The Turkish Steel Exporters' Association (CIB) has stated that certain circles in Colombia have started a campaign of defamation against imports from Turkey, claiming that Turkish products are not up to standard, with the aim of hindering steel imports from Turkey.
According to the CIB, as of January 1, 2013, Colombia started to take samples of imported Turkish steel products at customs for analysis. CIB chairman Namik Ekinci said that the sampling implemented in the wake of groundless claims has resulted in imported products being delayed at customs for a long period of time and that the action represents a non-tariff barrier aimed at hindering imports.
The CIB stated that in past years some other circles which were uncomfortable with steel imports from Turkey resorted to the same system, while he warned Colombian importers not to base their imports from Turkey on an analysis which does not reflect the truth. As a result of the CIB's efforts and dialogue between the CIB and the Colombian steel industry association Fedemetal, the analysis report in question regarding Turkish steel imports has turned out to be groundless and the institution responsible for the claims has published a disclaimer.
Mr. Ekinci said that Turkish steel exporters previously faced similar obstacles in other steelmaking countries, underlining that Turkish steel products are exported to 186 countries, adding that Turkish steel is preferred in these countries given their high quality at competitive prices and that the high quality of Turkish steel is always proved in the face of such claims.
The CIB chairman underscored that these attempts to disrupt steel imports from Turkey will contradict the essence and purpose of the free trade agreement planned to be signed between Turkey and Colombia. He went on to say that the CIB would like to invite Colombian business people and media members to visit steelmaking facilities in Turkey and to observe production processes for high quality products. Mr. Ekinci indicated that the CIB welcomes any collaboration with Colombian business people and is ready to supply the Colombian steel industry with materials as well as know-how and experience regarding the industry.
