As of August 2022, India's total export tally is estimated to have reached USD 57.47 billion, exhibiting a growth of 6.75% over August 2021. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute significantly to this number. With over 63 million MSME firms spread across the country, the Indian MSME sector contributes 40% of the country’s total exports, 6.11% of the country’s manufacturing GDP, and 24.63% of the service sector GDP.

Other key contributions of the MSME sector to the nation are increased employment opportunities, inclusive growth, increased entrepreneurship amongst youth, and enhanced innovation. These contributions reinforce the significance of the MSME sector in the Indian economy and manufacturing landscape.

The Role & Support of External Factors to MSMEs for Boosting Exports

Experts believe the MSME sector is one of the prominent growth engines of the Indian economy. Several external factors such as digitization, changing employment patterns, efforts by government authorities, and more augment this growth.

Central government initiatives like Skill India, Digital India, Startup India, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, ZED certification scheme, etc., have given MSMEs rewarding incentives to begin and expand their business. The initiatives include tax holidays for a certain period, interest-free or low-interest loans, subsidies on raw materials, and access to a central pool of MSME resources.

COVID-19 brought many challenges for MSMEs that were never heard of, eliminating weaker and non-adaptable MSMEs from the race. But moving ahead, forward-thinking MSMEs have started adopting digitized operations as digitization brings elasticity and agility to the firm. For example, rather than physical & door-to-door marketing, MSMEs have started relying on digital marketing, blurring geographical boundaries and expanding market size.

Competing with Global Counterparts

To compete in the international market, MSMEs need to manufacture products as per international standards and protocols. Outdated technology and machinery lead to recurring asset breakdowns, and below-par product quality. With timely equipment and technology upgradation, MSMEs can deliver high-standard products at lower input costs, enabling them to stretch their market horizon beyond national borders.

While India & China are ideal manufacturing destinations, given the ease in availability of raw materials and abundance of human resources, there is a massive gap in the realized MSME potential between the two countries. In FY 2021-22, India ranked 17th in the list of leading export countries with a market value of USD 395.41 billion. In contrast, China came on top of the list at a market size of USD 3363.96 billion. This gap reveals how far behind India is from realizing its export and MSME potential.

One of the primary issues MSMEs face in India for being competitive in the global landscape is poor credit availability. It is almost difficult for MSMEs to avail of loans without collateral, not to mention cumbersome paperwork, high-interest rates, and access to lesser credit than required. However, support from external factors and technology-backed solutions like invoice factoring allows access to working capital without piling up debt.

Invoice Factoring Solutions for MSMEs to Participate in Global Trade

In simple terms, invoice factoring is the process of selling outstanding receipts to financial companies at a discounted price, ensuring steady cash inflows. Readily and affordable access to funds can help MSMEs reduce business overheads, providing smooth working capital and healthy cash flow. Solid cash liquidity aids businesses in optimizing their operating cycles and enhancing cross-border sales.

When an MSME firm purchases raw material, a certain amount of cash is required up front. When small businesses do not have sufficient liquidity to pay for supplies on-time, they might miss out on sales opportunities and restrict growth avenues. Invoice factoring enables MSMEs to maintain the inventory and ensure an uninterrupted supply of raw material by selling the receivables and generating quick cash. 24/7 availability of raw materials and sufficient final goods inventory help MSMEs seamlessly fulfill market demands.

MSMEs can also exercise complete credit control by eliminating the need for debt collections. Invoice factoring companies handle time-consuming functions like ledger maintenance, check collection, reconciliations and settlements etc., allowing them to concentrate on growth and market expansion strategies.

The Way Ahead

To share the stage with global leaders, Indian MSMEs must resolve collection woes and challenges of credit unavailability for business expansion and export opportunities. Invoice factoring is the doorway that can help India become a giant manufacturing powerhouse and pave the way for Indian MSMEs to participate and establish themselves at a global stage.

According to Grand View Research, the global factoring market is expected to spearhead a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% between 2022 and 2030. The global invoice factoring trend is picking up, and it is about time Indian MSMEs adopt it and benefit from it.