Journal of Chinese Economic and Foreign Trade Studies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the main impact factors on the export capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Fujian Province, China.

Design/methodology/approach – A model containing internal and external impact factors on the export capacity of SMEs was developed. Data were collected by e-mail questionnaire surveys from random samples of SMEs in Fujian Province and 47 usable responses were statistically analyzed by SPSS14.0 using frequencies, t-tests, correlation and linear regression.

Findings – The analysis shows that the government and home and export markets constitute the external impact factors while resource availability has an important internal impact on the export capacity of SMEs in Fujian. Firm scale, cultural differences and business networks do not influence the export capacity of SMEs; however, management, products, experience and geographical location have an indirect effect.

Practical implications – The findings of this study suggest that SMEs in Fujian need to seek more support from government and explore more international markets. It is suggested that an SME export support system should be established by local government in order to better promote the acquisition of resources, product innovation and business network development.

Originality/value – This study offers a first insight into the understanding of Fujian SMEs' export context and explores the relationships between (theorized) impact factors on SME export capacity at the micro level.