Motivations and Barriers to Internationalization and the Impact of Exports on Business Performance in the Portuguese Food Sector

Abstract : This study examines the impact of exports on the performance of Portuguese food sector firms, considering the mediating role of export intensity between internationalization motivations, barriers and business performance. Data were collected from 312 surveys and complemented with secondary data from Informa D&B. Exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regression were employed.Proactive and market-driven motivations, as well as capacity-based motivations, drive internationalization. However, only capacity-based motivations are positively associated with firm performance. Market and political risks act as barriers to internationalization, exerting negative effects. Extra-EU exports contribute positively to performance, while intra-EU exports have a negative effect. The econometric model estimates that a 1% increase in export intensity is associated with a 7.2% increase in ROA (p < 0.05). Firms should strengthen internal capabilities and target extra-EU markets. This study identifies specific drivers and barriers to internationalization in the Portuguese food sector, highlighting intra vs extra EU export effects.