Export Insights – October 2026
Euler Hermes and Etihad Credit Insurance sign a memorandum of understanding
New opportunities for German exporters in the Gulf region
Germany and the United Arab Emirates are paving the way for closer cooperation on the insurance of export transactions: on 8 September 2026, Euler Hermes AG and Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement forms the basis for the negotiation of a formal reinsurance framework agreement between the two export credit insurers.
Building on an already successful partnership
Euler Hermes and ECI are already working together successfully to jointly insure a major infrastructure project in Iraq. Building on this proven track record, the future agreement is set to create new opportunities for German and Emirati companies to receive coordinated support for export and infrastructure projects in third markets.
The growing importance of the Gulf region
The Gulf region is becoming increasingly important in this context: in 2025 alone, projects and contracts with a total value of around 1.4 billion euros were covered under the German Export Credit Guarantees Scheme – almost twice as much as in the previous year. With this memorandum of understanding, Germany and the UAE are strengthening their cooperation in the field of export credit coverage and supporting the establishment of a more comprehensive framework for cooperation between export credit agencies in the region.
BoKoWiTa 2026: Strategic partnerships as the key to competitiveness
At the BoKoWiTa on 8 September 2026, representatives from the worlds of politics, diplomacy and business discussed the future of Germany’s foreign trade. The focus was on Germany’s competitiveness, strategic partnerships and more effective coordination of foreign trade promotion instruments.
Emerging and developing economies as strategic partners
Emerging and developing countries have long since become more than mere export markets. They are evolving into strategic partners for covering raw materials, ensuring resilient supply chains, energy supply and industrial value creation. German technology, reliability and long-term commitment enjoy a good reputation in these countries and thus form a strong foundation for the expansion of economic relations.
At the same time, it became clear that Germany should make more consistent use of its strengths. A key topic was the closer integration of these instruments in the spirit of a ‘Team Germany’, in which economic diplomacy, export credit and investment guarantees, development finance and the private sector work closely together.
Rethinking export promotion
Edna Schöne, a member of the Executive Board of the Euler Hermes AG, emphasised that the requirements for export promotion have changed fundamentally. International competition has intensified, and financing plays an increasingly important role in investment decisions. Today, buyers often ask about financing solutions first – those who consider these at an early stage gain a decisive competitive advantage. Financing thus evolves from an ancillary product into a door-opener for business opportunities.
The expectations of partner countries have also changed: there is a demand for long-term partnerships involving local value creation, investment and technology transfer. Success will come to those who offer financing, technology and implementation as a comprehensive solution.
Strength lies in collaboration
Companies think in terms of projects and business opportunities – not in terms of funding logic. In international competition, what counts is a compelling overall package. This is precisely where the potential of a stronger ‘Team Germany’ lies: in combining instruments in such a way that companies are supported at an early stage in partnerships and projects.
Initiatives from BoKoWiTa
Successful export promotion today goes far beyond covering individual deals – it encompasses partnership, financing and a local presence. For exporters, this means that financing, risk covering and economic diplomacy support should in future be utilised as an integrated package to actively help shape business opportunities and cover long-term access to growth markets.
From high-end audio to tunnel-boring technology: what ten new customers reveal about German exports
Ten new companies opted for export credit guarantees for the first time or renewed their existing cover during the summer months of 2026. This cross-section shows that covering international business is no longer the preserve of large corporations alone.
An overview
The new clients range from companies with 12 to more than 100 employees. A striking example of the diversity of these new clients is a medium-sized firm with 15 employees, which is leading an international consortium on a 100-million-euro project. But the projects also include new, unusual export markets: a fifth-generation family-run business delivered its first insured machines to New Caledonia.
What this means for businesses
These examples demonstrate that export credit guarantees can be used across all sectors – from major projects in Africa and deliveries to Asia right through to short-term business in the food industry. Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular benefit from early-stage advice and the close involvement of financial partners. Companies report that close cooperation between the sales team, banking partners and customers makes all the difference. Particularly in the case of complex international projects, early support creates viable solutions and opens up new business opportunities for banks in the field of export finance.
What new customers have in common
One common factor for success runs through almost all these stories: maintaining long-term relationships. These new clients are characterised by their persistence and perseverance. Even if a considerable amount of time sometimes passes between the initial meeting and the conclusion of a deal, these cases demonstrate one thing: no good conversation is ever wasted.
Next steps
As these new clients demonstrate, there is neither a minimum size requirement nor any specific product criteria for obtaining an export credit guarantee. If you would like to find out whether cover is available for your business, please visit exportkreditgarantien.de/en. There you will also find the right contacts for personalised advice.
New service page for associations, chambers and networks
Do you provide companies with information on overseas markets, offer advice on internationalisation, or regularly present opportunities for the promotion of foreign trade to your members? If so, we have something new for you: on our new service page for Partners & Networks (DE) you’ll find the most important information on the Federal Government’s Export Credit Guarantees – consolidated and tailored specifically for associations, chambers of commerce, networks and other partners.
Information you can put to immediate use
What are Export Credit Guarantees? Which companies and export transactions might benefit from them? And how can you draw your members’ attention to the various options available?
To help you provide your members with quick and well-informed support, the new page offers concise information and materials for your communications:
- Explanatory texts on Export Credit Guarantees
- An overview of the key benefits for exporting companies
- FAQs addressing your members’ most common questions
- Ready-to-use text blocks for your newsletter, website or other member communications
- Further links to useful resources, such as the product finder, country information, practical examples and personal points of contact
For example, one of your member companies is planning an export deal in Colombia and has asked you about options for risk mitigation. Using the materials on our new page, you can provide initial guidance straight away – for instance, with a concise overview of export credit guarantees or a reference to our product finder. And when matters become more specific, you can put them in touch with our business advisers, who will personally support the company from the initial enquiry right through to implementation.
Communicating export cover in a practical way – with our free webinars
In addition to information materials, we also support you in bringing the topic of export cover directly to your members. The focus is on free webinars, specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises. This gives your members direct access to government expertise on all aspects of export cover and financing.
Our experts demonstrate in a practical way
- how to prepare systematically for entry into new international markets,
- how to mitigate economic and political risks,
- how to structure export transactions to ensure they are eligible for financing,
- and how projects can be supported from the initial idea right through to completion.
In addition to the fundamentals, specific issues and typical project scenarios are addressed. Individual projects undertaken by your members can also be discussed. Our financing experts contribute their experience from the respective markets and analyse current developments – this creates a dialogue that goes beyond a mere information session. The webinars are individually tailored to the sector and level of experience.
Our aim: to provide you with all the key information and offers in one place – so you can give your members sound guidance on export credit guarantees without significant additional effort.
Discover our new page now:
Events in September – Impressions from Berlin and Dresden
With InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin and the 17th Central German Export Day in Dresden, September provided two important opportunities to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing international business. InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin provided a striking illustration of the business opportunities offered by the global demand for rail transport technology. However, alongside these opportunities, challenges are also growing: new tariffs, geopolitical tensions and changes to supply chains are presenting companies with complex issues. The 17th Central German Export Day in Dresden focused precisely on these issues and offered exporters practical guidance, ranging from growth regions in Latin America and Africa to one-to-one discussions with experts.
InnoTrans 2026: Current developments in the global rail market
At this year’s InnoTrans in Berlin, the world’s largest trade fair for rail transport technology, Euler Hermes AG had the opportunity to exchange views with representatives of the rail industry and gain first-hand insight into current market developments.
The trade fair once again highlighted the sector’s high level of innovation. The focus was on discussions with rolling stock manufacturers, suppliers, EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) firms, financial institutions and international project developers regarding ongoing and planned infrastructure projects worldwide. Discussions covered both technological trends and current challenges in the implementation and financing of complex rail projects. At the same time, the discussions showed that many markets continue to invest heavily in the modernisation and expansion of their rail transport systems, thereby offering interesting business opportunities for the German rail industry.
The exhibition programme was complemented by a range of specialist events. These events offered further insights into the product portfolios of German suppliers, regional market developments and future investment plans in the transport sector.
InnoTrans has once again demonstrated how important close cooperation between industry, financiers and public sector clients is for the realisation of sustainable mobility projects. The insights gained and contacts made will provide valuable impetus for the continued support of future infrastructure projects and for assisting German exporters in the rail sector.
17th Central German Export Day: The global market reshuffled – opportunities for exporters
How can exporters hold their own in an environment characterised by new tariffs, geopolitical tensions and changes to supply chains? Answers to these questions were provided at the 17th Central German Export Day: The Global Market Reshuffled, held on 23 September 2026 in Dresden. The event brought together companies, foreign trade experts, banks, trade associations and international market experts.
Once again, a key feature was the ‘Meet the Experts’ format. Companies were able to hold one-to-one discussions with experts from the Chambers of Foreign Trade, IHK country experts and other foreign trade specialists. Experts from numerous growth regions were represented, including China, India, Latin America, the USA, Saudi Arabia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Poland and the Czech Republic.
The Federal Government’s Export Credit Guarantees were represented both at the meetings of the specialist committees and throughout the Export Day – an excellent opportunity to maintain existing contacts and forge new connections.
The 17th Central German Export Day demonstrated how important personal interaction is in times of economic and geopolitical change. Alongside in-depth specialist information, the focus was on networking amongst foreign trade stakeholders – with access to expert knowledge and the opportunity to develop shared perspectives on international business.
On-the-ground financial expertise: Sun-Young Kim on opportunities and challenges in ASEAN and Bangladesh
Since August 2026, Sun-Young Kim has been strengthening the export credit guarantees’ presence in Singapore in her role as a finance expert. From there, she supports German export companies in South-East Asia and Bangladesh as part of a regional mandate. Companies in the ASEAN region benefit from a variety of growth opportunities, but need to have a thorough understanding of local financing and risk conditions.
In this interview, she discusses the specific characteristics of the markets in the region, how she can provide concrete support through her expertise, and the opportunities available to German companies. The expert also provides insights into her day-to-day work on the ground and explains how export transactions in the region can be structured successfully and competitively.
You’ve been working as a finance expert in Singapore since August. What surprised you most during your first few weeks?
During my first few weeks, what struck me most was just how resilient the region’s economy is. Despite a challenging global environment – which has recently been characterised by the conflict in the Middle East and the associated uncertainties regarding energy prices and supply chains – I still see a high willingness to invest and positive growth prospects in many countries.
How do you, based in Singapore, support German exporters and banks in carrying out cover, efficient and successful export transactions in South-East Asia and Bangladesh?
I work closely with exporters, importers and banks at an early stage to structure export and project finance arrangements, contribute my local market knowledge and assist with the integration of government export credit guarantees. Close collaboration with banks, exporters, importers and local key players helps to identify risks at an early stage and implement transactions efficiently.
What do you find particularly exciting about your role as a finance expert?
What I find particularly exciting is the interplay between finance, industry and geopolitics. The region is developing rapidly, and many projects being structured today will shape economic development in the coming years.
What challenges are currently of greatest concern to German exporters in the ASEAN region and Bangladesh?
The biggest challenges include geopolitical uncertainties, complex regulatory frameworks and increasing demands for sustainability and resilient supply chains. In Bangladesh, the question of how to ensure competitiveness once the Least Developed Country (LDC) preferences expire is also gaining in importance.
What opportunities does the region offer German exporters?
The ASEAN region offers German exporters attractive opportunities in the sectors of industry, energy and infrastructure. At the same time, tailor-made financing solutions are increasingly becoming a decisive competitive factor. Export Credit Guarantees and bespoke financing structures help German exporters to position themselves successfully against international competition in complex projects.
What trends will particularly shape South-East Asia and Bangladesh in the coming years?
The main focus for the coming years will be on the diversification of global supply chains, the energy transition and increasing regional integration. Many companies are expanding their production capacities in South-East Asia, whilst governments and investors are stepping up their investment in energy, network and digital infrastructure.
If you could give exporters and banks one piece of advice for doing business in the region, what would it be?
It is becoming increasingly clear in the region that financing and speed are key competitive factors. Many buyers expect not only a technologically sound solution but also a financially viable long-term financing plan. Those who integrate market strategy, local partnerships and financing at an early stage significantly improve their chances in the face of international competition.
Team Germany in Peru: Euler Hermes and GIZ join forces to promote the circular economy
Since early 2025, Euler Hermes AG, the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the German-Peruvian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Peru) have been working closely together as part of the project ‘ProCircular – Circular Economy, an initiative funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) for climate-friendly urban development’. The aim is to support Peruvian companies in making their supply chains more climate-friendly and resource-efficient.
The three-stakeholder model as a blueprint
What makes ProCircular special is the institutional collaboration between three stakeholders with complementary mandates. Regular coordination meetings, joint events and a clear division of responsibilities ensure that Team Germany works together effectively – from identifying technological and financial needs, through to matching suitable technology providers, right through to concrete implementation:
Export Credit Guarantees as a lever for sustainable investment
- GIZ (on behalf of the BMZ): Identifying the technological and financial needs of Peruvian companies, capacity building and technical support for the transformation.
- AHK Peru: Matching suitable German technology providers – acting as a bridge between Peruvian demand and German supply.
- Euler Hermes (acting on behalf of the Federal Government): Advising German companies on Hermes Cover and Peruvian companies on financing structures, in order to make investments involving German technology more attractive.
Export Credit Guarantees issued by the Federal Government protect German exporters and financing institutions against political and economic payment defaults. For the Peruvian buyer, this means access to long-term financing on competitive terms that would not otherwise be available locally.
Particularly attractive terms apply to climate-friendly projects: Under the German Government’s climate strategy, projects in the so-called ‘green category’ benefit from an increased cover ratio (from 95 to 98 per cent), a higher permissible foreign content (up to 70 per cent), the removal of the advance payment requirement for local costs, and the waiver of premium surcharges for local currency loans. Circular economy projects can fall precisely into this category – making them economically more attractive for both sides. For German exporters, this means that Hermes Cover should not be an afterthought – but should always be included at the outset of the quotation.
Synergies rather than contradictions
ProCircular is more than just a single project in Peru. It is proof that development cooperation and promotion of foreign trade are not opposites – but can reinforce one another, to the benefit of all parties involved and, above all, for commercial business partners.
If Export Credit Guarantees help to finance sustainable business in emerging markets through development cooperation projects such as ProCircular, whilst at the same time helping German companies to tap into new markets, then they make a tangible contribution to a sustainable global economy.
Save the Date: Export Forum 2027 in Berlin
25 February 2027 | AXICA Congress and Conference Centre, Berlin
International markets are changing rapidly. How can German companies grow successfully in an increasingly challenging international environment?
On 25 February 2027, the AXICA at the Brandenburg Gate will become the meeting place for the German export industry. With the Export Forum 2027, the Federal Government’s Export Credit Guarantees are building on the successful ‘In Dialogue with Business’ event series, bringing together representatives from leading companies, politics and academia to discuss current challenges and opportunities in international business. The Export Forum 2027 combines high-calibre insights into current developments in international business with innovative discussion formats, practical insights into the Federal Government’s export promotion programmes and a wide range of networking opportunities. Look forward to high-profile keynote speeches, engaging panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions and one-to-one discussions with key players in the German export sector.
Make a note of the date today. Further information on the programme and registration will follow in the coming months.
GTR Turkey 2026: Discussion on export finance and international markets
On 20 October 2026, Stefan Schmidt and Christoph Schlüter from Euler Hermes will be attending GTR Turkey in Istanbul. The event is one of the most important platforms for discussion on foreign trade and export finance in Türkiye, bringing together companies, banks, export credit agencies, development finance institutions and policy-makers.
The event will focus on current developments in trade and export finance, risk management solutions and financing instruments for international business. In addition, challenges along global supply chains and the impact of changing market conditions will be discussed. These topics are also highly relevant for German exporters, particularly when doing business in demanding or new markets.
For the Federal Government’s Export Credit Guarantees, the event offers an opportunity to engage with companies about specific export projects and to discuss questions regarding the protection of transactions in Türkiye and other international markets. Companies looking to expand their export activities or tap into new markets in particular can benefit from discussing financing and covering options with colleagues from Euler Hermes.
Further information on the event and registration can be found on the GTR Turkey 2026 website:
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