Barriers faced by Romanian SMEs in exporting

Abstract

This study aims to identify the most important barriers faced by Romanian SMEs in the process of exporting. The research was based on a focus group including 12 managers from different exporting companies from Brasov. The most important barriers encountered by companies were linked to currency fluctuations, methods of payment, lack of specialized staff, lack of financial resources, and a low level of government support. Results from the study revealed that companies should have access to financing in order to invest in new technologies and to create higher-quality products that could meet the requirements of foreign buyers. In order to reduce the export barriers, small and medium-sized exporters should create partnerships for reducing the costs of promotion in foreign markets. The government should also increase its support by offering exporters access at financing and market information at lower costs.