Obstacles perceived by exporters in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This paper examines the managerial perceptions of 140 Saudi Arabian manufactured goods exporters regarding export obstacles. Executive responses on 24 possible obstacles are analyzed and reported at the individual-item level. Factor analysis uncovered eight dimensions of export obstacles: input cost, competitive rivalry, transportation, national export policy, export information and procedure, comparative competitiveness, foreign market risks, and operational constraint. According to the index of factor importance, the last three dimensions are perceived as less important export obstacles. ANOV A analysis was conducted to assess if these dimensions were affected by the technology of the industry (high-technolgy, low-technology), export attitude (active exporter, irregular exporter), export involvement (high-intensity, Iow-intensity). The findings showed very little differences and it could be concluded that no differences exist. Overall, the factors uncovered and their relative importance are different from the findings of previous studies in advanced countries and similar to a research conducted across GCC countries.