Breaking Down Borders: The New Way to Finance Imported Assets and Equipment

3 Minutes

For Australian manufacturers, traders, and construction firms, the search for the perfect equipment often leads overseas. Whether it’s specialised manufacturing machinery from Germany, construction plant from Japan, or medical equipment from China, the global market offers technology and pricing that can define your competitive edge.

However, the financial logistics of importing these assets have traditionally been a headache.

Between complex Letters of Credit, hefty upfront deposits, and the "dead time" where cash leaves your account weeks before the asset arrives on your floor, the process is often slow and cash-flow negative.

At Edelweiss Finance, we are seeing a shift in the lending landscape. New, innovative product features from leading Australian fintech lenders are rewriting the rules of import finance, bridging the gap between Trade Finance and Equipment Finance.

The Challenge: The "Funding Gap" in Imports

Traditionally, if you wanted to import a piece of machinery, you faced a dilemma:

• Pay upfront: Using your own working capital to pay a supplier overseas, leaving you cash-poor while the goods are on a ship for 60+ days.

• Complex Finance: Navigating slow bank approvals that require heavy documentation and rigid terms.

This gap—the time between paying the supplier and the asset actually generating revenue—is where businesses hurt the most.

The Solution: The 120-Day "Breathing Space"

We are excited to offer access to a unique asset import feature that directly addresses the logistics of international trade.

Through our network of innovative lenders, we can now structure facilities that specifically cater to the importation period.

Key highlights of this new simplified import capability include:

• No Repayments for 120 Days: This is a game-changer. You can finance the purchase of the asset, but repayment doesn't begin for the first 120 days. This allows time for the asset to be manufactured, shipped, cleared through customs, and installed before it costs you a cent in repayments.

• Seamless Transition to Term Loan: Once that 120-day period is over, the facility automatically converts into a standard repayment term (up to 5 years). You get the flexibility of trade finance combined with the stability of an equipment loan.

• 100% Cost Coverage: It’s not just the asset price. We can help fund the freight, import duties, and associated costs, bundling them into a single finance agreement.

• Global Reach: Whether you are buying from Europe, Asia, or North America, we can facilitate payments to over 50 countries with competitive Foreign Exchange (FX) rates handled these lenders.

Beyond Assets: Flexible Trade Finance for Inventory

While heavy machinery requires long-term solutions, we know that traders and wholesalers also need agility for day-to-day stock and inventory.

For businesses dealing in raw materials or retail goods, these lenders also offer robust Trade Finance solutions designed to smooth out supply chain volatility.

• Bridging the Gap: Lenders can now arrange funding to pay your suppliers (local or overseas) upfront, while giving you up to 120 days to repay. This allows you to sell the goods and collect revenue from your customers before you have to settle the finance.

• Scale with Confidence: With limits available up to $10m and fast approval processes based on business performance (not just real estate security), you can accept larger orders without worrying if your cash flow can support the upfront procurement costs.

  
  

Why Partner with Edelweiss Finance?

The lending market is evolving rapidly. Digital-first lenders are removing the paperwork and administrative burden that used to make overseas purchasing a nightmare.

At Edelweiss Finance, we understand the complexities of international trade. We don't just get you a loan; we structure a solution that aligns with your shipping schedules and cash flow cycles.

Whether you are a manufacturer looking to upgrade your production line with overseas tech, or a trader needing to stock up for the season, let us handle the finance so you can focus on the logistics.

Ready to streamline your importing process? Contact the team at Edelweiss Finance today to discuss how we can unlock global opportunities for your business.