Trends in environmental goods trade: A sectoral and technological assessment for Türkiye

Abstract

This study examines global trends in environmental goods trade and Türkiye’s competitive position from technological and sectoral perspectives, using the Combined List of Environmental Goods (CLEG) classification. The findings show that 80% of the 248 products in the CLEG belong to the high- and medium-high-technology categories. Trade data for 2004–2023 indicate that Türkiye’s environmental goods exports are concentrated in the medium-high-technology segment (66.5%), with particular strength in renewable energy and water treatment—patterns that align with global trends. The results also suggest that Türkiye would benefit from developing sustainable solutions to meet its demand for high-technology environmental goods. The study highlights three pathways to strengthen sustainable competitiveness: (1) expanding domestic high-technology production capacity, (2) increasing R&D investment, and (3) reinforcing technology-transfer mechanisms. Methodologically, the study contributes by evaluating environmental goods through an integrated technology–sector framework, offering a more nuanced basis for policy design.

Keywords

• Environmental Goods
• Sustainable Development
• Green Economy
• Türkiye

Çevresel ürün ticaretindeki eğilimler: Türkiye için sektörel ve teknolojik değerlendirme

Abstract

Bu çalışmada, Çevresel Mallar Birleşik Listesi (CLEG) sınıflandırması kullanılarak, çevresel mal ticaretindeki küresel eğilimler ve Türkiye'nin rekabetçi konumu, teknolojik ve sektörel bakış açısıyla incelenmektedir. Bulgular, CLEG listesindeki 248 ürünün %80'inin yüksek ve orta-yüksek teknolojili olduğunu göstermektedir. 2004-2023 yılları arasındaki ticaret verileri, Türkiye'nin çevresel mallar ihracatının orta-yüksek teknoloji segmentinde yoğunlaştığını (66,5%) ve yenilenebilir enerji ve su arıtma sektörlerinde özellikle güçlü olduğunu göstermektedir. Bu durum, küresel eğilimlerle de uyumludur. Ayrıca veriler, Türkiye'nin özellikle yüksek teknolojili çevresel mal ihtiyacının karşılanabilmesi için sürdürülebilir çözümler geliştirilmesinde fayda bulunduğuna da işaret etmektedir. Ayrıca çalışmada sürdürülebilir rekabet gücünün artırılması için üç kritik yol önerilmektedir: (1) yerli yüksek teknoloji üretim kapasitesinin geliştirilmesi, (2) Ar-Ge yatırımlarının artırılması ve (3) teknoloji transfer mekanizmalarının güçlendirilmesi. Metodolojik açıdan bu çalışma, çevresel malları teknolojik yoğunluk ve sektörel yapı boyutları açısından bütünleşik bir çerçevede ele alarak literatüre katkı sağlamakta ve politika yapıcılar için analitik bir değerlendirme perspektifi sunmaktadır.

Keywords

• çevresel ürünler
• sürdürülebilir kalkınma
• yeşil ekonomi
• türkiye dış ticareti

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