Integrated assessment of export performance in chemical industries by multivariate approach

This paper presents a framework for integrated assessment of export performance in chemical industries. The integrated approach discussed in this paper is based on principal component analysis (PCA). To achieve the objectives of this study, a comprehensive study was conducted to locate export indicators based on international standards. The integrated assessment is influenced by such shaping factors as export value, production value, export growth, R&D expenditure and value added. Eleven developed and developing countries were selected and their total export performance were assessed and analyzed by PCA in plastics in primary forms and synthetic rubber sectors. To have an accurate assessment and to minimize the bias, data related to a five years period is collected. This paper presents a unique standard methodology for assessment and ranking of chemical industries based export activities and indexes. Furthermore, it is shown how the total export performance of each industry (or country) may be obtained through a multivariate approach. The results of such studies would help policy makers and top managers to have better understanding and improve existing systems with respect to export performance and shaping factors.