Centre Clears ₹45,060 Crore Boost for Exporters - A Game-Changer for MSMEs

The Indian government has approved two major schemes worth ₹45,060 crore to strengthen the export ecosystem, a move that promises direct benefits for thousands of MSME exporters battling global headwinds. The new package, cleared by the Union Cabinet in November 2025, includes the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore and a Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) worth ₹20,000 crore. Together, these programs are designed to ease financial stress, enhance competitiveness, and enable MSMEs to capture new markets at a time of shifting global trade dynamics.

For years, small exporters have struggled with limited access to affordable credit, delayed payments, and rising logistics costs. The new Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) directly addresses this gap by offering collateral-free loans through banks and financial institutions. By covering a portion of the lending risk, the government aims to encourage banks to extend working capital and export credit more freely to small firms. This will help exporters manage cash flow, fulfil larger orders, and expand capacity without being held back by rigid collateral requirements. To access the scheme, MSMEs simply need to apply for export credit through their regular bank or authorised lender no separate application to the government is required. Banks will process the loan under CGSE based on eligibility, documentation (IEC, GST filings, export orders, etc.), and credit requirements. Exporters can also check the DGFT portal or consult their Export Promotion Council for guidance and updates on participating banks.

The Export Promotion Mission (EPM), on the other hand, focuses on long-term competitiveness. It will fund marketing, branding, and infrastructure support for export clusters, while aligning with schemes such as the Market Access Initiative (MAI) and the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP). The mission will also work on enhancing trade promotion activities through export promotion councils (EPCs), sectoral trade fairs, and digital B2B platforms. For MSMEs, this means greater visibility in global markets, access to professional export assistance, and opportunities to connect with buyers through government-facilitated trade channels.

The announcement comes at a crucial time when India’s exporters are navigating global uncertainties  from tariff changes in the U.S. to tightening demand in Europe and currency volatility in Asia. According to the Ministry of Commerce, MSMEs account for nearly 45% of India’s exports, yet they face persistent challenges in credit access, compliance costs, and technology upgrades. The ₹45,060 crore package aims to bridge this gap by combining financial relief with institutional hand-holding.

For MSME entrepreneurs, this is the right moment to act. Exporters should immediately reach out to their banks to understand eligibility under the new credit guarantee framework and prepare updated documentation, including GST filings, IEC codes, and export order records to speed up approvals. In parallel, they should connect with their respective EPCs to explore opportunities under the Export Promotion Mission. Firms with potential for scaling should also leverage schemes such as RoDTEP, ECGC insurance, and the recently launched DGFT Export Facilitation Helpline for guidance on documentation and market access.

The government’s message is clear: export growth must come from the grassroots. By combining easier credit, policy stability, and active promotion, this ₹45,060 crore push could transform MSME exporters from reactive participants to global players. For India’s small businesses, this isn’t just financial support; it's a chance to reimagine their global journey with renewed confidence and capability.