Trade credit contracts cheaper than bank credit, shaping global trade landscape.
Trade credit contracts are not complicated because they involve short credit periods, frequent transactions, and trust between trading partners. Contrary to popular belief, trade credit is often cheaper than bank credit, leading to its widespread use worldwide. The theories behind trade credit have strong empirical support and are interconnected, suggesting the need for comprehensive theory development in this area. This high usage of trade credit calls for policy attention, especially in terms of trade credit regulation.