Turkey Investigates U.S. & Other Fabric & Apparel, Possible Duty Increases
The Office of Textiles and Apparel reports that the Turkish Government has initiated investigations on imports of certain woven fabric and certain apparel and apparel accessories.
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According to Communiqué No: 2011/1 (woven fabric) and Communiqué No: 2011/2 (apparel and apparel accessories), published in Turkey’s Official Gazette on January 13, 2011, CITA states that investigations have been initiated under the scope of the laws on Safeguard Measures of Imports. The “safeguard” investigations are to be completed in nine months, with the possibility of a two-month extension.
Certain Woven Fabrics, Apparel/Apparel Accessories Subject to Investigation
Products subject to the investigations are as follows:
- Woven fabrics under Harmonized System codes 51.11, 51.12, 52.08, 52.09, 52.10, 52.11, 54.07, 54.08, 55.12, 55.13, 55.14, 55.15 and 55.16
- Apparel and apparel accessories under Harmonized System codes 61.01, 61.02, 61.03, 61.04, 61.05, 61.06, 61.07, 61.08, 61.09, 61.10, 61.12, 62.01, 62.02, 62.03, 62.04, 62.05, 62.06, 62.07, 62.08 and 62.11
Imports Originating in U.S. Could be Subject to Additional Tariffs
According to the communiqués, imports originating in the U.S., which fall under the “Other Countries” category, would be subject to additional tariffs of 30% on designated woven fabrics and 40% on designated apparel and apparel accessories if the safeguard were imposed. Per unit value thresholds, which the customs import tariff may not exceed, were also listed.
Implementation of Additional Duties Has to be Approved by Council
Although the investigation process has begun, implementation of the additional provisional customs tariffs is subject to a decision by Turkey's Council of Ministers. The U.S. government is monitoring this issue and has registered as an interested party to the investigations.