ITFC reports $9.35bn in trade finance approvals and $7.53bn disbursements

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) reported US$9.35 billion in trade finance approvals and US$7.53 billion in disbursements for 2025, providing a clearer picture of the distinction between financing approved and money actually released for trade transactions. The institution operates within the Islamic Development Bank Group and supports eligible member-country trade flows.

The corporation’s annual report recorded 144 operations in 25 member countries and US$7.79 billion in intra-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation trade financing. ITFC said it mobilised US$6.35 billion through partner financial institutions, equivalent to about 68% of its total approvals.

Energy accounted for US$6.47 billion in approvals, while food and agriculture received US$1.57 billion. Financial-sector approvals totalled US$1.20 billion, including arrangements with partner banks. Private-sector trade finance approvals reached US$1.35 billion. These sector measures describe different aspects of the financing portfolio and should not simply be added to estimate new money beyond the overall approval total.

Since ITFC began operating in 2008, its cumulative approvals reached US$92.10 billion and disbursements totalled US$77.70 billion by the end of 2025, according to the published report. The institution also reported trade development programmes aimed at supporting exporters and regional integration through initiatives such as the Arab Africa Trade Bridges programme.

Trade finance provides working capital and payment arrangements that can help importers and exporters complete eligible transactions. The availability of an institutional financing programme is not a guarantee that every firm or purchase will qualify. Banks and implementing institutions assess transaction documents, buyer and supplier risk, commodity eligibility and repayment capacity.

For businesses in African trading corridors, the scale of ITFC’s annual activity is useful context, especially in food, energy and cross-border supply chains. The financial statements and individual programmes remain the appropriate sources for the terms, geographic coverage and status of any available financing.

Source: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation 2025 Annual Report and official release. Featured image: the original annual report cover from ITFC.