Do Export Firms Face Higher or Lower Financial Constraints? Insights from Enterprise Surveys

This study conducts empirical research on the financial status of exporting firms using data from the World Bank’s Enterprise Surveys, encompassing 155 countries and over 190,000 firms. While exporting firms might experience fewer financial challenges compared to non-exporting counterparts due to their access to international markets, they could also encounter financial difficulties stemming from market uncertainties or specific investments and expenses related to exports. Initially, descriptive analyses are employed to assess the financial standing of exporting firms. Subsequently, probit regression analyses are conducted to examine the association between exports and firms’ financial positions. We consider the size, sector, and innovation dynamics of firms, along with the developmental status of the countries in which these firms are located. The results indicate that export firms’ financial constraints vary based on their characteristics and the development level of their operating country, explaining differences observed in empirical studies. Financial stability in export firms depends on factors such as size, sector, innovation status, and whether they are direct exporters.