The effects of maritime transport on economic growth and international trade in developing countries

This study investigates the effects of maritime transport on economic growth and international trade in developing countries. In the analysis, data from 54 developing countries participating in maritime transportation for the period 2007-2021 are used. Findings from FMOLS, DOLS and FE-OLS models reveal that the liner shipping connectivity index, which captures how well countries are connected to global shipping networks, has a positive effect on economic growth, exports and imports. MMQR Model results show that the positive effect of liner shipping connectivity index increases as the income level, export and import volume of countries increase. Furthermore, with the increase in the income level, supply side indicators in the maritime transport become crucial, not the amount of goods transported. The study findings emphasize that the effects of maritime transport should be taken into account in the determination and implementation processes of economic growth and international trade policies in developing countries.