Türkiye rejects Pakistan’s anti-dumping action on soda ash imports
✧ GENERATE BRIEFING +
Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade has formally contested Pakistan’s imposition of provisional anti-dumping duties on soda ash imports originating from Türkiye and Kenya, arguing that the measures disrupt competitive market conditions and harm downstream domestic industries. In submissions to Pakistan’s National Tariff Commission, the Turkish ministry asserted that imports do not threaten the local soda ash sector and that domestic market indicators improved during periods of higher import volumes. Turkish authorities maintained that the domestic industry's reported downturn stems from a nine percent contraction in the overall domestic market rather than foreign competition. Challenging the causal link established by investigators, Ankara urged the commission to align its proceedings with World Trade Organisation jurisprudence and the Anti-Dumping Agreement, warning that restricted trade could reduce consumer choice, limit manufacturing efficiency, and negatively impact medium-term economic stability.
Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade has expressed strong reservations over Pakistan’s decision to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on soda ash imports originating from Türkiye and Kenya.
The Turkish ministry said the investigation and provisional measures could disrupt competitive market conditions. It argued that imports from the two countries were unlikely to cause substantial damage to Pakistan’s domestic soda ash industry.
According to Türkiye’s position, diversified imports could increase consumer choice and encourage domestic producers to improve efficiency, product quality and production processes. It also maintained that greater exposure to international competition could help local manufacturers align with global standards.
The ministry further contended that any provisional or definitive anti-dumping action would not serve the public interest and could harm Pakistan’s downstream industries over the medium and long term.
Türkiye also challenged the National Tariff Commission’s assessment that the domestic industry’s declining economic indicators were linked to imports from the two countries. It argued that import volumes remained insignificant and that several domestic industry indicators improved when imports increased.
The Turkish authorities said the alleged injury was more likely connected to a 9% contraction in the overall domestic market during the period of investigation. In their view, this market decline weakened the claimed causal link between imported soda ash and the performance of local producers.
Türkiye urged Pakistan’s National Tariff Commission to consider its submissions in line with the Anti-Dumping Agreement and relevant World Trade Organisation jurisprudence. It also reserved its rights under applicable WTO agreements concerning the proceedings.
