The Structure of foreign trade in Turkish economy and comparison with BRICS countries: Analysis for the period 1996-2023

The aim of this study is to examine the foreign trade structures of Turkey and BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) between 1996 and 2023 and to evaluate the effects of foreign trade on economic growth. In this context, it is aimed to reveal the importance of foreign trade in Turkey's economic growth strategies and how it can benefit from the foreign trade performance of BRICS countries. The study consists of three main parts. In the first part, the conceptual framework of foreign trade, its historical development and theoretical approaches are discussed. In the second part, the economic, social, political, demographic and foreign trade structures of Turkey and BRICS countries are analysed. In the third part, the effects of foreign trade on economic growth in Turkey and BRICS countries are analysed by using econometric methods with panel data method. The study concluded that there is a positive relationship between economic growth and foreign trade in BRICS-T countries. Comparative analyses between BRICS countries and Turkey reveal the positive impact of BRICS countries' export-based growth strategies on economic growth, while Turkey needs to use foreign trade more efficiently in its growth strategies.