This study identifies the structure of perceived barriers to exporting, particularly the barriers associated with initiating and expanding exports among a group of exporting and nonexporting firms. The data from a sample survey of 623 small to medium-sized manufacturing firms in the state of Texas shows the presence of four types of export barrier dimensions-inadequacy of export market knowledge, resource constraints, export procedure uncertainties and exogenous environmental uncertainties. Three groups of firms-current exporters, interested and uninterested nonexporters-show significant differences in absolute and relative importance perceptions of these barrier dimensions.

• Yoo S . Yang