Trade finance for importers and exporters

• Cash flow challenge:  Importers and exporters often need to pay suppliers upfront while waiting weeks or months for buyers to settle their invoices, leaving working capital tied up in transit.

• Perfect for: UK businesses trading internationally that need liquidity to fund purchases, shipping, or client orders while managing payment delays or currency exposure.

Novuna helps importers and exporters access flexible trade finance to fund global transactions, maintain cash flow, and protect against payment risk, either through our award-winning in-house service or by comparing providers to ensure you have a great deal for your situation.

Boost your cash flow Speak to an expert

Strengthen your global trading operations with reliable funding

Whether you’re importing raw materials or exporting finished goods, maintaining steady cash flow is essential for growth. Long payment cycles, shipping delays, and international compliance can create liquidity challenges especially for smaller businesses.

Trade finance bridges the gap between supplier payments and customer receipts. By funding transactions at every stage of the trade cycle, it allows your business to keep goods moving and relationships strong.

With trade finance in place, your business can:

• Pay suppliers on time and secure better trading terms.

• Fund imports and exports without disrupting operations.

• Manage FX exposure and payment risk through structured instruments.

• Improve working capital efficiency across your trade network.

How trade finance supports importers and exporters

Trade finance offers practical funding tools designed to smooth cash flow across every part of your trading cycle.

For importers:

• Fund overseas supplier payments before goods are shipped.
• Reduce dependency on upfront cash or overdrafts.
• Use letters of credit to ensure goods are received before payment is released.
• Cover shipping, duty, and insurance costs efficiently.

For exporters:

• Access working capital before your overseas buyer settles.
• Protect against late or non-payment with credit-backed facilities.
• Offer extended payment terms to clients without affecting liquidity.
• Maintain a steady production schedule for export orders.

This flexibility ensures your business remains resilient and competitive in a fast-paced global market.

Best trade finance solutions for UK import and export businesses

1. Letters of credit

Provide security for both buyers and sellers by guaranteeing payment once delivery conditions are met.

Advantages:

• Reduces payment risk for exporters.

• Builds trust with international suppliers and customers.

• Ensures compliance with trade contracts.

2. Import finance

Funds the purchase of goods from overseas suppliers, allowing importers to receive and sell products before payment is due.

Advantages:

• Improve stock availability and supply chain reliability.

• Free up working capital for other business needs.

• Avoid cash flow strain when paying upfront for goods.

3. Export finance

Provides immediate funds for exporters waiting for overseas buyers to pay invoices.

Advantages:

• Access up to 90% of invoice value within days.

• Protects against long payment terms or buyer default.

• Strengthens liquidity between production and delivery.

4. Working capital loans

Support ongoing operations while waiting for international transactions to complete.

Advantages:

• Maintain liquidity during extended trade cycles.

• Fund shipping, warehousing, or supplier costs.

• Protect cash flow during seasonal or large contract surges.

Trade finance vs supply chain finance for importing and exporting

Benefits of trade finance for importers and exporters

• Improved cash flow: Maintain liquidity while waiting for international payments.
• Reduced risk: Safeguard against non-payment, FX volatility, and shipment delays.
• Operational flexibility: Fund imports, exports, and logistics as your business grows.
• Faster supplier payments: Build stronger, more reliable trading partnerships.
• Scalability: Take on larger international contracts with confidence.

Boost your cash flow Speak to an expert

How Novuna Business Cash Flow can help

We’ve can help importers and exporters across the UK secure the right funding to support their trade cycles from first shipment to final settlement.

Get in touch with our experts today and we will find a great fit for your situation.