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SMEs’ line of credit under the COVID-19: evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Yun Liu

    (Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance)

  • Yifei Zhang

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Heyang Fang

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Xin Chen

    (The University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

How does the COVID-19 affect SMEs’ financing in emerging markets? In this paper, we investigate the impact of the COVID-induced shock on Chinese SMEs’ line of credit (LOC) using deal-level data. As Hubei province was mostly affected, we employ a difference-in-differences approach with the propensity score matching (PSM-DID) and compare Hubei SMEs’ credit responses before and after the outbreak relative to those of non-Hubei SMEs. Our results suggest that Hubei SMEs’ credit demand reduced significantly compared to that of non-Hubei SMEs, and the adverse effects were more pronounced for the non-state-owned enterprises (non-SOEs) and the SMEs without prior bank relationships. Moreover, we show a negative impact on non-Hubei SMEs having supply chain relationships with Hubei province. Such effects rippled through the supply chain and exerted an intensified strike on the SMEs with Hubei customers. Finally, we find the state-owned banks eased the LOC to Hubei SMEs during the pandemic outbreak. Plain English Summary Chinese SMEs’ credit demand deteriorated after the COVID-19 outbreak, though supported by the state-owned banks. How does the COVID-19 affect SMEs’ financing in emerging markets? In this paper, we investigate the impact of the COVID-induced shock on Chinese SMEs’ line of credit (LOC) using deal-level data. As Hubei province was mostly affected, our results suggest that Hubei SMEs’ credit demand reduced significantly compared to that of non-Hubei SMEs, and the adverse effects were more pronounced for the non-state-owned enterprises (non-SOEs) and the SMEs without prior bank relationships. Moreover, we show a negative impact on non-Hubei SMEs having supply chain relationships with Hubei province. Such effects rippled through the supply chain and exerted an intensified strike on the SMEs with Hubei customers. Finally, we find the state-owned banks eased the LOC to Hubei SMEs during the pandemic outbreak. According to our study, government COVID-supportive policies should target the SME subgroups such as non-SOEs, firms that heavily rely on supply chain, and those without stable bank relationships.

Suggested Citation

  • Yun Liu & Yifei Zhang & Heyang Fang & Xin Chen, 2022. "SMEs’ line of credit under the COVID-19: evidence from China," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 58(2), pages 807-828, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:sbusec:v:58:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s11187-021-00474-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11187-021-00474-9
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    5. Bertschek, Irene & Block, Jörn & Kritikos, Alexander S. & Stiel, Caroline, 2022. "German Financial State Aid during COVID-19 Pandemic: Higher Impact among Digitalized Self-Employed," IZA Discussion Papers 15608, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    6. Aysan, Ahmet Faruk & Babacan, Mehmet & Gür, Nurullah & Süleyman, Selim, 2023. "Firm Size and Financing Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from SMEs in Istanbul," MPRA Paper 116300, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 2023.
    7. David Aristei & Manuela Gallo, 2024. "Green management, access to credit, and firms’ vulnerability to the COVID-19 crisis," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 62(1), pages 179-211, January.
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