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Comparative Advantages in the Export of Environmental Goods: Leading Countries and Türkiye

Author

Listed:
  • Zeynep Çimen

    (Program of Marketing, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07030, Türkiye)

  • Yusuf Çuhadar

    (Hotel, Restaurant and Catering Services Department, Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University, Bilecik 11000, Türkiye)

  • Kazım Sarıçoban

    (Department of Economics, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur 15030, Türkiye)

  • Didem Kutlu

    (Program of Tourism and Travel Services, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07030, Türkiye)

  • Utku Ongun

    (Tourism and Hotel Management, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur 15030, Türkiye)

Abstract

This study evaluates Türkiye’s comparative advantages in environmental product groups relative to the world’s leading exporters. The analysis focuses on the twelve highest-ranking exporters of environmental goods between 2012 and 2023: China, Germany, United States of America (USA), Japan, Korea, Italy, United Kingdom (UK), Singapore, France, Switzerland, Mexico, and the Netherlands. Utilizing export data from the World Bank, comparative advantages were assessed using the Relative Trade Advantage (RTA) index. The results indicate that Germany leads in specialization, maintaining a competitive edge in 48 out of 53 product groups, followed by Japan (46), the USA (44), and the UK (44). In contrast, Türkiye and Mexico exhibit the lowest levels of specialization, with competitive advantages in only 10 and 8 groups, respectively. Furthermore, the analysis reveals intense global competition in four specific product categories (HS 842121, 847420, 850239, and 851430), where at least ten of the sampled countries are specialized. These findings highlight Türkiye’s limited specialization and underscore the urgent strategic need to enhance competitiveness in the global environmental goods market.

Suggested Citation

  • Zeynep Çimen & Yusuf Çuhadar & Kazım Sarıçoban & Didem Kutlu & Utku Ongun, 2026. "Comparative Advantages in the Export of Environmental Goods: Leading Countries and Türkiye," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-18, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:5:p:2270-:d:1872593
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