300 thousand people could lose their jobs
As the anti-dumping investigation into stainless steel imports nears its conclusion, industry representatives are warning that potential decisions could have serious economic consequences.
12punto
With the Ministry of Trade's anti-dumping investigation into stainless steel imports from China and Indonesia nearing its conclusion, industry representatives are voicing their concerns.
It is stated that if the decision goes against domestic producers, 300 thousand people could become unemployed and Turkish firms could face an export loss of 1.5 billion dollars.
Sectors that directly use stainless steel state that additional taxes will increase production costs and force some firms to withdraw from the market. Barış Yılmaz, Press Spokesperson for the Stainless Steel Industrialists and Business People Association (PASİD), stated that in addition to the current 12 percent customs duty, new taxes ranging from 3 to 8 percent could be introduced.
Bekir Topuz, President of the Industrial Kitchen, Laundry, Service and Catering Equipment Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSİD), said that an unfavorable decision could cause 300 thousand people to lose their jobs and lead to a 25 percent turnover loss in the domestic market. Topuz said, "An additional tax means a price hike for all products that use stainless steel."
Stating that there is no integrated stainless steel production facility in Turkey, Güçlü Kaplangı, President of the Home and Kitchenware Federation (EVFED), expressed that the anti-dumping tax increases imports and drives producers toward imports. Kaplangı stated that they have met with Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, and have requested an appointment with President Tayyip Erdoğan.
Industry representatives draw attention to the importance of sustainable competition in the decision-making process and argue that additional taxes will harm production and exports in the long term.