Turkey engaging in exports brings along a series of advantages, including economic growth, increased employment opportunities, technological advancements, and achieving a balanced foreign trade. The significant advantages of exports for the Turkish economy are as follows:

Contribution to Economic Growth: Exporting contributes to the growth of the economy. As demand increases in foreign markets, Turkey's production and export volumes expand, leading to an increase in national income and overall economic growth.

Employment Generation: The export sector creates job opportunities by fostering employment in the manufacturing and service sectors. This helps reduce the unemployment rate.

Foreign Income and Foreign Exchange Earnings: Exporting enables Turkey to earn foreign income and foreign exchange. The foreign exchange earnings allow for the import of goods and services required from other countries and are crucial for economic stability during economic crises or trade deficits.

Encouragement of International Competitiveness: Engaging in international trade necessitates competitiveness. This encourages Turkey to focus on technological advancements and innovations, making it more competitive in the international market.

Diversification of Economic Structure: Export-oriented sectors contribute to diversifying Turkey's economic structure, reducing dependency on a single sector and distributing risks.

Resilience to Domestic Market Fluctuations: By entering different markets, exporting helps mitigate the impact of domestic market fluctuations, reducing vulnerability during economic crises.

Strengthening of International Relations: Exporting enhances commercial relations with other countries and supports international diplomacy. Foreign trade fosters economic and political cooperation between nations."

Exporting for Small-Scale Manufacturers in Turkey and Initial Steps:

Market Research: Firstly, conducting market research is crucial to determine which countries and markets are suitable for the targeted product or service. Understanding potential customer segments and competitive conditions is a critical step in starting export operations.

Product and Quality Standards: To engage in exporting, products must meet international quality and standards requirements. Products that do not meet the standards accepted in international markets may negatively affect the success of exports.

Logistics and Distribution Network: Having an efficient logistics and distribution network is essential for exporting. Properly organizing logistics processes is necessary to ensure that products reach the target market quickly and safely.

Marketing and Promotion: Promoting and marketing products in the target market is vital when starting exports. Internet and digital marketing offer cost-effective promotional opportunities for small-scale manufacturers.

Pricing and Competitiveness: Competitive pricing in the target market is essential to attract customer interest. Implementing pricing strategies that give an advantage over other manufacturers can be beneficial.

Export Support and Incentives: Turkey offers various support and incentive programs for small-scale manufacturers interested in exporting. Seeking support and information from exporter unions and the Ministry of Trade is important.

Reliability and Customer Relations: Providing reliable and high-quality services is crucial when starting exports. Ensuring customer satisfaction and building long-term customer relations are critical for the sustainability of exports.

Additionally, it is important for Turkish manufacturers to engage in exports to overcome economic crises and periods of stagnation as exports play a critical role in achieving economic sustainability and growth.

The importance of exports during economic crises and periods of stagnation can be summarized as follows:

Diversification and Income Variety: Exporting helps Turkey's economy avoid being solely reliant on domestic demand-driven fluctuations. Selling to foreign markets helps distribute risks and ensures income variety, providing protection against economic crises.

Foreign Exchange Earnings and Trade Balance: Exports enable the country to earn foreign exchange income and reduce the trade deficit. Generating foreign exchange earnings and controlling the trade deficit are essential for maintaining financial stability during economic crises and periods of stagnation.

Employment Generation: Despite economic contractions, the export sector can create employment opportunities. Manufacturers' focus on exports can increase workforce demand even during decreases in domestic demand, contributing to reducing the unemployment rate.

Economic Recovery: Exporting plays a significant role in economic recovery during periods of crisis and stagnation. Increased demand from foreign markets stimulates production and exports, facilitating economic recovery.

Increased Foreign Exchange Income: Exporting boosts foreign exchange income and attracts foreign currency inflow. In turn, increased foreign exchange supply strengthens the value of the Turkish lira.

Trade Balance: Higher exports can positively impact the trade balance. Selling more goods and services abroad while reducing imports leads to decreased foreign exchange outflow and strengthened foreign exchange supply.

Reduced External Dependency: Increased exports reduce the country's dependence on imports. If the value of goods and services exported exceeds that of imports, Turkey's foreign exchange needs decrease.

Investor Confidence: Rising exports can enhance foreign investors' confidence in the Turkish economy. Foreign investors may view increased export revenue as a positive indicator, contributing to the appreciation of the Turkish Lira.

Economic Growth: Exporting significantly contributes to economic growth. A growing economy stimulates foreign exchange demand and supports the value of the Turkish Lira.

 

References,

"Exporting for Beginners: A Guide for Small Businesses" (International Trade Administration - U.S. Department of Commerce): [Link: https://www.trade.gov/exporting-beginners-guide-small-businesses]

"Small Business Exporting: Benefits and Challenges" (U.S. Small Business Administration):. [Link: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/export-products/small-business-exporting-benefits-challenges]

"How to Start Exporting" (UK Government - Department for International Trade): [Link: https://www.great.gov.uk/advice/start-exporting/]

"Advantages and Disadvantages of Exporting" (The Balance Small Business): Bu makale, The Balance Small Business [Link: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-exporting-1953341]

"How Small Businesses Can Export: Step-by-Step Guide" (FedEx): [Link: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/how-to-export.html]

"Benefits of Exporting for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses" (Trade Finance Global):. [Link: https://www.tradefinanceglobal.com/posts/benefits-of-exporting-for-small-and-medium-sized-businesses/