Slovak exporters consider reliable partners, knowledge of the local environment, thorough preparation, and courage to be the key to success in foreign markets. This is according to Eximbanka’s 2026 Export Barometer, which surveyed the experiences, challenges, needs, and recommendations of companies engaged in international trade.
The survey results confirm that Slovak companies view exporting as a long-term process based on trust, high-quality partnerships, and systematic preparation. When entering foreign markets, they consider reliable business partners, secure business conditions, and high-quality information about target markets to be particularly crucial.
Respondents identified finding or verifying a reliable business partner as the most significant obstacle to exporting (26.9%). This was followed by financial risks and payment terms (20.4%) and regulatory, legislative, or certification requirements (18.0%). The results suggest that when expanding into foreign markets, companies most often face issues related to the credibility of partners, financing, and navigating the local business environment.
The importance of partnerships was also confirmed when it came to selecting a local partner in a foreign market. Respondents consider knowledge of the local market and legislation (27.5%), the partner’s reputation and credibility (23.7%), and long-term cooperation (19.6%) to be the most important factors. The results suggest that Slovak exporters prioritize expertise, trust, and the stability of business relationships when selecting partners.
The survey also showed that companies pay significant attention to managing export risks. The most common measures include thorough selection and vetting of partners (27.6%), contractual safeguards and the establishment of payment terms (21.5%), and market and business environment research (18.8%). Specialized institutions, economic diplomacy, and local contacts also play an important role in helping to reduce the risks associated with entering new markets.
“The results of the Export Barometer confirm that success in foreign markets today does not depend solely on the quality of a product or service. What matters most is the ability to find reliable partners, understand the local market, and manage risks effectively. It is precisely in these areas that Eximbanka plays a significant role in supporting Slovak exporters as they enter foreign markets and develop their international business activities. ,” said Rastislav Podhorec, CEO of Eximbanka.
The respondents’ experiences were also reflected in their recommendations for other exporters. The most frequently cited recommendation was the need to choose a high-quality partner and build a long-term relationship with them (30.19%). According to them, thorough market research, utilizing the support of specialized institutions, and gaining firsthand knowledge of the local environment are also important. Thus, according to Slovak exporters, success in foreign markets rests on a combination of thorough preparation, reliable partnerships, and a good understanding of the market.
In terms of export activities, Europe remains the most prominent market, while companies are also showing interest in further geographic diversification and seeking new business opportunities beyond their traditional export destinations.
In their open-ended responses, respondents most frequently highlighted the need for secure trade and payment conditions, the importance of in-person meetings and networking, as well as the need for support for exporters from specialized institutions. Among the practical challenges they face are, in particular, customs administration, certification, financing, and vetting business partners.
About Eximbanka’s 2026 Export Barometer
The survey was conducted from March 9 to June 9, 2026, via an online questionnaire, and 116 respondents—including Slovak exporters, companies, and representatives of the business community—took part. The aim of the survey was to gain an overview of the export activities of Slovak companies, their experiences, challenges, needs, and plans for further expansion into foreign markets.