Export logistics infrastructure and export competitiveness in the East African Community

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence export logistics components: shipment arrangements, timely delivery, customs quality, trade infrastructure, and tracking tracing on competitiveness firms in East African Community (EAC). Design/methodology/approach study adopted Structural Gravity Model Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML). PPML a nonlinear estimation method was applied STATA balanced panel data for period 2007–2018. Data were obtained from World Bank International Trade Centre (ITC), Logistics Performance Index (LPI) development indicators. Findings Results show that delivery exports are positive significant predictors EAC countries. Conversely, quality infrastructure have no competitiveness. Research limitations/implications results components do not matter at present improving EAC. There need intricate nature economy further study's findings. Practical implications partner states should embrace deep integration by removing behind border barriers addition other restrictions, create common economic space among member states. This will shrink time hence within region outside. Also, harmonized policies regulations be implemented through mutual recognition agreements where countries agree recognize one another's conformity assessments. Originality/value explains complex dynamic interactions factors using quantitative interaction has an effect import-dominated with less harmonization their policies.