Export-Import Bank Issues First Foreign Currency Bonds of the Year... Supports AI Transition

USD 3.5 Billion Global Bonds Issued
Fifth Consecutive Year of Issuance
10-Year Bonds Mark Korea’s First Explicit AX Support

The Export-Import Bank of Korea announced on January 7 that it had issued a total of USD 3.5 billion (approximately KRW 5.0715 trillion) in global bonds. Excluding the USD 4 billion foreign currency bonds issued by the government in 1998, this marks the largest-ever issuance of foreign currency bonds in South Korea’s history. The previous record was also set by the Export-Import Bank of Korea in 2023 with USD 3.5 billion.

This issuance is a proactive measure to support the government’s major transition to artificial intelligence (AI) and eco-friendly policies, as it includes the country's first-ever “AI Transition Support Bond” and “Green Bond.”

Of particular note, the 10-year bonds issued this time are the first in Korea to explicitly state support for AI transition (AX), in line with the government’s “AI Grand Transition” initiative. The proceeds will be used not only for the bank’s general lending operations but also to support the newly established AX Special Program. The Export-Import Bank of Korea explained the government’s AI Grand Transition policy to global investors, confirmed demand for fostering the AI industry, and successfully attracted investment.

The 3-year bonds were issued as green bonds to be used for decarbonization and eco-friendly projects. Through this, the bank demonstrated its commitment to leading sustainable management and successfully attracted overseas investors focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.

Prior to the issuance, the Export-Import Bank of Korea held investor relations (IR) sessions for top-tier investors such as central banks and international organizations, and separately distributed its 2026 funding plan. The bank actively explained the recovery trend of the Korean economy and its policy direction. This year, the bank plans to raise a total of USD 14 billion in foreign currency to actively support Korean companies’ exports and overseas expansion.

A representative from the Export-Import Bank of Korea stated, “Despite challenging market conditions due to heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in global monetary policy, we have successfully opened the Korean bond market for the new year for the fifth consecutive year.” The representative added, “By considering the ‘January effect,’ when investors begin to actively build their portfolios at the start of the year, and issuing policy finance bonds on a dual track-AI policy support and green bonds-we have both boosted investor demand and further solidified the bank’s status in the global capital market.”