Trump's tariff clouds cast a spreading gloom over export-focused MSME mood

The downward sentiment comes despite the Composite MSME Business Confidence Index (M-BCI) indicating a favourable business environment for MSMEs

     

The Small Industries Development Bank of India, in its third edition of 'MSME Outlook Survey', notes that tariff woes are dampening the mood among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This is despite the Composite MSME Business Confidence Index (M-BCI) for the first quarter (Apr-Jun) of the current financial year rising to 63.75 from 60.82 in the previous round, indicating a favourable business environment for MSMEs.

 

Export turnover improved markedly for the manufacturing sector between Rounds 2 and 3, with 53 per cent of the respondents (exporters) indicating a sequential increase in sales.