Challenges Small business Face in Exporting

1. 9/17/25, 5:05 PM Challenges Indian Small business Face in Exporting | by Akash Verma | Sep, 2025 | Medium Challenges Indian Small business Face in Exporting 4 min read · 2 hours ago Open in app Akash Verma Following Listen Share More Exporting globally offers immense opportunities for Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), from revenue diversification to international visibility. Yet, achieving success in international trade is far from simple. While the global marketplace promises growth, many SMEs struggle with barriers that prevent them from scaling effectively. According to the World Bank, SMEs contribute approximately 30% of India’s exports, but nearly 60% face challenges in accessing verified buyers and navigating https://medium.com/@akashverma222111/challenges-small-businesses-exporting-b3d85055f4dc 1/12

2. 9/17/25, 5:05 PM Challenges Indian Small business Face in Exporting | by Akash Verma | Sep, 2025 | Medium global markets. The good news is that with the right B2B platform, SMEs can overcome these hurdles, connect with international buyers, and grow sustainably. This article examines the main challenges and offers actionable strategies to tackle them. Top Challenges for Indian SMEs in Global Exports 1. Limited Access to Verified Global Buyers Finding reliable international buyers is a major pain point for SMEs. Without verified connections, businesses risk fraud, payment defaults, or low-quality partnerships. Statista reports that 42% of Indian SMEs exporting goods faced delays or non- payments due to unverified buyers. “Trust is the currency of international trade,” says Anil Kumar, Director of Export Excellence at the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). Solution: A verified B2B platform allows SMEs to connect with pre-screened buyers, reducing risks and increasing chances of successful transactions. 2. Complex Regulatory Requirements Export regulations vary widely depending on the country and product type, from customs documentation to quality certifications. SMEs lacking dedicated compliance teams often find this challenging. The Export- Import Bank of India found that 35% of SME exporters lost opportunities due to regulatory confusion. Solution: Digital growth partners help SMEs navigate regulations with automated documentation, country-specific guidance, and compliance tools that simplify international trade. 3. Cash Flow and Payment Risks International transactions involve longer payment cycles, currency conversions, and credit risks. SMEs often lack capital reserves to handle delayed payments, which can hinder the ability to fulfill larger orders. Solution: Leveraging a reliable B2B platform ensures transparency in transactions. Platforms like Pepagora facilitate secure communication between buyers and https://medium.com/@akashverma222111/challenges-small-businesses-exporting-b3d85055f4dc 2/12

3. 9/17/25, 5:05 PM Challenges Indian Small business Face in Exporting | by Akash Verma | Sep, 2025 | Medium sellers, enabling safer deals and helping SMEs maintain a steady cash flow. 4. Competition from Established Global Players Competing with established international suppliers can be intimidating. Large players often enjoy brand recognition, extensive distribution networks, and advanced marketing strategies, which smaller SMEs may lack. Solution: By leveraging a digital presence on B2B marketplaces, SMEs can highlight niche offerings, like eco-friendly production, specialized machinery, or custom manufacturing, giving them a competitive edge. 5. Limited Digital Visibility Many SMEs are still reliant on traditional trade methods such as offline exhibitions or word-of-mouth. Without a strong digital footprint, international buyers may never discover these businesses. Solution: Pepagora, the B2B platform in India being a digital growth partner by providing tools for showcasing products online, publishing catalogs, and connecting SMEs to a global audience 24/7. How a B2B Platform Can Help Modern B2B marketplaces are no longer just directories, they are digital growth partners, helping SMEs scale sustainably and access global markets efficiently. Global Lead Generation: AI-powered algorithms connect SMEs with buyers based on product categories, regions, and buying behavior, enhancing lead quality. Marketing Tools: SMEs can leverage digital catalogs, automated messaging, and dashboards to engage buyers without needing a large marketing team. Industry Insights: Market analytics provide SMEs with actionable insights on international trends, pricing, and buyer preferences. Support and Community: B2B platforms offer webinars, discussion forums, and export guides to help SMEs navigate international trade challenges. B2B Platform like Pepagora empower SMEs to gain global exposure, connect with verified buyers, and expand their operations while maintaining manageable costs. https://medium.com/@akashverma222111/challenges-small-businesses-exporting-b3d85055f4dc 3/12

4. 9/17/25, 5:05 PM Challenges Indian Small business Face in Exporting | by Akash Verma | Sep, 2025 | Medium Economic Times reports that SMEs using digital B2B platforms for international trade achieve 35% faster lead conversion than those relying solely on offline methods. “Technology enables small businesses to punch above their weight on the global stage,” remarks Nirmala Sitaraman, former Finance Minister of India. Actionable Tips for SMEs to Overcome Export Challenges 1. Prioritize Verified Connections: Use reputable B2B marketplaces to access verified international buyers. 2. Highlight Your Niche: Focus on unique products, sustainable practices, or specialized services to differentiate your business. 3. Leverage Digital Tools: Utilize AI-powered matchmaking and digital catalogs to reach the right buyers efficiently. 4. Simplify Compliance: Automate documentation and stay updated on global regulations. 5. Engage Proactively: Maintain consistent communication with buyers to foster trust and encourage repeat orders. By following these strategies, SMEs can minimize risks and increase the success rate of global trade engagements. Build a strong digital presence on a B2B platform. This not only connects you to international buyers but also provides actionable insights, streamlined communication, and market visibility. Platforms like Pepagora allow SMEs to showcase their offerings, engage with verified buyers, and scale globally with confidence. FAQs 1. What are the primary challenges Indian SMEs face in global exports? Limited access to verified buyers, complex regulations, cash flow issues, intense competition, and low digital visibility. 2. How can a B2B platform help SMEs export successfully? By providing verified buyer connections, digital tools, marketing support, and industry insights, enabling SMEs to navigate global trade effectively. https://medium.com/@akashverma222111/challenges-small-businesses-exporting-b3d85055f4dc 4/12

5. 9/17/25, 5:05 PM Challenges Indian Small business Face in Exporting | by Akash Verma | Sep, 2025 | Medium 3. Are there government programs supporting SME exports? Yes. Initiatives like Market Access Initiative (MAI), Export Promotion Councils, and Export Credit Guarantee schemes assist SMEs in reaching international buyers. 4. Which industries are seeing strong SME export growth? Textiles, engineering goods, chemicals, and eco-friendly products are among the top sectors expanding globally. 5. How important is a digital growth partner for SMEs? Crucial. A digital growth partner provides strategy, technology, and marketplace access, helping SMEs scale internationally without heavy upfront investment. Ready to expand your SME globally with confidence ? Sign up on the digital growth partnertoday to access verified buyers, showcase your products, and grow sustainably in international markets. Best B2b Platform Small Business Small Business Owner Start Export Business Global Trade Following Written by Akash Verma 17 followers · 20 following I’m a B2B marketing consultant with a decade of experience, dedicated to empowering small and medium enterprises to thrive. No responses yet https://medium.com/@akashverma222111/challenges-small-businesses-exporting-b3d85055f4dc 5/12