WTO recognizes Turkey's claims against US tariffs

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) - The World Trade Organization (WTO) has recognized nearly all claims made by Turkey against U.S. tariffs on Turkish pipelines, Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan said Wednesday.

The global trade regulatory authority confirmed the U.S. tariffs did not abide by WTO agreements and rules, she said in a statement.

"The U.S. has been placing 15 percent tax on Turkey origin pipelines by alleging that Turkey implements subvention on pipelines," she added.

Pekcan said the authority rejected U.S. claims that Turkish companies OYAK, Erdemir and Isdemir were public enterprises and they received subvention.

"The panel recommended that the U.S. bring its measures into conformity with its obligations under the WTO agreement," she added, saying the government was committed to protect iron and steel producers.