Turkey broadens anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese products under EU regulations, initiates fresh investigations

In a bid to protect domestic producers and prevent trade distortions, the Turkish Trade Ministry has taken several measures against imports of certain products.

The Ministry recently concluded that some practices in the import of EU cycle chains and artificial leather were not supported by any legitimate economic reason and were weakening the intended protection for domestic producers. As a result, the Ministry initiated an investigation, which led to the extension of anti-dumping duties on EU cycle chain imports and the launch of a separate investigation into artificial leather imports from Italy, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Egypt.

The investigation into EU cycle chain imports found that some importers were bypassing existing duties on Chinese cycle chains by routing them through EU countries, excluding Spain. Consequently, the Turkish government decided to impose duties on EU cycle chain imports, matching those already applied to Chinese-origin products, at a rate of $1,200 per metric ton.

The extension of anti-dumping duties on EU cycle chain imports was not the only action taken by the Ministry. The Ministry also imposed duties on packaging film imports from China, Egypt, and Russia.

The products under investigation are textile fabrics coated, covered, or laminated with polyurethane to imitate leather, commonly used in furniture, footwear, and automotive upholstery. The review was initiated after data indicated that the effectiveness of the existing anti-dumping measures on polyurethane-based artificial leather may have been reduced.

The Board for the Evaluation of Unfair Competition in Imports authorized a formal investigation based on these findings. The investigation aims to determine whether the current anti-dumping measures should be expanded, adjusted, or reinforced to prevent further trade distortions.

In addition to the investigations into EU cycle chain and artificial leather imports, the Turkish Trade Ministry is also conducting a separate investigation into artificial leather imports from Italy, the UAE, and Egypt. China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam are also under scrutiny in this investigation.

The Turkish government is committed to ensuring fair trade practices and protecting its domestic producers. The measures taken by the Trade Ministry demonstrate this commitment and underscore the government's dedication to maintaining a balanced and sustainable trade environment.