| Abstract: | This article provides a comparative analysis of factors influencing the out-of-state export decisions of establishments within selected groups of services-producing and manufacturing industries. Data were gathered through a mail survey of establishments located in both rural and urban areas of five Midwestern states. The proportion of sales exported was specified as a function of establishment and location characteristics and estimated using Tobit analysis. Results of the study indicate that both establishment and location characteristics are important predictors of the export decision and confirm that establishments in some services-producing industries are able to enter and compete in out-of-state export markets. Similar factors were found to influence the export decisions of services-producing and manufacturing establishments. Results suggest that services-producing establishments in the group of industries may not be footloose with respect to locational choices. |
