Import and export invoice finance
Invoice finance options for UK importers, exporters, wholesalers and international trade businesses managing stock, suppliers, shipping costs and customer payment terms.
Why import and export businesses use invoice finance
Import and export businesses often need to fund stock, supplier payments, duty, freight and fulfilment costs before customer invoices are paid.
International trade can create longer cashflow cycles, especially where suppliers need payment before goods are sold, shipped or delivered.
Importers and exporters may have working capital tied up in inventory, shipping, currency timing, customer payment terms and larger trade orders.
Import and export invoice finance can release working capital against eligible B2B invoices, while asset-based lending may also be considered where stock or wider assets are relevant.
Simple summary: import and export invoice finance can help bridge the gap between buying, shipping, delivering and receiving customer payments.
Where cashflow pressure appears in import and export
Import and export cashflow can be affected by stock, suppliers, freight, shipping, fulfilment, customer terms and larger trade orders.
Stock and goods
Cash can be tied up in imported stock, goods in transit or inventory before sale.
Supplier payments
Overseas or domestic suppliers may require payment before customers settle invoices.
Shipping and timing
Freight, duty, storage and delivery timing can extend the working capital cycle.
Larger orders
New customers or larger trade orders can increase funding needs before payment arrives.
Invoice factoring
Can support businesses that want funding and collections support around customer invoices.
Invoice discounting
May suit established importers or exporters that want to retain customer control.
Asset-based lending
Can be considered where stock, invoices or wider assets may support a broader facility.
Selective funding
May suit businesses that want to fund selected invoices, orders or customer accounts.
Trade funding depends on invoice timing, stock cycles, customer quality and supplier pressure.
Import and export invoice finance may suit businesses that need:
- ✓ Working capital while waiting for customers to pay
- ✓ Support around stock, suppliers, freight or fulfilment costs
- ✓ Funding linked to eligible B2B invoices
- ✓ Flexibility to support larger orders or seasonal demand
Asset-based lending may be considered where:
- ✓ Stock or inventory may support wider funding
- ✓ The business needs more than invoice-only funding
- ✓ Existing facilities need to be refinanced
- ✓ A broader working capital structure may be suitable
Import and export invoice finance questions
Common questions from UK importers, exporters, wholesalers and international trade businesses considering invoice finance.
What is import and export invoice finance?
Import and export invoice finance is funding that can release working capital against eligible unpaid B2B invoices, helping trade businesses manage cashflow while waiting for customers to pay.
Can invoice finance help with supplier payments?
It can help improve working capital availability, which may support supplier payments, stock purchases, fulfilment costs and larger trade orders.
Can stock support funding?
Potentially. Stock or inventory may be considered as part of an asset-based lending structure, subject to valuation, quality, ownership and funder criteria.
Is invoice finance suitable for exporters?
It may be suitable where invoices are raised to commercial customers and are eligible for funding. Suitability can depend on customer location, payment terms, invoice profile and provider criteria.
What documents are usually needed?
Providers may request an aged debtor report, aged creditor report, latest accounts, recent management accounts and details of customers, invoices, stock, suppliers, trade flows or existing facilities.
Explore import and export invoice finance options
Review suitable invoice finance and asset-based lending options for your import or export business. It only takes a minute to start your enquiry.