The Forest Products Industry in Turkey

Abstract

This study was conducted to analyze the structure of Turkey's wood products industry and to suggest ways to improve the country's competitive position in global markets. The 415 largest solid wood manufacturers were surveyed using questionnaires administered in personal interviews and by mail. Results reveal that forest product enterprises are geographically clustered in a few provinces. Thirteen percent of respondents are using outdated technology while 63% are using relatively new technology and 24% are using advanced technology. The 2001 economic crisis seriously affected the wood products industry with a 38% decrease in the number of employees and a number of shuttered facilities. Overall, the research indicates that the Turkish forest products industry is fragmented and is experiencing a number of obstacles to further development. Turkey has an established but generally inefficient forest products industry. This article gives an overview of the sector and offers recommendations for improvement. Results from this study can be useful to manufacturers and policy makers in Turkey and other countries with similar industry structures in short and long-term sectoral planning and development.