By PortalPortuario Editorial Board/Xinhua Agency
@PortalPortuario
China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to Turkey’s decision to impose an additional 40 percent tariff on vehicles imported from the eastern giant, according to the Ministry of Commerce from that country (Mofcom) which, in addition, urged the Turkish government to immediately eliminate the additional tariff.
According to the Chinese regime, “Turkey’s move goes against WTO rules, and its changing policies not only harmed the interests of businesses on both sides and local Turkish consumers, but also aggravated the concerns of the Chinese companies on Turkey’s business environment and undermined their confidence in investing in Turkey,” the aforementioned Ministry emphasized.
The ministry complained that “Turkey is only imposing additional tariffs on passenger cars originating in China, which means that Chinese products receive less favorable treatment than similar products from other WTO members. “This constitutes discrimination against Chinese products and seriously violates the principle of most favored nation treatment.”
For this reason, Mofcom urged Turkey to immediately eliminate discriminatory tariffs and promised to take “necessary measures” to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that “Turkey’s decision to impose an additional tariff on Chinese automobiles runs counter to WTO rules and the drive for stable development of bilateral relations.” between China and Turkey. “Bilateral trade cooperation has grown rapidly and practical cooperation has brought tangible benefits to the people of the two countries.”
When asked about a growing number of countries, including Mexico and Brazil, allegedly imposing tariffs on Chinese products, Lin stated that “China’s bilateral relations with Latin American countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Colombia, have maintained a good development momentum, and the economies and trade cooperation have been stable and fruitful.”
“Sound economic and trade cooperation is in line with the fundamental interests and common expectations of China and the above-mentioned countries,” Lin stressed.
The comments came after Turkey said on June 8 that it will impose an additional 40 percent tariff on vehicle imports from China to stop a possible deterioration of its current account balance and protect domestic automakers, it reported. Reuters, citing the Ministry of Commerce.
The Turkish additional fee will be set at a minimum of $7,000 per vehicle and will come into effect on July 7, according to a presidential decision published in the country’s Official Gazette.
In a statement, Turkey’s Trade Ministry also said the additional tariff decision was made taking into account current account deficit targets and efforts to encourage domestic investment and production, according to Reuters.
Bloomberg reported that Turkey raised tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in 2023 to support the country’s first domestically produced electric vehicle.
Experts said Turkey’s move against Chinese cars amounts to protectionism, which will not help its domestic industry or consumers.
Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Vehicle Association, told the Global Times that the increase in import duties on Chinese vehicles is mainly due to Turkey’s large trade deficit and the country’s current economic recession, with the objective of increasing tax revenue.
“Turkey is promoting the development of its own electric vehicle industry as it sees the competitiveness of Chinese manufacturers as a challenge,” Cui said.
