Statement from Tunisia to Turkey: Trade agreement can be canceled

A brand new transfer got here from Tunisia, whose relations with Turkey have been adopted with curiosity after the coup on 25 July.

Tunisia, “decreasing the rising commerce deficit” demanded an pressing evaluation of the commerce agreement with Turkey.

TRADE AGREEMENT CAN BE CANCELED

Nbil Arfaoui, director of cooperation with Europe on the Tunisian Ministry of Commerce, said that negotiations with Turkey might be open to amending the agreement and even canceling it.

“WE SHOULD PROTECT LOCAL PRODUCTION”

Tunisian Trade Minister Mohammed Boussaid additionally made a press release on the topic and argued that the commerce stability between Turkey and Tunisia is disadvantageous for Tunisia. baussaid, “We have now formally requested a evaluation of the phrases of the commerce agreement as a result of it’s our responsibility to shield native manufacturing.” used the phrases.

1.1 BILLION DOLLARS TRADE VOLUME

The commerce quantity between Tunisia and Turkey in 2020 was 1.1 billion {dollars}. Whereas Turkey was exporting 928 million {dollars} to this nation, the import determine was recorded as 151 million {dollars}. Subsequently, Tunisia had a deficit of 777 million {dollars} in international commerce in opposition to Turkey in 2020.

In accordance to TUIK information, as of the primary 6 months of 2021, Turkey’s exports to Tunisia amounted to 701 million {dollars}. Imports from Tunisia have been recorded as 124 million {dollars}. Thus, within the first half of 2021, Tunisia had a international commerce deficit of 577 million {dollars} in opposition to Turkey. Tunisia’s international commerce deficit with Turkey was $697 million in 2019.

PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

The Affiliation Agreement, which envisages the institution of a Free Trade Space between Turkey and Tunisia, was signed on 25 November 2004 and entered into drive on 1 July 2005. The method of eradicating customs duties on industrial items throughout the scope of the agreement was accomplished on 1 July 2014.

Nonetheless, Tunisia imposed an extra tax on Turkish items since 2018, citing the international commerce deficit.

WHAT HAPPENED IN TUNISIA

Tunisian President Kays Mentioned introduced on 25 July that he had applied the eightieth article of the Structure, which gave him extraordinary powers, citing the protests organized all through the nation when the nation was at risk.

Mentioned introduced that the Parliament had suspended its work for 30 days, that the immunity of all deputies was lifted, that he dismissed the prime minister and that he would appoint a brand new prime minister, and that he had additionally appointed himself because the chief prosecutor for corruption circumstances.