TÜRKİYE STRENGTHENING ITS ROLE IN GLOBAL TRADE

Türkiye has achieved sustainable growth in the logistics sector through its geographical advantages, advanced infrastructure, ongoing digitalization process, and green transformation projects

TÜRKİYE’S LOGISTICS SUPERIORITY

Türkiye’s strategic location at the intersection of Asia, Europe, and Africa positions it as a pivotal hub in global trade. In particular, the Istanbul and Çanakkale Straits serve as some of the most critical passages in global maritime trade, enhancing Türkiye’s logistical significance. Cities with ports such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Mersin hold critical importance in both road and maritime transportation. According to the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI), Türkiye has made substantial strides in logistics performance in recent years. Ranked 47th out of 139 countries in 2018, Türkiye climbed to 38th place by 2023. This improvement has been achieved through infrastructure investments and the efficiency of international shipments. Türkiye’s advanced road, air, and sea transportation networks contribute significantly to accelerating trade and establishing our country as a regional and global logistics hub.

TÜRKİYE’S POSITION IN E-EXPORT LOGISTICS

The global expansion of e-commerce, alongside rising internet penetration and the widespread adoption of mobile devices in Türkiye, has driven substantial growth in e-export logistics. The active and effective use of the internet by producers has afforded them the opportunity to promote their products internationally. Türkiye has great potential in e-commerce exports thanks to its young and dynamic population, rapid adoption of technology, and strategic location. According to 2023 data, Türkiye’s e-commerce export volume has increased by 30% compared to 2022. This growth is directly related to the efficiency and quality of logistics services. Another crucial indicator of growth in this sector in Türkiye is the penetration of online shopping among the population, which reached 65% in 2023. In the same year, Türkiye set a record with total exports reaching 256 billion dollars. It’s possible to say that e-export also held a significant share during this period. The strengthening of our country’s logistics infrastructure, acceleration of customs procedures, and support for digital transformation play a crucial role in the success of our e-export efforts.

GREEN TRANSFORMATION AND SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS

In recent years, sustainable logistics practices have become a strategic priority for freight forwarding firms. This priority arises from several factors, including economic advantages, environmental benefits, legal obligations, and customer demands. For example, sustainable logistics practices optimize fuel consumption, thereby reducing costs. The use of low-emission vehicles significantly reduces operational costs, while solutions such as digitalization and optimizing logistics processes enhance operational efficiency. Digital solutions like route optimization and load planning reduce costs by minimizing empty kilometers and unnecessary fuel consumption. In Türkiye, the logistics sector is making great strides in green transformation and sustainability. Obtaining green logistics certifications such as ISO 14001 Environmental Management System validates a company’s environmental performance and showcases to customers that it delivers sustainable services. Using artificial intelligence and big data analytics, the most efficient routes can be identified. This reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Many sustainability initiatives like this have now become mandatory in our industry.

DIGITALIZATION AND SMART LOGISTICS SYSTEMS

Digitalization and smart logistics systems offer freight forwarding firms a significant opportunity for transformation. These technologies boost operational efficiency, lower costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Big data analytics and artificial intelligence are used to enhance efficiency in logistics processes. These technologies enable more accurate and effective operational decision-making by being utilized in areas such as demand forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain optimization. Digital transformation brings numerous benefits, including enhanced transparency, faster and more accurate information flow, improved inventory management, and the ability to quickly respond to changes in demand.

CONCLUSION

Türkiye, as a key player in foreign trade logistics and e-export, is continuously strengthening its role in global trade. Türkiye has achieved sustainable growth in the logistics sector through its geographical advantages, advanced infrastructure, ongoing digitalization process, and green transformation projects. The growing volume of e-exports once again highlights Türkiye’s logistics capacity and strategic importance in international trade. In this context, it is evident that the logistics sector will continue to play a crucial role in Türkiye’s economic development and its integration into global trade networks in the future.