Final answer:
A strong U.S. dollar, which makes U.S. products more expensive in international markets, is a reason for low U.S. exports, not an exception. Other internal factors may hinder exporting efforts, but currency exchange rates directly impact export levels. The United States' sizable domestic market also contributes to lower export ratios.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which of the offered explanations is not a reason for the low level of U.S. exports compared to other countries. The correct answer is: E) a strong U.S. dollar translates into less affordable prices in export markets. As the provided information indicates, a strong U.S. dollar actually makes U.S. goods more expensive and less competitive abroad, which translates into lower exports. The other options (A, B, C, and D) can be considered internal factors that hinder exporting efforts, but the relative prices on international markets, such as those stemming from currency exchange rates, have a direct impact on export levels.
For example, if the U.S. dollar strengthens, U.S. products become more expensive for buyers using other currencies, and consequently, the demand for those U.S. products may decline, leading to a decrease in exports. Conversely, if U.S. goods are cheaper due to productivity breakthroughs, U.S. exports are likely to rise as more international customers can afford them.
Other factors contributing to lower levels of exporting include limited ambition among American business owners, lack of knowledge about international market opportunities, perceptions of inadequate resources, and the ease of marketing domestically compared to internationally. Additionally, U.S. companies may export less because the United States, as a large economy, has less need to trade internationally, especially when compared to smaller countries in the European Union, which have the benefit of trading without barriers such as tariffs and quotas.