Institute of Development Studies

The Impact of the Crisis on Trade Credit

The range of impacts of the global financial crisis on developing countries is only now becoming evident. One impact which is receiving increasing attention is the drying up of trade finance. The study examines whether or not exporters in sub-Saharan Africa are facing a decline in trade credit. It does this through telephone interviews with 30 exporters in two sectors, horticulture and garments, complemented by key informant interviews. This work was carried out with the support of the Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi and Biospartners in the UK.

• IDS key contact: John Humphrey
• Project dates: December 2008 - March 2009
• Project status: Closed
• Funder: Department for International Development (DFID)

Researchers

• John Humphrey
• Neil McCulloch

Partner Organisations

• Institute for Development Studies, Nairobi
• Biospartners

Selected Outputs

• Humphrey, J. (2009) 'Are Exporters in Africa Facing Reduced Availability of Trade Finance? (paper for DFID)' , Brighton: IDS
• Humphrey, J. (2009) 'Trade Credit', IDS In Focus Policy Briefing 7.8, Brighton: IDS