Turkish flour exporters urge probe on smuggling

MANILA, Philippines - The Turkish Flour Yeast & Ingredients Promotions Group (TYFI), a group representing Turkish flour exporters, is calling on the government to conduct an investigation on claims that Turkish flour is being smuggled into the country.

In a statement, TYFI chairman Turgay Unlu said the claim made by the Philippine Association of Flour Millers, Inc. (PAFMIL) that Turkish
flour is being brough into the country and declared as Indian flour to avoid payment of dumping duties is a serious matter that needs to be looked into.

Late last month, the PAFMIL said some 1,800 bags of Turkish flour declared as Indian flour were intercepted by the Bureau of Customs in General Santos City.

Imports from Turkish flour milling companies are subject to a dumping duty of 2.87 to 16.19 percent under a Tariff Commission (TC) decision
issued last year.

The TC decision was issued following a conduct of formal investigation on a petition filed by the PAFMIL which claimed that local flour could
not compete with Turkish flour being sold at dumping prices.

Flour from India meanwhile, has no dumping duty and has a tariff rate of seven percent.

Unlu said the TYFI supports a conduct of investigation on the matter.

He said that the TYFI opposes fraudulent activities that cast doubt on the conduct of business here.

“TYFI takes pride in its corporate culture focused on a set of uncompromising values, specifically integrity and professionalism. The organization, with its entire membership, is committed to be
responsible corporate citizens and to uphold the highest ethical
standards in all its business practices in the Philippines and
worldwide,” he said.

For his part, Ernes to Chua, president of Turkish flour importer Malabon Longlife Trading Corp. and chairman of the Philippine-Turkish
Business Council, backed Unlu’s call for an investigation on the allegations made by PAFMIL.

“There should be a concerted effort to look into this alleged shipment of mislabelled and undervalued flour to General Santos City. As lawful importers of Turkish flour, we insist that the government put an end to those who conduct prohibited business practices that damage the
reputation of all flour importers. We express our support and
cooperation to the authorities that will take the lead in any
investigation on this matter,” he said.

Unlu said the TYFI is willing to work with PAFMIL in ensuring that the Philippine flour industry remains competitive and free from
unscrupulous traders.

“Flour industry players in the Philippines must work in partnership to protect the industry and the Filipino people, our end consumers,” he said.

“Instead of finding false and malicious ways and engaging in dirty handed tactics to besmirch Turkish flour, or any other imported flour for that matter, the flour industry should find a way to work together
to ensure that every Filipino has access to afforable and high quality flour. We are willing to do that.  The Filipino consumer has
always been our priority,” he also said.