Seaport logistics providers’ effect on trade

Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management

 
 
Field Value
 
Title Seaport logistics providers’ effect on trade
 
Creator Hamri, Ahlem Mraihi, Rafaa Guirat, Noomen
 
Subject sociology port; logistics providers; trade; localisation economies; gravity model; cluster
Description Background: This study investigates the role of logistics clusters, specifically logistics providers (LP), on international trade, focusing on Rades Port in Tunisia. We aim to assess how the co-location of logistic service providers (LSPs) affects port connectivity and trade flows, and how the competence and productivity of logistics services contribute to export performance.Objectives: The research analyses the effect of logistics clusters, particularly the co-located seaport logistics providers, on trade dynamics, focusing on exports from Rades port to its eight main importers.Method: The gravity model incorporates variables such as importer gross domestic product (GDP), distance, and measures of capital productivity of LSPs, both those co-located within LP and those operating outside.Results: The results confirm a positive correlation between the GDP of importing countries and trade volumes, highlighting the role of economic size in driving exports. Interestingly, the capital productivity of LSPs co-located within the LP is found to negatively impact trade, suggesting potential inefficiencies or overconcentration. In contrast, a 10% increase in the capital productivity of LSPs located outside the platform corresponds to a 14% increase in trade. Additionally, a 10% reduction in geographical distance between countries leads to a 16% increase in exports, reinforcing traditional gravity model expectations.Conclusion: The findings have important implications for logistics and port policy. Policymakers should reconsider how logistics clusters are managed and supported, as simple co-location may not guarantee improved performance. Enhancing service quality and ensuring competitive dynamics within LPs may be more critical for trade facilitation.Contribution: The study offers novel insights into how logistics infrastructure and organisational factors influence trade from a major North African port.
 
Publisher AOSIS
 
Contributor
Date 2026-05-18
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion — gravity model
Format text/html application/epub+zip text/xml application/pdf
Identifier 10.4102/jtscm.v20i0.1274
 
Source Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management; Vol 20 (2026); 9 pages 1995-5235 2310-8789
 
Language eng
 
Relation
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:

https://jtscm.co.za/index.php/jtscm/article/view/1274/2272 https://jtscm.co.za/index.php/jtscm/article/view/1274/2273 https://jtscm.co.za/index.php/jtscm/article/view/1274/2274 https://jtscm.co.za/index.php/jtscm/article/view/1274/2275
 
Coverage — — —
Rights Copyright (c) 2026 Ahlem Hamri, Rafaa Mraihi, Noomen Guirat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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