Analysis of international vompetitiveness of Turkish cotton and determininig the factors affecting it

In this study, it is aimed to define the factors that affect the competitiveness and competitive position of cotton and cotton products in international trade. Primarily cotton was examined together with cotton yarn and cotton fabric. The production, the consumption and the development of cotton in foreign trade both in Turkey and in the World have also been analyzed in order to refine the study. This study consists of two phases. Firstly, RCA (Revealed Comparative Advantages) analysis were done in order to determine the position of countries holding significant shares in cotton, cotton yarn and cotton fabric foreign trade. In the second stage, surveys were carried out with the companies operating in related sectors in Turkey to identify the factors that affect their competitiveness. The calculations by RCA show that Turkey's comparative advantage value in cotton foreign trade is negative whereas the comparative advantage in cotton yarn and weaving is positive. In the survey results it is seen that the companies are having difficulties in competition due to factors such as high costs, financial failures, sales and marketing capabilities, insufficient research and development studies. In this context, it is critical to take the necessary steps in order to raise the cotton sector back to its competitive position which is strategically important for our country.