In this paper we examine trade credit terms in Italy on the basis of two original surveys carried out by the Bank of Italy. The surveys show that 80-90 per cents of sales are paid on a deferred payment basis of 90 days on average and a delay of 11 days. 83 per cent of trade credit is extended on...

Trade credit arises from delayed payments between firms. It is not easy to identify its determinants since they are connected to organisational,technical, commercial and financial factors.In this paper we empirically examine the determinants of the usage of trade credit by Italian industrial...