Comparative export potential of Turkish pistachio

Due to the average values for the last four years (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017) that took place in the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, approximately 84 % of pistachio production in Turkey was supplied by Iran, the USA and Turkey. It was seen that Turkey ranks the third after Iran and the USA in terms of production, excluding 2017. However, Turkey ranked the eight in terms of exports in 2016 due to the FAO data. This is related with the high domestic consumption. The general objective of this thesis is to determine advantages and disadvantages of Turkey in pistachio exports and to analyse export potential in order to develop mid-term policies. In the scope of the study, Turkey's pistachio exports was compared with the competitor countries Iran and the USA. In this direction, separate gravity analyses were applied for Turkey, Iran and the USA with a panel data set established for 2008 and 2017 years. The factors affecting trade were investigated respecting global, economic and political status in the scope of the analysis. Due to the findings, it was seen that the distance does not lead expected results for Iran and the USA. It was found out that while national income levels of trade partners affected exports of Turkey and Iran positively, the USA negatively. It was understood that a rise in exchange rate of Turkey increases exports Turkey and a rise in exchange rate of Iran reduces exports Iran. In addition a rise in exchange rate of trade partner countries reduces exports the USA. Due to these findings, it is needed to focus on production of varieties that are demanded in international markets and to increase yields per unit land in order for Turkey to reach success in exports. There exist studies directing development of supporting tools, watching the multi-annual characteristics of the product. These studies should be fastened and updated. In addition, it was understood that Turkey needs develop trade relationships with countries in close proximity.