Export Barriers for Medium Sized Textile Manufacturing Enterprises i n Small Island Developing States SIDS): Evidence from Mauritius

Abstract

International challenges constrain the international growth of many businesses, irrespective of their sizes. As exports represent a viable strategic option for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to internationalise, it is imperative to identify the export barriers that hinder these businesses' international growth potential. In this study, we explore the export barriers that affect the internationalisation of Mauritian medium-sized textile manufacturing firms. To achieve the objective of the study, a sequential mixed method was employed. The findings of the study identified three pressing barriers impeding the internationalisation process of these businesses, namely environmental barriers, managerial competency barriers and foreign market barriers. These results have implications for policymakers and medium-sized business owners in initiating and consolidating the internationalisation presence of SMEs.