Small enterprises represent a large proportion of enterprises in most economies and are a driving force for economic growth. Most small enterprises refrain from exporting due to a number of challenges. The aim of this study was to determine the exporting barriers perceived to constrain exporting from Lesotho-based manufacturing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design. Data were collected from 162 Lesotho-based manufacturing enterprises through a self-administered questionnaire. Factor analysis revealed three export barrier groupings, namely international, distribution, and financial constraints. The descriptive statistics showed that Lesotho-based manufacturing MSMEs perceive lack of financial resources for market research, lack of financial resources to finance export sales, and lack of excess capacity for exports, all internal to an enterprise-loading under financial barriers as constraints to exporting. The study added to the literature new classes of export barriers. The findings suggest that the government of Lesotho has to put in place mechanisms that can reduce financial constraints to enable MSMEs to contribute as expected.
