Turkish exporters explode about EU quotas

Turkish exporters explode about EU quotas

Turkish exporters are outraged at safeguard measures approved by the EU last March, in light of the U.S. 201 tariff controversy. Since Turkey has a free trade agreement with the European Coal & Steel Association (ECSA), the EU is technically forbidden from applying a quota or any other duty across the board. According to the agreement, Turkey is exempt from such tariffs. Officials from the Steel Producers Association in Turkey claim the EU is violating this free trade agreement. Meanwhile, officials from The Turkish Iron and Steel Producers' Association are demanding the government take immediate action. Officials from both groups are insisting the quota be removed and are attempting to get exemptions on some grades of special steels. The argument they put forth is that NAFTA countries are exempt from the 201 ruling. Turkish steel insiders claim that the EU would rather thrust the burden of diverted steel from the U.S. onto its trading partners and secure its own position.