Managing international trade: an analysis of South African SMEs and regional exports

Abstract

Although South African small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are supported by various initiatives from the government, only a limited number (3 per cent) of firms enter the international export arena. The paper briefly sketches the role of SMEs in South Africa and their involvement in exports. Based on primary data, the significance of different obstacles to trade in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is discussed. The listing of obstacles and their significance supplies both enterprises and policy makers with crucial information with respect to regional exports. By addressing these obstacles, South African SMEs will be encouraged to increase their exports to neighbouring countries in the SADC.