India plans ₹2,000-cr MSME tech upgrade to enhance exports, efficiency
₹2,000-crore technology upgradation scheme for small businesses in the 2026-27 budget, aimed at boosting the adoption of energy-efficient machinery, two people aware of the development said.The technology upgradation scheme, proposed by the Union ministry of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME), and currently under discussion, will cover MSMEs with annual turnover of less than ₹50 crore, offering them a 20% capital subsidy for purchase of energy-efficient machinery, smart manufacturing, and automation upgrades, said the first of the two persons cited earlier, both of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity.A micro enterprise has an annual turnover of up to ₹5 crore, a small enterprise up to ₹50 crore, and a medium enterprise up to ₹500 crore.The plan comes amid several countries introducing their own carbon taxes on imports from nations with weaker climate regulations. The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) comes into effect from 1 January.
The UK and Norway plan to introduce their own CBAM-like mechanisms in 2027. Canada and Australia are also in early stages of CBAM development, while Taiwan intends to impose CBAM regulations and taxes in 2026.These carbon taxes will put Indian MSME manufacturers and their exports at a disadvantage amid rising global tariff barriers.
While the US has already imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian exports, which is hurting these small businesses, Mexico also has announced a 50% tariff on select Indian goods starting 1 January 2026.The second person said that the ongoing MSE-GIFT (Micro and Small Enterprises Green Investment and Financing for Transformation) scheme may be integrated with the new scheme. Launched in December 2023 as part of a World
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