Comparison of Turkey and developed countries in the context of logistics performance index (LPI) criteria

LPI is a measure published by the World Bank to evaluate the logistics capacities and infrastructure conditions of countries. This index includes factors such as the infrastructure of transportation modes, customs regulations, and logistics costs. Due to globalization and increasing competition, logistics plays a critical role in the commercial sector. To increase their share in global trade, countries need to improve their logistics capabilities and infrastructure. Well-planned logistics activities contribute positively to both economic growth and employment. Additionally, they boost national income by encouraging domestic and foreign investments. The logistics sector is an indispensable element for countries seeking success in global competition. In this study, analyses were conducted based on the LPI data published by the World Bank in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2022. While the index covered 150 countries in 2007, this number increased to 155 in 2010 and 2012, 160 in 2014, 2016, and 2018, but dropped to 139 countries in 2022. In the study, Türkiye was analyzed along with 10 developed countries the United States, Germany, China, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom (UK), Italy, Japan, and Canada due to their technological advancement and global influence. The overall LPI scores and sub-scores of these countries were compared both among themselves and with the overall scores of the remaining 129 countries. Additionally, Türkiye LPI scores were analyzed in comparison with those of the developed countries. The study highlights the importance of logistics performance in global competitiveness. Within the scope of the study, the total scores and sub-scores of the LPI for Türkiye, developed countries, and other indexed countries were evaluated together. The index data for Türkiye and the developed countries were processed using the PROMETHEE Method (Ranking Method) which is a for ranking. Through these programs, the index was analyzed according to its six main components: Infrastructure, International Shipments, Quality of Logistics Services, Tracking/Tracing, Timeliness of Deliveries and Customs. The findings of this study reveal a statistically significant difference between the total and sub-scores of Türkiye and the developed countries in the LPI and those of other countries in the region. In the LPI performance assessment, Türkiye has not made significant progress in the logistics sector or in the evaluation criteria and sub-components. Nevertheless, it has been observed that Türkiye global ranking has not changed substantially. For Türkiye to achieve a better position in the relevant indices, improvements are necessary in areas such as technology, legal frameworks, digitalization, modern infrastructure, efficient and fast customs procedures, and reliable logistics service providers.