Title: Overview of export problems and their illustrative factors case study: Tunisian SMEs

Authors: Imed Zaiem

Addresses: Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management of Nabeul, Campus universitaire, Mrezga Route Hammamet, 8000 Nabeul, Tunisie

Abstract: In recent decades, a number of studies have focused on export problems and barriers. Despite efforts by governments, particularly in developing countries, to encourage exports, many Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have expressed their difficulties in successfully concluding export transactions. By means of a questionnaire survey of 124 Tunisian export SMEs we were able to identify the major problems perceived and the relevant explanatory factors, both within and outside the companies. The results show that perceptions of export problems vary, depending on the context and the environment in which the SME operates. The managerial implications are discussed.

Keywords: perceived export problems; exporting; export strategy; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; export barriers; Tunisia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTGM.2012.048527

International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, 2012 Vol.5 No.2, pp.89 - 106

Received: 31 Dec 2010
Accepted: 18 May 2011
Published online: 31 Dec 2014 *

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