Turkey has launched investigations on imported tires in a bid to protect its domestic industry, which involve passenger car tires, truck tires, bus tires and OTR tires from 10 nations.
The case was initiated by the Department of Economy and the General Import Bureau of Turkey. The two departments collected statistics from two domestic manufacturers to prove the damage caused by imported tires.
As required, the involved parties will have to respond to the Turkish authorities within 20 days after the case was placed on file.
The Turkish authorities decided to levy a temporary rate of 0.5 USD/kg on the related products under investigations for 200 days.
Usually, such investigations in Turkey would last no longer than nine months, while in certain circumstances they can extend to 15 months.
Turkey relies on import for about 45 percent to 50 percent of its demand for tires.
By April 2015, Turkey had three domestic tire makers and four global tire manufacturers, including Bridgestone, Sumitomo, Goodyear and Pirelli.
According to the Turkish authorities, the country’s tire import volume increased during 2014-2016, while the average tire price declined.
China ranked the second in terms of the export volume among the 10 nations involved. In 2016, China exported 1.55 million pieces of tires to Turkey.
In 2004, Turkey placed anti-dumping measures on truck tires, bus tires and OTR tires from China.
Analysts said the move showed the strong wish of the Turkish government to protect its domestic tire industry.
