Mitigating Internal Export Barriers for Small and Medium-Sized Apparel Enterprises (SMEs) in Washington State: Internationalization and the Renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Abstract

Internationalization among Washington State apparel SMEs was examined, to determine whether internal barriers were preventing firms from exporting at higher levels. A case study research design and stratified purposeful criterion sampling approach were utilized to collect qualitative data from Washington State apparel SMEs, who manufacture and sell “Made in the USA” consumer products. An analysis of the findings indicated that the growth of e-commerce platforms and establishment of reliable international shipping services have led to a decline in the significance of traditional concerns about internal export barriers for direct, indirect, and hybrid exporters.