Title: Exporter's perceptions to obstacles faced in the EU: evidence from Indian textiles and leather goods firms

Authors: Sangeeta Khorana; Kwok Tong Soo

Addresses: School of Management and Business, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DD, UK ' Department of Economics, Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster LA1 4YX, UK

Abstract: Firms encounter barriers to exporting activity in foreign and domestic business environments. In this paper, based on primary research, we analyse barriers faced by Indian textiles as well as clothing and leather and footwear firms, in exporting to the European Union (EU). First, we document the manifold types of barriers that impact on Indian firms exporting to the EU. Second, using interview data we explore the relationship between perceptions of barriers to exports and firm characteristics. We find those firms closer to ports report lower transport costs and less corruption than firms further away from ports. Firm size, exporting experience, and whether the firm is from the textiles or leather goods industry have no significant impact on firms' perception of export barriers. Finally, we assess the policy implications of econometric results to shed light on issues that need addressing within ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement between the EU and India.

Keywords: India; European Union; EU; export barriers; exports; entrepreneurship; textiles industry; clothing industry; garment industry; apparel industry; leather goods; footwear; exporting firms; firm characteristics; transport costs; corruption; firm size; exporting experience; free trade agreements.

DOI: 10.1504/IJICBM.2013.055527

International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management, 2013 Vol.7 No.2, pp.261 - 277

Published online: 30 Nov 2013 *

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