Impact of agile supply chain, product innovation, and pricing capability on the international performance of petrochemical exporting firms: the mediating role of sustainable competitive advantage

This study analyzed how agile supply chain, product innovation, and pricing capability affect the international performance of petrochemical exporters, with sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) as a mediator. Data from a sample of 115 managers were analyzed using SPSS v.20 and PLS-SEM. The findings confirmed that all three capabilities have a significant direct impact on performance. Crucially, SCA was identified as a powerful mediator, demonstrating both a strong direct effect (β = 0.663) and transmitting the majority of the capabilities’ influence. The most impactful finding was the extensive mediating role of SCA, which accounted for the largest share of the effect, particularly for pricing capability (indirect effect β = 0.769). This indicates that long-term international success is achieved not just by possessing these capabilities, but by strategically leveraging them to build a SCA. Managers are advised to integrate these areas to create a distinctive edge in global markets.