Turkey could open WTO case over Indonesia flour tariff-officials
TURKISH flour industry sources say a case could be made before the World Trade Organisation against Indonesia over a 200-day "emergency tariff" Jakarta levied on imports becomes permanent, reports Reuters.
The duty stopped Turkish flour exports and could deal a blow to trade between the two countries which came to US$2 billion last year. Indonesia imposed the tariff on December 5 while it investigates the impact of imports on domestic mills.
Jakarta may then opt to impose the tax for a four year period which could later be extended for a further four years, said the report.
Turkey supplies 60 per cent of Indonesia's flour imports but with very thin margins and the tariff has made its produce uncompetitive.
"This is of course a matter for the Economy Ministry, but I expect a case will be opened against Indonesia," said Turgay Unlu, head of the Central Anatolian grain exporters association.
"These relations are always based on reciprocity. I believe Turkey will exercise its rights within the WTO to the full extent," he said.
TURKISH flour industry sources say a case could be made before the World Trade Organisation against Indonesia over a 200-day "emergency tariff" Jakarta levied on imports becomes permanent, reports Reuters.
The duty stopped Turkish flour exports and could deal a blow to trade between the two countries which came to US$2 billion last year. Indonesia imposed the tariff on December 5 while it investigates the impact of imports on domestic mills.
Jakarta may then opt to impose the tax for a four year period which could later be extended for a further four years, said the report.
Turkey supplies 60 per cent of Indonesia's flour imports but with very thin margins and the tariff has made its produce uncompetitive.
"This is of course a matter for the Economy Ministry, but I expect a case will be opened against Indonesia," said Turgay Unlu, head of the Central Anatolian grain exporters association.
"These relations are always based on reciprocity. I believe Turkey will exercise its rights within the WTO to the full extent," he said.