Türkiye’s Comparative Advantage in Passenger Cars (HS 8703): An Empirical Analysis with RCA and Vollrath Indices (2004-2024)

Authors : Şule Güngör

Pages : 745-773

Doi:10.21180/iibfdkastamonu.1774051

View : 135 | Download : 370

Publication Date : 2025-12-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Passenger car exports (HS 8703) constitute a strategic pillar of Türkiye’s trade structure and competitiveness. In 2024, passenger car exports accounted for approximately 12.4% of Türkiye’s total exports, reaching USD 32.4 billion. This study explores Türkiye’s comparative advantage between 2004 and 2024, drawing on Balassa’s RCA index alongside Vollrath’s trade advantage measures (RXA, RMA, RTA, RC). The results reveal that Türkiye has generally maintained its comparative advantage in passenger car exports, with a relatively steadier upward trend after 2010. Although some fluctuations are observed, the 2024 data confirm that Türkiye continues to hold a competitive position in global markets. Nevertheless, reliance on imported technology-intensive components and the concentration of exports in EU markets highlight structural vulnerabilities. The analysis also shows that the global transition towards electric vehicles has posed new challenges for Türkiye’s export competitiveness. Overall, the study emphasizes that sustaining long-term competitiveness requires greater value-added production, market diversification, and closer alignment with technological and environmental transformations, thereby offering fresh empirical evidence to the literature and actionable insights for industrial policy.
Keywords : Ticaret Rekabet Gücü, Otomotiv Sektörü, Binek Otomobiller (HS 8703), Uluslararası Ticaret, Açıklanmış Karşılaştırmalı Üstünlük (RCA)

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