INTRA-INDUSTRY TRADE AND TECHNOLOGICAL STRUCTURE IN TÜRKİYE'S BORDER PROVINCES: A REGIONAL ANALYSIS

This study analyzes intra-industry trade (IIT) and technological structures in Türkiye’s 14 border provinces over the period 2002–2023, using ISIC Rev.3 4-digit data. The analysis spans agriculture, low, medium, and high-technology sectors, revealing significant variation in trade reliance, with some provinces dependent on border trade while others integrate into broader markets. In border cities, IIT generally can be observed in low and medium technology goods, with a limited two-way trade in higher-tech sectors. However, most border cities rely heavily on low-tech industries, predominantly structured as one-way trade. While certain regions are gradually shifting towards medium-technology sectors, high-tech trade remains minimal. The study highlights that trade dynamics vary across provinces, underscoring the need for tailored policy approaches aligned with each region’s unique trade structure.