Since Friday, the European Union will introduce preliminary anti-dumping duties on hot rolled steel from Turkey as part of the ongoing investigation into the import of steel products from this country initiated by the European iron and steel industry association Eurofer.
Tariffs ranging from 5.9% to 7.6% will apply to Turkish steelmakers, including Eregli Demir, the EU's official magazine said Thursday. They will be valid for six months, and by this time the investigation should be completed.
An anti-subsidiary investigation has also been opened in the EU against the import of Turkish rolled products. European steel association Eurofer has accused Turkish steelmaker Eregli Demir of using public funds for supplies.
In November, the European Commission decided to introduce registration of imports of hot-rolled steel from Turkey to the EU. The protective measures were supported by Eurofer.
Amid a growing shortage of metal products in the European Union, largely caused by a decline in Chinese exports, some buyers decided to take the risk and import from Turkey, despite the threat of duties.
Turkey is one of the main exporters of steel to the EU. It accounts for about 40% of Turkish steel exports. Turkey annually exports about 2 million tons of hot-rolled steel to the EU on average.
