Govt Launches Market Access Support Scheme to Boost Indian Exports

To strengthen India’s export ecosystem and help domestic firms compete globally, the government has launched a INR 4,531 crore Market Access Support (MAS) scheme for the period FY 2026–31. The scheme focuses on improving global visibility, market access, and competitiveness of Indian exporters, with a strong emphasis on MSMEs first-time exporters, and priority sectors such as agriculture, handloom, leather, and toys.

Why in the News?

The government has launched a ₹4,531 crore Market Access Support (MAS) scheme for six years (FY26-31) to help Indian exporters expand into global markets. The scheme prioritizes MSMEs and first-time exporters and supports trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and new export destinations.

About the Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme

The Market Access Support scheme is part of India’s shift from direct export subsidies to market-linked support mechanisms.

It comes under the INR 25,060 crore Export Promotion Mission approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2025. The focus is on long-term export competitiveness rather than short-term tariff relief.

Key Features of the MAS Scheme

• Total outlay of ₹4,531 crore for FY26-31
• Focus on improving global reach, visibility, and competitiveness
• Supports participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions
• Promotes buyer-seller meets, including mega reverse buyer-seller meets in India
• Encourages trade delegations to priority and emerging markets
• Structured, outcome-oriented approach with advance planning

Who Will Benefit from the Scheme?

The scheme mainly targets,

• MSMEs and first-time exporters
• Exporters from priority sectors such as agriculture, leather, handloom, toys, and traditional industries
• Small exporters entering new geographies and non-traditional markets
• At least 35% MSME participation is mandatory in supported events to ensure wider outreach.

MSME Focus and Financial Support

• Strong MSME bias to diversify both exporters and export markets
• Partial airfare support for small exporters with export turnover up to ₹75 lakh
• Preferential financial support for priority sectors and new markets
• Rationalized cost-sharing ratios and event-level funding ceilings
• This design ensures small and new exporters can participate without heavy financial burden.

Funding and Implementation Details

• ₹500 crore allocated in the current financial year
• Pending arrears of ₹330 crore to be cleared initially
• A rolling 3 to 5 year calendar of major market access events will be prepared in advance
• Helps exporters plan participation and ensures continuity in market development

Not Linked to US Tariffs

Officials clarified that the MAS scheme is not a reaction to US tariffs on Indian goods. Instead, it aims to address structural and long-term challenges faced by exporters and improve export resilience over time.

Key Data At Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	Govt launched ₹4,531 cr MAS scheme
Scheme Period	FY 2026-31
Total Outlay	₹4,531 crore
Main Beneficiaries	MSMEs, first-time exporters, priority sectors
Key Support	Trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, trade delegations
MSME Requirement	Minimum 35% participation
Current Year Allocation	₹500 crore
Objective	Improve global reach and competitiveness

Question

Q1. The Market Access Support (MAS) scheme has been launched for which period?

A. FY24–29
B. FY25–30
C. FY26–31
D. FY27–32