Toward Inclusive Access to Trade Finance

Drawing on a decade of surveys, this report discusses trade finance trends and identifies how access to trade finance can become more inclusive.

A persistently large trade finance gap is an ongoing global challenge, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, which continue to face significant barriers to access financing. Since 2012, ADB has conducted a Trade Finance Gaps, Growth, and Jobs Survey. Reflecting on the survey results, the report provides insights on trade finance trends, analysis, and lessons and identifies what needs to happen to ensure access to trade finance is more inclusive. The report discusses the rapid digitalization in trade and trade finance markets and advocates for increased international cooperation to enable the full benefits of digitization to be realized.