Steps taken to address MSMEs’ export challenges
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) welcomes the launch of two critical market-oriented interventions under the NIRYAT PROTSAHAN sub-scheme of the Government’s Export Promotion Mission, aimed at strengthening MSME exports and significantly improving access to affordable trade finance.
Commenting on the development on 2 Jan, FIEO President S C Ralhan said, “The launch of interest support for pre- and post-shipment export credit and the collateral guarantee mechanism marks a decisive step towards addressing two of the biggest challenges faced by MSME exporters—high cost of credit and lack of collateral. These measures will greatly enhance the competitiveness of Indian MSMEs in global markets.”
The first intervention provides interest subvention on pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit extended by eligible lending institutions. A base interest subvention of 2.75 per cent has been announced, with a provision for additional incentives for exports to notified under-represented or emerging markets, subject to operational readiness http://commerce.gov.in.
The interest support will apply to exports under a notified positive list of tariff lines at the Harmonised System (HS) six-digit level, covering nearly 75 per cent of India’s tariff lines, reflecting sectors with high MSME participation. An exporter-wise annual cap of Rs.50 lakh per Importer Exporter Code (IEC) has been prescribed for FY 2025–26, with rates to be reviewed bi-annually in March and September.
Ralhan noted that the data-driven positive list, with its focus on labour-intensive sectors, MSME concentration and value addition, will ensure that benefits reach genuine exporters. Inclusion of defence and SCOMET products will also support strategic and high-technology exports https://www.bseindia.com/.
The second intervention introduces collateral guarantee support for export credit in partnership with the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE). Under this mechanism, guarantee coverage of up to 85 per cent will be available for Micro and Small exporters and up to 65 per cent for medium exporters, with a maximum guaranteed exposure of ₹10 crore per exporter per financial year.
According to FIEO Chief, “This collateral guarantee framework will encourage banks to increase lending to export-oriented MSMEs and complement existing credit guarantee schemes. It is a long-standing demand of the exporting community, particularly small exporters who struggle to meet collateral requirements https://www.nseindia.com/.”
Both interventions will be implemented initially on a pilot basis, with continuous monitoring and refinements based on feedback and data analysis. Detailed operational guidelines will be issued by the Reserve Bank of India for interest subvention and by CGTMSE for the collateral guarantee scheme.
The Export Promotion Mission, approved by the Union Cabinet on 12 November 2025, has a total outlay of Rs.25,060 crore for the period FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31. The Mission is jointly implemented by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME and Ministry of Finance, and focuses on MSMEs, first-time exporters and labour-intensive sectors https://sbi.com.in/.
The Mission comprises two integrated sub-schemes:
NIRYAT PROTSAHAN, focusing on access to affordable and diversified trade finance; and
NIRYAT DISHA, supporting non-financial enablers such as market access, branding, logistics, regulatory compliance and trade intelligence.
Summing up, Ralhan said that FIEO believes these interventions will lower the cost of exporting, expand access to finance, diversify export markets and strengthen India’s export brand. They will also play a crucial role in enabling MSMEs to integrate more deeply into global value chains and drive sustained export-led growth. fiinews.com
