Market Access Support Scheme for Indian Export Growth

Background of the Scheme

Market Access Support Scheme for Indian Export Growth: The Government of India has launched the Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme with a total outlay of ₹4,531 crore for the period FY 2026–31. The scheme is aimed at strengthening India’s export ecosystem by improving global visibility, market penetration, and competitiveness of Indian exporters.

The initiative reflects a clear policy shift from direct export subsidies to market-linked support mechanisms. The focus is on building long-term export capacity rather than offering short-term financial relief.

Static GK fact: India is a founding member of the World Trade Organization, which discourages trade-distorting export subsidies and promotes market-based export support.

Link with Export Promotion Mission

The MAS Scheme is a component of the ₹25,060 crore Export Promotion Mission approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2025. This mission aims to diversify export markets, expand India’s export basket, and improve resilience against global trade disruptions.

Unlike earlier schemes, MAS follows a structured and outcome-oriented approach, with advance planning of international market access activities. This ensures continuity and predictability for exporters.

Key Features of the MAS Scheme

The scheme supports participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, enabling Indian exporters to showcase products in key global markets. It also promotes buyer-seller meets, including large-scale reverse buyer-seller meets in India, where foreign buyers are invited to interact directly with Indian firms.

Trade delegations to priority and emerging markets are encouraged to help exporters explore non-traditional destinations. All activities are planned under a rolling 3–5 year calendar, allowing exporters to prepare well in advance.

Static GK Tip: Trade fairs and buyer-seller meets are classified as non-tariff export promotion tools, widely used by countries to enhance market access.

Focus on MSMEs and First-Time Exporters

A major strength of the MAS Scheme is its strong MSME orientation. The scheme targets MSMEs and first-time exporters, particularly those entering new geographies. Exporters from agriculture, leather, handloom, toys, and traditional industries receive priority support.

At least 35% MSME participation is mandatory in all supported events. This ensures inclusive growth and prevents domination by large exporters.

Financial Support Mechanism

To reduce entry barriers, the scheme provides partial airfare support for exporters with annual export turnover up to ₹75 lakh. Preferential financial assistance is extended to priority sectors and exporters exploring new markets.

Cost-sharing ratios and event-level funding ceilings have been rationalised, ensuring efficient use of public funds while keeping participation affordable for small exporters.

Funding and Implementation Strategy

For the current financial year, ₹500 crore has been allocated under the scheme. Additionally, ₹330 crore of pending arrears will be cleared in the initial phase. The advance preparation of market access calendars helps exporters align production and marketing strategies with global demand cycles.

Not a Response to US Tariffs

Government officials have clarified that the MAS Scheme is not linked to US tariff actions on Indian goods. Instead, it addresses structural challenges such as limited market intelligence, lack of global exposure, and concentration of exports in a few destinations.

Static GK fact: Export diversification is a key recommendation of India’s Foreign Trade Policy to reduce vulnerability to external shocks.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Market Access Support Scheme for Indian Export Growth: