Trade Finance
Fund Your Supply Chain. Grow Without Limits.
1800 678 880Mon–Fri 8am–6pm AESTAccess funding to pay suppliers upfront, manage import/export transactions, and bridge the gap between orders and payment. Australian trade finance specialists.
- Compare 30+ lenders without touching your credit file
- Soft enquiry only — no credit checks until the right option is on the table
- Decisions in as little as 24 hours
$50K
Facilities from
Up to $5M
Maximum facility
30+
Lenders on panel
Fast
Credit decisions
What is Trade Finance?
Trade finance is a funding solution that helps Australian businesses manage the cash flow timing gaps that arise when buying or selling goods. It covers the period between paying a supplier and receiving payment from a customer, and is available as import finance, export finance, supply chain finance, or invoice finance depending on your specific trade structure.
Trade Finance Solutions for Australian Businesses
Whether you import, export, or manage a domestic supply chain, we have a trade finance solution to keep your business moving.
Supply Chain Finance
Pay suppliers early using funding from a finance provider while you repay on extended terms. Strengthens supplier relationships and frees up working capital for other operational needs.
Advantages
- Pay suppliers early without depleting working capital
- Extended repayment terms for your business
- Strengthen supplier relationships and secure better pricing
- Scalable facility that grows with your order volume
Considerations
- Suited to businesses with reliable, repeat supply arrangements
- Requires established supplier relationships
Import Finance
Bridge the gap between placing an order with an overseas supplier and receiving payment from your Australian customers. Fund overseas purchases and repay once goods are sold.
Advantages
- Fund overseas purchases before goods arrive in Australia
- Bridge the gap between payment and customer collection
- Letters of credit and documentary collections supported
- Suitable for goods, raw materials, and manufactured products
Considerations
- Tied to specific import transactions
- Documentary requirements may apply
Export Finance
Fund production or procurement costs upfront so you can fulfil large international orders with confidence, before the overseas buyer pays.
Advantages
- Fund production and procurement for export orders
- Reduce the cash flow risk of international trade
- Support for pre-shipment and post-shipment finance
- Backed by confirmed purchase orders or letters of credit
Considerations
- Requires confirmed purchase orders or trade documentation
- Best suited to established exporters
Debtor Finance
Unlock the cash tied up in unpaid customer invoices. A finance provider advances up to 85% of the invoice value immediately, with the balance paid when your customer settles.
Advantages
- Access up to 85% of invoice value within 24 hours
- Improve cash flow without waiting for customer payment
- Confidential and disclosed factoring options available
- Scales automatically as your business and invoicing grows
Considerations
- Fees apply per invoice or as a monthly facility charge
- Some facilities require minimum monthly invoice volumes
Who is Trade Finance Suitable For?
Trade finance is most valuable for importers, exporters, wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers who deal in physical goods and experience timing gaps between paying suppliers and collecting from customers.
Businesses that need to bridge cash flow between purchase orders and final payment can also benefit from working capital finance products. If your business is also investing in plant or machinery, equipment finance may support those asset purchases alongside your trade facility.
How Does Trade Finance Work?
We take the complexity out of trade finance so you can focus on growing your business.
Describe Your Trade Needs
Tell us about your business, your supply chain structure, and what type of trade finance you need, whether import, export, debtor finance, or supply chain funding.
We Identify the Right Lenders
Our specialists match your requirements with trade finance lenders from our panel who understand your industry and transaction type.
Facility Structured and Approved
We work with you and the lender to structure a facility that fits your trade cycle, covering limit, drawdown mechanics, repayment terms, and security requirements.
Draw Down and Trade
Once your facility is established, you can draw on it as transactions arise. Pay suppliers, fund shipments, or access invoice payments, all on your terms.
Common Questions
What types of businesses use trade finance?
Trade finance is used by importers, exporters, wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, and retailers who deal in physical goods, either domestically or internationally. It is particularly valuable for businesses with long payment terms, seasonal stock purchases, large one-off orders, or supply chains that span multiple countries. If your business buys or sells goods and experiences cash flow timing gaps, trade finance is worth exploring.
How much can I access through trade finance?
Trade finance facilities at Shielded Finance typically start from $50,000 and can extend to $5,000,000 or more depending on your business turnover, the nature of your trade transactions, and the lender's appetite. Larger facilities are available for established businesses with documented trade history. We work with specialist trade finance lenders who can structure solutions tailored to your transaction volume.
What is the difference between import finance and a business loan?
A traditional business loan provides a lump sum or revolving facility that is repaid over time regardless of business performance. Import finance is specifically tied to individual trade transactions. You draw on the facility to pay a supplier for a specific shipment, and the facility is repaid when you sell the goods and receive payment from your customers. It is a self-liquidating structure that aligns repayment with your actual trade cycle.
Can I use debtor finance alongside other business finance?
Yes. Debtor finance is often used in conjunction with other business finance products. Many businesses use a combination of a business loan or overdraft for capital expenditure, and debtor finance to manage working capital and cash flow. The facilities operate independently, and many lenders are comfortable with businesses having both in place. We can help structure a combined solution that fits your overall financial needs.
How quickly can trade finance be arranged?
The timeline depends on the type of facility and the lender's requirements. For debtor finance facilities, approvals can often be obtained within 3-5 business days. Import and export finance facilities typically take slightly longer due to the need to review trade documentation, buyer and supplier details, and transaction history. In urgent situations, we work with lenders that can expedite their assessment process. Contact us to discuss your timeline.