TURKISH STEEL EXPORTERS DEMAND COMPENSATION FOR LOSSES
US President Trump, in March 2018, argued that steel imports threatened to weaken the US steel industry and, by using his authority, brought tariffs to steel imports from around the world. Trump then, taxes on steel imports from Turkey in August announced that doubled up to 50 percent. The U.S. International Commercial Court ruled that the practice was unconstitutional. According to this decision, Turkish steel exporters demand compensation for losses due to Trump administration tariffs.
THE RESULT OF THE TWO YEAR STRUGGLE
Adnan Aslan, President of the Steel Exporters Association (ÇİB), evaluated the decision of the U.S. International Trade Court:
"Our exporters suffered losses due to
Trump's arbitrary additional tax of 25%. We will demand that the loss be covered.
The President of the United States removed the additional tax he imposed on us before the court decision, but this unfair decision was made in a period of time, day and night. Our exporters suffered financial damage. We have been dealing with this case for two years and finally justice was done. If the case does not go to Supreme Court, we will request a refund for our damage caused by US customs. Otherwise, we will carry our same application to the upper courts. ”
2017 was carried out 15 percent of the total steel exports to the United States in Turkey. This rate is around 3 percent today. The US has already opened a special quota for South Korea, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and Canada. USA does not charge taxes on steel products imported from these countries.
DECISION WILL BE REFERENCE
Adnan Aslan, stated that the court decision is a reference in terms of the abolition of unfair practices against the Turkish steel industry in the world and added: “We continue the same struggle with the EU. While the region exported 8.5 million tons of steel to the countries in 2018, today this figure has decreased to 5 million tons. ”