Logistics Efficiency and Productivity in ASEAN Countries: A Frontier Analysis

Abstract

This study evaluates relative logistics efficiency and productivity change across eight Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economies using World Bank Logistics Performance Index data for 2016, 2018, and 2023. A non-oriented Slack-Based Measure (SBM) Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model is used to estimate year-specific relative efficiency, while a Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) is used to examine productivity dynamics. The results show substantial cross-country heterogeneity within the sample. Singapore consistently lies on the estimated efficiency frontier, Malaysia and Thailand remain comparatively close to the frontier, and Vietnam records improvement over the observation period. The reported productivity decomposition indicates positive productivity change for all economies in the sample, with the technological-change component exceeding the efficiency-change component. Because the analysis is based on a small comparison set and perception-based LPI indicators, the findings are interpreted as relative benchmarking evidence rather than causal estimates of the mechanisms underlying logistics development. The study contributes an applied regional comparison that combines static efficiency benchmarking with intertemporal productivity assessment and highlights the value of multidimensional performance analysis for logistics management and policy discussion in ASEAN.