Abstract:

Purpose- In this study, for the period 2012-2016, foreign trade data on Denizli, South Aegean (TR32) Region and Turkey basis were examined and provincial, regional and country-level evaluations were carried out by the comparison method. Methodology- The export and import concentration ratios for Denizli and South Aegean Region were calculated and subsequently market and sectoral concentration conditions on the provincial and regional level were evaluated. In addition, export and import concentration coefficients for Denizli were calculated and the sectors that are prominent in provincial foreign trade were determined. Findings- The results showed that even though fluctuations in the period examined, Denizli and South Aegean Region have a certain foreign trade trend and that the sectoral concentration in the foreign trade of Denizli is higher than the market concentration of it. Concentration coefficients calculated for Denizli province demonstrated that Textile Products, N.E.C. Electrical Machines and Devices, Other Non-Metallic Mineral Products, Metal Goods Industry, Quarrying and Other Mining, Clothing and Base Metal Industry are the most prominent sectors in provincial exports while Base Metal Industry, Textile Products, Paper and Paper Products, Wood and Cork Products, Agriculture and Livestock are the prominent sectors in provincial imports. Conclusion- Sectoral concentration may not be considered as a negative situation if it is derived from a real specialization in the concentrated sectors and thus high value-added production. The production and export strategy of the province can be established both on the basis of increasing the value-added in certain sectors and also on increasing the sector and product diversity in production and export.

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