Trade finance for importers and exporterssupplier terms covered
Trade finance in Australia: typically $100k to $20m+ at up to 100% of goods cost, over 30–180 days, settling in 7–21 days once security and entity documents are in hand. Funding for the import and export cycle: supplier payments, letters of credit, inventory and the gap until customers pay.
- Understands letters of creditWhat we bring
- Familiar with trade-cycle funding gapsWhat we bring
- Covers deposits and 90-day termsWhat we bring
Indicative terms in three minutes
Business-purpose and investment finance only. No credit check at this stage.
“How does this handle currency risk”
We hear this constantly. The honest answer is that it depends on security, exit and documentation — which is exactly what the enquiry form asks — and that the lenders on our panel — banks, private lenders and specialist funds alike — price those three things, not the label on the borrower.
“Trade finance sounds complicated” — a fair concern, and one we address in writing before any application is lodged.
“We've never used anything but our own cash” — a fair concern, and one we address in writing before any application is lodged.
Typical pain points: Supplier wants a deposit upfront; Customer paying on 90-day terms; Currency movement eating into margin; Stock arriving before customer pays. What we bring: understands letters of credit, familiar with trade-cycle funding gaps, covers deposits and 90-day terms.
How we work.
From the first call to the final drawdown, each step is led by a principal — not a queue.
Tell us the scenario
Purpose, amount, security and timeframe — the qualifier takes about three minutes and every answer maps to how our lender panel assesses trade finance.
Indicative terms
A specialist reviews the scenario and comes back with an indicative structure, pricing range and the documents needed. Urgent scenarios get a call within minutes during business hours.
Credit and valuation
The lender assesses security, entity and exit. For trade finance this is typically 7–21 days end to end.
Settlement
Solicitors settle, funds are released, and the deal is tracked to its exit in our CRM so refinancing or the next facility is ready before the term ends.
Questions we are asked.
What is trade finance and how does it help an importer?
Trade finance funds the gap between paying a supplier and receiving payment from your own customer, often structured around a letter of credit or a documented purchase order. It lets a business take on larger orders than its own cash flow would otherwise allow.
Can finance cover a supplier deposit before goods are shipped?
Yes, this is one of the most common trade finance uses — funding the deposit a supplier requires before manufacturing or shipping begins, with the facility structured around the purchase order and the expected sale. The size of the facility is typically tied to the purchase order value.
How does invoice finance help with 90-day customer payment terms?
It advances a percentage of the invoice value soon after goods are delivered and invoiced, rather than waiting the full 90 days for the customer to pay, freeing up cash to fund the next order in the meantime. It's particularly useful for exporters carrying several large customers on similar terms.
Does trade finance protect against currency movements?
Not directly — trade finance funds the timing gap in a transaction, while currency risk is typically managed separately through forward contracts or a foreign exchange provider. We can point you toward that conversation alongside the finance itself. We're happy to make the introduction if that's a gap in your current arrangements.
Do I need an established trading history to access trade finance?
Lenders prefer to see a track record of completed trade cycles, but a strong purchase order, a reputable supplier and a confirmed buyer can support an application even with a relatively short history. Each file is assessed on the specific transaction as much as the business's age.
Can a line of credit work alongside trade finance for ongoing imports?
Yes, a line of credit is often used for general working capital between shipments, while trade finance is drawn transaction by transaction for specific purchase orders — the two are commonly held together rather than as alternatives to each other.
How fast can trade finance settle?
Typically 7–21 days from a complete application, depending on valuation, legal and lender workload. Speed depends on how quickly security and entity documents are available.
How much can I borrow with trade finance?
Our panel typically funds from $100,000 to $20,000,000+, at up to 100% of goods cost. Larger or more complex facilities are structured case by case across banks, private lenders and specialist funds.
What security is needed?
Goods, receivables and a GSA. The stronger and more liquid the security, the sharper the pricing.
Is this a consumer loan?
No. Solara arranges business-purpose and investment-purpose finance only. If your purpose is personal or for owner-occupied housing, this product is not suitable and we will say so.
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Most scenarios can be structured more than one way. Browse the alternatives, or tell us the situation and we'll recommend the structure.