Ministry of Trade Statement Regarding WTO Automotive Regulations Report

Serdar HocamAuthor & Editor

The Ministry stated that the WTO panel report is not a finalized decision and does not impose any compensation obligation on Turkey, announcing that the appeal process is being evaluated.

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Ticaret Bakanlığı'ndan 'DTÖ Panel Raporu' açıklaması

The Ministry of Trade made a written statement regarding the panel report published by the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning Turkey's additional tax regulations on electric vehicles. The Ministry emphasized that the report does not carry a final ruling and that Turkey can exercise its right to appeal.

Appeal Process and Legal Status

The Ministry stated that the report published on July 28 does not yet constitute a finalized decision within the WTO legal system. It was stated that Turkey's right to appeal against the report is reserved and that mutual efforts for consensus to extend the deadlines within this scope are ongoing.

Response to Financial Obligation Claims

It was emphasized that the claims suggesting the report imposes compensation or a financial debt on Turkey do not reflect the truth. It was explained that panel decisions in the WTO dispute mechanism do not create an automatic payment obligation, and therefore Turkey has no tax loss or debt.

Determination to Protect Domestic Industry

The Ministry stated that it stands behind the measures implemented since March 4, 2023, to protect investments and domestic production in the electric vehicle sector. It was expressed that necessary policies will be resolutely continued to support the national automotive industry and defend it against unfair trade practices.