SMEs export barriers simplified
The direct trade participation of SMEs in developing countries is not in line with their importance at the domestic level. Compared to large firms, however, few SMEs export – direct exports representing just 3% of total SME manufacturing sales, compared to 14% for large enterprises (World Trade Organization, 2016). The process of exporting goods and services is a mammoth task which requires investments in human resources and capital. This has discouraged many SMEs. Those who choose to take up the risk are faced with non-tariff barriers (NTBs) starting from internal to regional level. Trade facilitation is key for the success of SMEs exports and this should start at national level building up to the global. Trade facilitation looks at how procedures and controls governing the movement of goods across national borders can be improved to reduce associated cost burdens and maximize efficiency while safeguarding leg...