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Home / Answers / CAPLines and export / What is an SBA International Trade loan?

What is an SBA International Trade loan?

Janover Capital editorial team · Checked November 8, 2026

Short answer

It is a 7(a) term loan of up to $5,000,000 with a 90% guaranty. It serves businesses growing exports or hurt by import competition (SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 5, Para. C; 13 CFR 120.345 to 120.348).

An International Trade loan is a 7(a) term loan of up to $5,000,000. SBA guarantees 90%, capped at $4,500,000 (SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 5, Para. C.3; Appendix 16, Para. B.6; 13 CFR 120.348).

Who can use it

You must meet the core eligibility rules and fit one of two categories (Para. C.1):

In either case, the lender must document how the loan will improve your competitive position (Para. C.1.c). Export-based applicants must submit an export business plan with projected export sales and a narrative rationale (Para. C.1.a). NAICSThe federal code system that sorts businesses by industry. 721 (accommodation) and 457 (gas stations) are ineligible (Para. C.1.d).

What it can finance

Proceeds may only be used to acquire, build, renovate, modernize, improve or expand U.S. facilities and equipment. Working capitalMoney for day-to-day costs such as payroll, rent and inventory. Full definition, changes of ownership under Appendix 15 and debt refinancing under Appendix 14 are also allowed (Para. C.2).

Collateral

The lender must take a first lien on the assets financed or on other assets of the applicant. A lender may ask SBA for a policy exception to hold a second lien (Appendix 19, Para. B.8; 13 CFR 120.349).

Maturity and rate limits follow the general 7(a) rules (Appendices 17 and 18).

Sources

  1. SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 5, Para. C (p. 193)
  2. SOP 50 10 8.1, Appendix 16, Para. B.6 (Para. B begins p. 388)
  3. SOP 50 10 8.1, Appendix 19, Para. B.8 (Para. B begins p. 408)
  4. 13 CFR § 120.345
  5. 13 CFR § 120.346
  6. 13 CFR § 120.347
  7. 13 CFR § 120.348
  8. 13 CFR § 120.349

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