The Turkish Steel Exporters' Association (CIB) has stated that US-based steel producers are continuing to exert political pressure to prevent steel imports from entering the US, while he also pointed out that members of the Congressional Steel Caucus have called on the US International Trade Commission (USITC) to apply stricter trade sanctions on steel imports. Criticizing this stance in the US against imported steel, CIB chairman Namik Ekinci stated that the US’ efforts to prevent imports of fair traded products such as Turkish steel will affect US domestic steel prices negatively and accordingly costs in the US will increase.
Mr. Ekinci added that the Turkish steel industry abides by the rules of World Trade Organization (WTO) and does not receive any subsidies from the state. The Turkish steel producers export their products in line with the demands of American consumers with low profit margins and competitive prices; however, this situation disturbs US domestic producers and the Turkish steel industry is accused unjustly, he stated.