How supply chain finance promote carbon emissions reduction in manufacturing enterprises—Evidence from Chinese market

Abstract

This paper provides evidence of the role of supply chain finance (hereinafter referred to as SCF) in the development of the manufacturing industry in China. As the world's largest manufacturing country and the second-largest economy, China presents a unique case for this study. Utilizing data from A-share manufacturing companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2008 to 2021, we examine the impact of SCF on carbon emissions reduction among manufacturing enterprises in China. The study finds that SCF contributes to reducing carbon emissions in manufacturing companies. After conducting a series of robustness tests and controlling for potential endogeneity issues, this conclusion remains valid. Regarding the transmission mechanism, SCF's contribution to carbon emissions reduction in manufacturing firms occurs through the pathways of corporate financial availability and green technology innovation. Further research shows that the promotion effect of SCF on carbon emissions reduction of manufacturing enterprises is more obvious in manufacturing enterprises with high supply chain concentration and strong managers' ability, as well as in manufacturing enterprises in areas with strong environmental regulation and high level of digital economy development.