Destination country and export performance of agri-food products during the COVID-19 crisis

Abstract

In the context of markets with uncertainty, we use the stakeholder theory to explain the role and importance of destination country in the export arena. We analysed six cross-sectional Chilean case studies on exported agri-food products in three categories (fresh, frozen, and processed). Using quantitative and qualitative data, destination countries and export performance were analysed, comparing 2020 (during the COVID-19 crisis) with the previous year. Our results show that exported agri-food products maintained their main destination countries, and maintained or increased the number of destination countries. The analysis of export performance shows that export performance varies depending on both the kind of product and the category to which it belongs. The role of trade agreements confirmed the destination country as a primary stakeholder. This study thus contributes to the stakeholder theory and literature on export performance, considering the destination country as a primary stakeholder in exporting firms.