Title: Logistics performance, international trade and global competitive strength: a conceptual model proposal

Authors: Suzan Oguz; Fahriye Merdivenci

Addresses: Department of Foreign Trade, Cag University, Mersin, Turkey; Department of International Trade and Logistics, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey ' Department of Foreign Trade, Cag University, Mersin, Turkey; Department of International Trade and Logistics, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey

Abstract: The development and growth in world trade have led to an increasing importance of logistics services. Strong logistics systems have become essential for the efficient transportation of goods and people, as well as for the overall functioning of an economy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the connections between logistics performance and international trade as well as the impact of nations on global competitiveness, including the roles played by FDI and patent intermediation. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used in this context to study the organisation for economic cooperation and development (OECD) and six chosen Asian countries utilising data from 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018. The investigation led to the conclusion that logistics performance has a favourable and considerable impact on global trade and competitiveness. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that foreign direct investments mediate the relationship between logistics performance and international trade and global competitive strength, while patents mediate the relationship between logistics performance and international trade, as indicated by the results of the path analysis in the accepted model.

Keywords: international trade; logistics performance; global competitiveness; structural equation modelling; SEM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2026.155664

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2026 Vol.54 No.4, pp.546 - 561

Received: 02 Jul 2023
Accepted: 22 Dec 2023
Published online: 10 Aug 2026 *

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