Navigating Barriers and Opportunities: Indigenous-owned SMEs Driving Sustainable International Trade

This paper examines the role of Indigenous-owned SMEs in promoting sustainable international trade amid global tensions. Drawing on firms in Canada, the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, it shows how these businesses embed sustainability, cultural authenticity, and reciprocity into export strategies. At the same time, they face significant challenges, including financing barriers, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory hurdles. Practical insights are offered for policymakers to strengthen inclusive trade policies and support Indigenous participation, including cross-border Indigenous collaborations and targeted capacity-building initiatives. The study points to pathways for Indigenous SMEs to expand global engagement while advancing sustainable and inclusive trade systems.