Prime plus 3.0 to 6.5 percentage points, depending on loan size (Appendix 18, Para. B.8).
- Upfront fee on EWCP: 0.25% to 0.80% of the guaranteed portion, by maturity. International Trade loans use the regular FY2027 schedule (Information Notice 5000-881797).

## Using both

A separate EWCP loan counts against the $4,000,000 guaranty limit on International Trade working capital (13 CFR 120.348). Lenders differ on which product they offer.

## Sources

- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 5, Paras. B (p. 175) and C (p. 193)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)
- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Appendices 16, 17 and 18](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)
- [13 CFR § 120.344(c)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.344)
- [13 CFR § 120.348](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.348)
- [SBA Information Notice 5000-881797, pp. 2-3 (effective October 1, 2026)](https://legacy.sba.gov/document/information-notice-5000-881797-fy-2027-7a-program-fees)
- [13 CFR § 120.214(d)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.214)