Exporting from a Remote, Open Economy During COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for SMEs

Abstract

This chapter investigates the emerging advice given to New Zealand (NZ) exporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to opportunities and challenges in international markets. Using data from virtual meetings and webinars of NZ export support organizations, the study sheds light on the mixed blessing of physical distance from major export markets. While distance shielded NZ early on in the pandemic, connecting to export markets became increasingly challenging and even experience exporters had to gain new market knowledge and build new networks by relying on digital technologies and channels.

Keywords: Exporting during crisis, business recovery, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), barriers to internationalization, distance