Export-Import Bank: Financing of Dual-Use Exports

What GAO Found

Since October 1994, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im) has had statutory authority to facilitate the financing of U.S. exports of defense articles and services, provided that Ex-Im determines that these items are nonlethal and primarily meant for civilian use. These “dual-use” exports include items such as vehicles that are used by the military mainly for civilian or humanitarian purposes. Ex-Im did not finance any transactions under its dual-use authority in fiscal year 2011 and financed three transactions under its dual-use authority in fiscal year 2012. The transactions financed in fiscal year 2012 were (1) a satellite for Eutelsat of France, (2) road construction equipment for the government of Cameroon, and (3) three satellites for the government of Mexico. At the time of publication of this report, little of the equipment financed had been delivered to end users. Prior to fiscal year 2012, Ex-Im last provided financing for dual-use exports in fiscal year 2002.

Why GAO Did This Study

Legislation providing Ex-Im with the authority to facilitate the financing of dual-use exports requires GAO to report annually on the end uses of such exports Ex-Im financed during the second preceding fiscal year. In accordance with our mandate, this report (1) identifies the dual-use exports, if any, that Ex-Im financed in fiscal years 2011 and 2012; and (2) provides information on the planned end uses of exports financed in fiscal year 2012. As required, we will report on the end-uses of fiscal year 2012 dual-use exports in our 2014 publication.

For more information, contact Kimberly Gianopoulos at (202) 512-8612 or GianopoulosK@gao.gov.