MUMBAI: India’s MSME exporters and importers are beginning to face growing liquidity pressure as disruptions to maritime trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz trigger freight escalation, war-risk insurance premiums and shipment delays, according to a policy whitepaper released by Sarjak Container Lines (SCL).
The Indian container shipping and logistics company has cautioned that ongoing geopolitical tensions are starting to create financial stress for MSME businesses, many of which depend on predictable shipping schedules and tightly managed working-capital cycles.
“Many MSME exporters operate on 30–90 day payment cycles. When shipments are delayed and freight costs rise unexpectedly at the same time, working capital gets locked for longer periods,” said Mr. Ashish Sheth, Managing Director, Sarjak Container Lines Pvt.Ltd.
“For smaller exporters who operate with limited financial buffers, these disruptions can quickly translate into liquidity stress. Temporary financial support mechanisms could help stabilize MSME exporters during this period of geopolitical uncertainty.”
MSME exporters often have limited ability to pass unexpected logistics costs to overseas buyers, meaning the additional freight and insurance expenses frequently have to be absorbed directly by the exporter.
Import-dependent MSME manufacturers are also beginning to feel the impact as delays in shipments of raw materials, including chemicals, polymers and machinery components, start to disrupt production schedules.
To mitigate the cascading effects of these disruptions, Sarjak Container Lines has recommended a set of targeted financial stabilization measures, including:
- creation of a temporary MSME EXIM liquidity window through banks
- interest subvention on export credit and working capital loans
- relief mechanisms for extraordinary freight and war-risk insurance costs
- accelerated processing of GST refunds and export incentives
- recognition of the Hormuz disruption as a force majeure event affecting trade contracts.
“Ensuring that MSME exporters have access to liquidity support during such disruptions will help preserve the stability and competitiveness of India’s export ecosystem.”
The whitepaper has been published for consideration to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Finance, and relevant export promotion councils.
