This paper investigates strategic responses to the global economic crisis that began in 2008, combined with the appreciation of the local currency and the intensification of Asian competition, of four Brazilian clusters comprised of producers and exporters of traditional manufactured products, with different levels of export intensity (footwear, furniture, wines and beachwear). The data were obtained from personal interviews with various actors (entrepreneurs, industry experts, government agents and members of local associations) and a wide range of secondary sources. The clusters present different responses depending on their degree of dependence on external markets, the possibility of redirecting production to domestic markets and level of cooperation.