Export Competitiveness of Türkiye Agri-food Products in the European Union and The Shanghai Cooperation Markets

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the competitive advantage and long-term viability of Türkiye agri-food exports to the European Union (EU) and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) markets. The Lafay index and trade ratios were utilized to investigate comparative and competitive advantage, while the survival function was employed to estimate export competition for the EU and SCO markets. The results indicate that Türkiye has a competitive edge in the export of fruits and vegetables to the EU and SCO states. However, the period of comparative advantage experienced by EU and SCO countries was not similar, nor was the benefit consistent. Despite fluctuations in Türkiye’s international trade balance with SCO members, its foreign trade with EU members has increased. Hence, Türkiye should continue to trade in agri-food with the EU while simultaneously expanding business networks with SCO countries.