Ugur Dalbeler discusses the challenges Turkish steel faces with EU regulations. He advocates for fairness and sustainability in global trade.
Amidst evolving global trade dynamics, Ugur Dalbeler, CEO of Turkish steel giant Colakoglu and deputy chairman of the Turkish Steel Exporter Association, voices concerns over what he perceives as the European Union’s double standards on steel import regulations. During a recent interview at the Eurometal conference in Istanbul, Dalbeler highlighted the EU’s contradictory policies, which demand Turkish exporters certify their steel is free from Russian inputs, while simultaneously allowing EU members to import Russian steel products until 2028.
Colakoglu operates an advanced electric arc furnace mill in Dilovasi, boasting impressive production capacities across various steel products. Despite the company’s strategic shifts towards utilizing non-Russian slab sources, like Brazil and Southeast Asia,and focusing on high-value niche products, Dalbeler criticizes the EU’s inconsistent trade stance. These policies, according to him, not only hinder Turkish exports but also raise questions about the fairness and sustainability of the EU’s trade regulations, especially considering Turkiye’s significant advancements in reducing its carbon footprint in steel production.
Implications of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
Dalbeler also touched upon the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which aims to tax imports based on their carbon emissions. He suggests that if applied equitably, this policy could favor Turkish steel, given its lower carbon emissions compared to other non-EU countries. The emphasis on renewable energy in Turkiye, including the development of its first nuclear power plant, positions Turkish steel as a more sustainable option for the European market. Yet, the stark decrease in Turkish steel exports to the EU, contrasted with an overall increase in EU steel imports, underscores the challenges Turkish producers face under current EU policies.
Seeking Mutual Understanding
Dalbeler’s call for a reevaluation of EU trade policies underscores a broader plea for fairness, sustainability, and mutual benefit in international trade relations. His remarks reflect not only the concerns of Turkish steel producers but also highlight the complexities of global trade regulations, environmental policies, and the quest for a sustainable industrial future. As the EU continues to navigate its environmental and economic goals, the voices of international partners like Turkiye could play a crucial role in shaping more inclusive, equitable, and effective policies.
As the dialogue between Turkish steel producers and the European Union evolves, the outcome could signal significant shifts in international trade agreements, environmental policy implementation, and the global steel industry’s future. Dalbeler’s advocacy for a balanced approach to trade and environmental challenges serves as a reminder of the intricate connections between global economies, industries, and the shared goal of sustainable development.
Source: bnnbreaking