Brussels: Representatives of Trkiye's business and industry groups are urging the European Union to exclude Trkiye from a forthcoming plan to eliminate the customs duty exemption for e-commerce orders under 150 euros ($174).

According to Anadolu Agency, the EU's proposal primarily targets small-scale shipments from China, which currently dominate low-value imports into the bloc. However, Turkish business leaders argue that the move could inadvertently impact Trkiye's small-scale exporters and disrupt the nation's deeply integrated trade relationship with the EU through the Customs Union.

Trkiye's Customs Union status and robust supply-chain connections are among the key reasons cited by sector representatives for seeking exemption from the new scheme. Sekib Avdagic, president of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO), explained that the EU's plan would impose customs duties on all low-value imports if the current threshold is abolished. He noted that while 91% of e-commerce shipments under 150 euros to the EU originated from China last year, the scope of the new scheme remains unclear, potentially affecting Turkish entrepreneurs.

Avdagic emphasized that Trkiye poses no threat to EU economies, instead serving as a complementary trading partner. He highlighted ongoing efforts by the Turkish Trade Ministry to enhance commercial ties with the bloc. With Trkiye's e-commerce exports anticipated to reach $8 billion this year, a significant portion is destined for EU markets. Avdagic warned that failing to secure an exemption could adversely impact small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) e-exports.

Mustafa Gultepe, president of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM), echoed these concerns, stating that while the EU's regulation primarily targets Chinese shipments, it could also affect Turkish exporters, especially in textiles and ready-to-wear goods. E-commerce exports currently account for 2.5% of Trkiye's total exports, valued at $6.5 billion, with the EU comprising a substantial portion of this volume.

Gultepe cautioned that removing the 150-euro exemption could raise the final prices of Turkish products within the EU, posing a disadvantage amid Europe's current downturn in the textile and ready-to-wear market. Such changes could lead to declines in orders, turnover, and employment, particularly among SMEs. He stressed the importance of Trkiye securing an exemption based on its Customs Union partnerships, supply chain integration, and compliance with EU regulations. In the absence of an exemption, he suggested counterbalancing measures such as bolstering e-commerce export support for the EU and reducing logistics costs to maintain competitiveness.