At the Spring Meeting of the Berne Union (BU), members discussed the role of export credit and investment insurers in an increasingly complex global environment. Astana, a major hub connecting Europe and Asia, provided a fitting setting for these discussions.
Changing norms of international trade
The export credit and investment insurance industry is facing profound change: geopolitical risks, new industrial policy priorities, and rapid technological developments are shaping international trade and investment flows. At this year's Spring Meeting of the Berne Union (BU), the question of 'economic security' and its impact on industrial policy, as well as how investments and trade can best be supported in the face of these challenges, was the focus.
International Cooperation and Digitalisation
A key lever and at the same time an opportunity for more efficient, faster, and more customer-oriented support is digitalisation. In 2025, 71 digital innovations were implemented across member organisations. These range from customised customer platforms to the use of AI-based applications and automated processes.
International cooperation is also gaining further importance in enabling global trade and sustainable investments. During the meeting, the Berne Union and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding. The aim is to enhance the role of export credit agencies (ECAs) and investment insurers in mobilising private capital for sustainable investments, particularly in developing and emerging markets.
Key Figures at a Glance
Published industry data show another record volume of insured new business and underline the sector’s dynamic development:
- In 2025, BU members supported cross-border trade worth USD 3.7 trillion - an increase of 12% compared to the previous year.
- Short-term cover continues to account for the largest share, while, at the same time, new instruments to support, for example, untied financing or domestic financing are gaining importance.
- In the medium- and long-term segment, new business reached a record level of USD 231 billion, driven by large-scale infrastructure and energy projects.
Despite this positive development, the environment remains challenging:
- Political risks and geopolitical conflicts continue to rank among the biggest challenges.
- Claims payments rose to USD 11.1 billion in 2025 (+17%), mainly due to a small number of major losses and sanction-related claims involving Russian entities.
Further information and key figures can be found here:
BU Spring Meeting in Astana
Over 200 delegates representing 90 organisations including export credit agencies such as OeKB, private credit insurers, banks, corporates, and multilateral institutions met in Astana in mid-May for the Berne Union (BU) Spring Meeting. The meeting’s theme was “crossroads” and the discussions focused on the role of export credit and investment insurers in an increasingly complex global environment.
About Berne Union (BU)
The Berne Union is the international association of export credit and investment insurers. The more than 85 members collectively provide payment risk protection equivalent to approximately 12% of annual world trade. OeKB has been a member of the BU since 1954. In the BU, OeKB represents the interests of the Austrian export industry.
