Trade finance for international businesses

• Cash flow challenge:  International businesses often face long payment cycles, upfront supplier costs, and shipping delays that strain working capital.
  

• Perfect for: UK importers, exporters, and distributors trading across multiple markets who need reliable funding to manage supplier payments and cross-border transactions.

Novuna helps international businesses access trade finance facilities that fund global transactions, protect cash flow, and support growth, 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

Secure global trade with reliable finance

Trading internationally offers opportunity but also complexity. From extended payment terms to fluctuating currencies and unpredictable freight costs, maintaining liquidity can be a challenge.

Trade finance provides working capital to fund transactions between buyers and sellers across borders, ensuring both parties can trade with confidence.

With trade finance in place, your business can:

• Pay suppliers upfront and negotiate stronger pricing terms.

• Fund imports and exports without cash flow disruption.

• Mitigate payment and currency risk.

• Improve buyer and supplier relationships globally.

How trade finance supports international trade

Trade finance bridges the financial gap between production, shipment, and payment. It’s designed to ensure smooth transactions between international partners and to safeguard against late payments or delivery risks.

For importers:

• Access funding to pay overseas suppliers early.
• Avoid liquidity pressure during long shipping cycles.
• Use letters of credit to guarantee goods are received before releasing payment.
• Secure better trading terms with suppliers.

For exporters:

• Unlock cash from unpaid invoices once goods are shipped.
• Offer flexible payment terms to overseas customers.
• Protect against non-payment or foreign exchange risk.
• Keep production moving without waiting for payments.

Trade finance allows you to maintain operational continuity while protecting your margins across global trade routes.

Best trade finance solutions for international businesses

1. Import finance

Provides upfront funding to pay overseas suppliers so you can receive and sell goods before payment is due.

Advantages:

• Reduces reliance on internal cash reserves.

• Keeps your supply chain moving efficiently.

• Enables larger or more frequent stock purchases.

2. Export finance

Releases cash tied up in unpaid international invoices once goods have shipped.

Advantages:

• Access up to 90% of invoice value immediately.

• Maintain liquidity while awaiting payment.

• Protect against overseas buyer defaults.

3. Letters of credit

Provides assurance that payment will be made once goods or documentation are received

Advantages:

• Reduces risk for both importers and exporters.

• Guarantees compliance with trade contracts.

• Builds credibility with new international partners.

4. Working capital loans

Support ongoing operations while waiting for international transactions to complete.

Advantages:

• Maintain healthy cash flow during international trade cycles.

• Cover transport, insurance, and customs costs.

• Avoid dependency on overdrafts.

 See how working capital loans can help maintain liquidity through global transactions.

Benefits of trade finance for international businesses

• Improved liquidity: Access capital tied up in international invoices or supplier payments.
• Reduced risk: Protect against non-payment, currency shifts, and trade disruptions.
• Operational continuity: Keep goods moving, even when cash is tied up in transit.
• Supplier confidence: Maintain strong relationships with overseas partners.
• Growth potential: Expand into new global markets with secure funding in place.

Trade finance helps you manage the financial demands of international trade, ensuring your business remains competitive, agile, and confident in any market.

Boost your cash flow Speak to an expert

How Novuna Business Cash Flow can help

We’ve helped international businesses across the UK secure tailored trade finance facilities to strengthen liquidity, fund imports and exports, and reduce risk.

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