Supply chain interconnection and SME financing: From the perspective of supply chain finance and trade credit

Abstract

By using an enhanced enterprise matching approach, we obtained microdata on the supply chain interconnections between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and listed companies. Our findings suggest that becoming the main counterparties of listed companies can significantly improve the financing capabilities of SMEs through credit enhancement effects and supply chain finance. The credit enhancement effect of accounts receivable increases factoring and bill discounting for upstream SMEs; however, the funds obtained are often absorbed by listed companies through trade credit. SMEs with stronger market power tend to extend less trade credit and secure more loans, resulting in a more efficient structure and optimal amount of funds. These findings offer practical insights for guiding the development of supply chain finance.