Import and Export Dynamics of Fishing Hooks and Equipment in Türkiye: A Twenty-Year Analysis

Abstract

This study evaluates the dynamics of fishing equipment trade in Türkiye by analyzing detailed import and export data collected over the last 20 years (2004-2023), focusing on how global events and technological innovations influence these trends. Data were obtained from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), encompassing volume and value metrics for various types of fishing equipment, including hooks, rods, and reels. A comprehensive time-series analysis was employed to assess trends, utilizing methodologies such as moving averages and ARIMA modeling to interpret the shifts in trade patterns. During the 2004-2008 period, imports of fishing hooks increased significantly from USD 316,265 to USD 1,209,804, indicating a growing dependency on foreign products, particularly from China. This surge highlights external pressures on local manufacturing and underscores the strategic need for trade policy adjustments to support domestic production. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 temporarily reduced import volumes due to disruptions in global supply chains and decreased consumer demand, but a resurgence was observed in 2023 as markets stabilized. The findings of this study highlight the necessity for Türkiye to enhance its competitive position in the global market by adopting new technologies and reducing dependency on imports, thus ensuring economic resilience and sustainability in its fishing equipment sector.