03/17/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/17/2026 08:48
TOKYO, JAPAN - The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) participated in the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM) in Tokyo last week, where it announced its loans are unlocking nearly $30 billion of strategic deals that strengthen America's supply chain security together with our Indo-Pacific allies.
EXIM President and Chairman John Jovanovic joined Secretary of the Interior and Chairman of the National Energy Dominance Council Doug Burgum, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, other senior officials, and private sector leaders to discuss fortifying vital supply chains and unleashing an era of energy dominance in which U.S. energy molecules and technologies reach every corner of the globe.
During the ministerial, EXIM announced several potential transactions showcasing how America is leading again on energy, minerals, and manufacturing.
U.S. LNG Export Infrastructure
The $14 billion Delfin LNG Project, developed by Delfin Midstream Inc., will establish the first offshore liquefied natural gas export facility in the United States and brings together partners from Japan and the Republic of Korea, including Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Asset Management, and the Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation.
EXIM support advances the Trump Administration's priority to increase America's energy dominance while supporting expanded energy supply and boosting domestic maritime capabilities.
Domestic Steelmaking Inputs
EXIM announced its support of up to $10 billion for the development of a major iron ore mining and processing facility by Mesabi Metallics on Minnesota's Mesabi Iron Range. The project will annually produce approximately 7 million tons of high-grade direct-reduction iron ore pellets used in modern steelmaking and create hundreds of American jobs.
The investment expands U.S. industrial capacity while deepening strategic ties with India and strengthening cooperation on energy, minerals, and industrial supply chains.
Nuclear Fuel Supply Chains - Letters of Interest
EXIM issued Letters of Interest supporting up to $4.2 billion in potential financing for nuclear fuel sales by General Matter to nuclear power operators in Japan and the Republic of Korea.
The financing would support the purchase of American enriched uranium used in existing and advanced nuclear reactors, helping reduce reliance on adversarial suppliers while strengthening secure nuclear fuel supply chains across the Indo-Pacific.
Critical Minerals Development
In Australia, RZ Resources is advancing the Copi Project, a large-scale development expected to produce titanium feedstocks, zircon, and other strategic minerals used in advanced manufacturing and defense supply chains.
EXIM is providing up to $550 million in financing for the project, which RZ Resources is developing alongside Japanese partners JX Advanced Metals and Marubeni Corporation, reflecting growing coordination among likeminded global economies to expand secure critical minerals supply chains.
EXIM's participation at the forum reflected the Bank's ongoing commitment to supporting American exporters while deepening partnerships with nations in critical regions.
ABOUT EXIM:
As the United States government's official export credit agency, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) supports American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. As an independent agency, EXIM plays a critical role in supporting economic growth, securing critical supply chains, and ensuring American businesses are given a fighting chance. To achieve this mission, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. Learn more at https://www.exim.gov.
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