# What is an SBA International Trade loan?

**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).

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Last checked: 2026-11-08

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):

- You are expanding an existing export market or developing a new one.
- Import competition has adversely affected your business.

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). NAICS 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 capital, 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

- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 5, Para. 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, Appendix 16, Para. B.6 (Para. B begins p. 388)](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, Appendix 19, Para. B.8 (Para. B begins p. 408)](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 § 120.345](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.345)
- [13 CFR § 120.346](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.346)
- [13 CFR § 120.347](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.347)
- [13 CFR § 120.348](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.348)
- [13 CFR § 120.349](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.349)