This study investigates the impact of internationalization barriers on the export performance of Jordanian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The aim of this study is to investigate how the export performance of SMEs in the furniture industry is influenced by external and internal barriers and what significance these have for international performance. Based on a quantitative research design, data was collected from 318 small and medium-sized Jordanian companies through a survey. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) examined the impact of external barriers, including political, economic, legal and socio-cultural challenges, as well as internal barriers, such as financial, management and market-related barriers, on export performance. However, most barriers - whether internal or external - are domestic and have a greater impact on export performance than barriers from abroad. This study enriches RBV theory in relation to the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises by providing evidence that firm-specific resources and capabilities are key factors for SMEs both when they face export barriers and when they achieve better performance in foreign activities. The findings provide practical implications for managers, policy makers and practitioners interested in the internationalization of Jordanian SMEs. An important limitation is the cross-sectional design, one-country context, and self-report in survey research. Future studies are recommended to use a longitudinal design, mediating and moderating mechanisms. This study is innovative as it involves a combined investigation of firm-external and firm-internal export barriers and their effects on the internationalization success of Jordanian SMEs.