An Empirical Study on the Effect of Internal FTA Utilization Factors on Export Performance

Purpose – This study aims to identify the internal capabilities that export companies need to possess in order to utilize FTAs and to propose ways to expand their export performance through them. To achieve this goal, the study analyzed the internal factors that affect FTA utilization from a resourcebased perspective, such as Origin Management Competency, Information Acquisition Competency, contract Management Competency, and Commitment to Export, based on prior research on corporate capabilities in the field of management and FTA-related research. The study ultimately aims to confirm whether a company's FTA utilization contributes to its export performance through the management and response to its internal factors for FTA utilization. Design/methodology – To achieve the research objective, this study conducted a literature review related to FTA utilization and identified the internal factors of companies that affect FTA by classifying them into Origin Management Competency, Information Acquisition Competency, contract Management Competency, and Commitment to Export Based on this, a final research model was developed, hypotheses were set through a preliminary study survey, and conclusions were drawn by analyzing the data of 312 companies. Findings – The empirical analysis results indicate that Origin Management Competency and Contract Management Competency have a positive impact on FTA utilization, while Information Acquisition Competency and Commitment to Export do not have a statistically significant impact on FTA utilization. Based on these findings, this study suggests measures for efficient FTA utilization for companies that want to utilize FTAs. Additionally, FTA utilization has a positive impact on export performance. In other words, the extent to which companies utilize the signed agreements has a positive impact on their performance. Based on these results, this study identifies the characteristics of companies that want to utilize FTAs and proposes measures for future efficient FTA utilization. Originality/value – This study has confirmed that in order for companies to utilize FTAs, they must meet the requirements of the FTA. To this end, the study has concluded that it is important to manage and address internal factors such as Origin Management Competency, Information Acquisition Competency, contract Management Competency, and Commitment to Export to increase FTA utilization. Based on these results, it can be confirmed that it is essential for companies to have an understanding and management of the internal factors that satisfy the requirements of the FTA in order to utilize the FTA.