The Mediating Role of International Trade Flows between the Implementation of Quality Management Systems and Export Performance: An Applied Study on the Egyptian Food Industry Sector

This study aimed to analyze the effect of applying quality systems on the export performance of Egyptian food industry companies and to examine the mediating role of international trade flows in explaining this relationship. The study was based on the premise that the application of quality systems contributes not only directly to improving export performance, but that its effect may also extend indirectly through enhancing international trade flows and improving companies’ ability to access foreign markets. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, and primary data were collected through a questionnaire administered to a sample of 124 Egyptian food industry exporting companies during 2025. Quality systems were measured through three dimensions: product quality, quality management, and compliance costs with international standards. Export performance was measured through export capacity, export costs, and export effectiveness, while international trade flows were measured through push factors, pull factors, and friction factors. The study used IBM SPSS Statistics to conduct multiple regression and correlation analyses, and IBM SPSS Amos to conduct Path Analysis within the framework of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), in addition to Mediation Analysis to estimate the direct, indirect, and total effects. The results showed a positive and statistically significant effect of applying quality systems on export performance, with an effect coefficient of (β = 0.796), an F-test value of 154.01, and a coefficient of determination of (R² = 0.558), indicating that quality systems explain approximately 55.8% of the variation in export performance. The results also revealed a statistically significant positive effect of quality systems on the dimensions of export performance, with F-values of 21.16 for export capacity, 68.11 for export costs, and 79.046 for export effectiveness, while the corresponding coefficients of determination were (R² = 0.346, 0.630, and 0.664), respectively. The results also confirmed a positive and statistically significant effect of applying quality systems on international trade flows, with an effect coefficient of (β = 0.794), an F-test value of 203.31, and a coefficient of determination of (R² = 0.625), indicating that quality systems explain approximately 62.5% of the variation in international trade flows. At the level of its dimensions, the F-values were 84.60 for push factors, 70.81 for pull factors, and 14.42 for friction factors, while the corresponding coefficients of determination were (R² = 0.679, 0.639, and 0.265), respectively. The results of the mediation analysis revealed a partial mediating role of international trade flows in the relationship between quality systems and export performance. The path coefficient from quality systems to international trade flows was (β = 0.794), while the path coefficient from international trade flows to export performance was (β = 0.786). The direct effect of quality systems on export performance after introducing the mediating variable was (β = 0.172, p = 0.013), while the indirect effect was 0.624, and the total effect was 0.796. These findings confirm that international trade flows represent an important mechanism through which part of the effect of applying quality systems is transmitted to export performance. In light of the findings, the study recommended adopting integrated policies to strengthen the effective implementation of quality systems in Egyptian food industry companies by providing sustainable mechanisms for technical and financial support, developing the national quality infrastructure, and enhancing the efficiency of testing, accreditation, and conformity assessment services. It also recommended developing the technical and human capabilities of companies in line with international market requirements, facilitating access to foreign markets, supporting the diversification of export markets and products, and strengthening coordination among the institutions concerned with quality, trade, and exports. These measures would support the flow of international trade, enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian food exports, and contribute to sustainable growth in export performance. Conclusion The study concludes that the effective application of quality systems significantly enhances the export performance of Egyptian food industry companies and strengthens their ability to access international markets. The findings further demonstrate that international trade flows play a significant partial mediating role in this relationship, indicating that quality systems influence export performance both directly and indirectly. These results highlight the strategic importance of integrating quality management with trade facilitation and market-access policies to strengthen the competitiveness of Egyptian food exports. Accordingly, enhancing quality infrastructure, technical support, and compliance capabilities represents a key pathway toward sustainable export growth and greater international market penetration. Keywords: Quality Systems - Egyptian Food Industries - Export Performance – International Trade Flows – International Trade.