This measure allows UK-based suppliers of critical mineral products to access high-value finance, enabling them to secure import contracts and invest in domestic production capacity, thereby building national resilience and reducing reliance on concentrated global supply chains.
The launch of the Critical Goods Export Development Guarantee (Critical Goods EDG) by UK Export Finance (UKEF) on November 24, 2025, marks a significant step in the government's commitment to securing the UK's supply of essential materials. Following the publication of the new Critical Minerals Strategy, the guarantee is explicitly aimed at strengthening the domestic capabilities that feed into UK export chains, particularly for high-growth sectors like electric vehicles, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.
The new facility is tailored for UK-based businesses that supply critical mineral products to UK exporters. This is a crucial distinction, as it extends the government's financial backing beyond direct exporters to the vital, non-exporting suppliers within the domestic supply chain. The support enables these suppliers to obtain high-value finance, which can be used to lock in long-term import contracts or invest heavily in building out UK-based production site.
The scope of the guarantee covers minerals listed in the UK Criticality Assessment 2024, such as lithium, aluminium, and rare earth elements, and also extends to key 'growth minerals' including beryllium, chromium, copper, and uranium, all deemed essential for the UK’s future exporting sectors.
A core mechanism of the Critical Goods EDG is its ability to unlock financing for suppliers who might otherwise struggle to secure commercial loans. UKEF provides a guarantee of up to 80% on lending from commercial banks to eligible UK companies.
As an example, a UK manufacturer creating a metal alloy component containing critical minerals for the electric vehicle (EV) industry can seek a loan to construct a large-scale domestic production site. Even if this manufacturer does not export directly, the support is granted because their clients—the EV makers—are themselves UK exporters. The 80% government guarantee significantly de-risks the loan for the lender.
Tim Reid, CEO of UKEF, commented that the new guarantee “marks a significant step forward in UKEF’s mission to support UK exporters and strengthen our economy. By backing UK-based companies who are vital to our export supply chains, we’re not just providing finance – we’re helping to build a more secure foundation for UK businesses to compete globally.”
The Critical Goods EDG complements UKEF's existing Critical Minerals Supply Finance, which focuses on financing overseas companies that have agreements to supply critical mineral products directly to UK exporters. Together, the two facilities offer a comprehensive strategy to support both the onshoring of domestic capabilities and the diversification of international supply chains.
