Turkey Launches Safeguard Investigation on Imported PET: Implications for Global Trade

The Turkish Ministry of Trade announced the initiation of a safeguard investigation on imported polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with an intrinsic viscosity of 78 mL/g or higher, following a request from domestic PET producers. Alongside the investigation, the Ministry suggested imposing a temporary safeguard duty of USD 100 per ton on the affected imports, with a maximum duration of 200 days. The products under review are classified under Turkish customs tariff code 3907.61.00.00.00.

Previously, the Turkish Ministry of Trade announced the final decision of the first sunset review on safeguard measures for imported low intrinsic viscosity polyethylene terephthalate (PET) chips (customs code 3907.69.00.00.00), recommending the continuation of a three-year safeguard duty as follows:

• December 13, 2023 – December 12, 2024: USD 0.054 per kilogram
• December 13, 2024 – December 12, 2025: USD 0.052 per kilogram
• December 13, 2025 – December 12, 2026: USD 0.050 per kilogram

Turkey's PET Industry and Trade Context

Turkey is a key hub for polyester bottle-grade PET production, consumption, and trade in the Eurasian region. Domestic capacity is estimated at around 1.33 million tons per year, with four major PET producers: Meltem, Indorama, Koksan, and Sasa. Among them, Meltem primarily produces rPET, leaving Indorama, Koksan, and Sasa as the main suppliers of virgin high intrinsic viscosity PET. Recent years have seen capacity expansions mainly from Koksan and Sasa, reflecting Turkey's effort to meet growing domestic and regional demand. 

From Chinese customs data, exports of PET to Turkey reached approximately 111,000 tons in 2024 and 139,000 tons in the first eleven months of 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of 37.6%. These exports accounted for around 2.4% of China;s total PET  resin exports, indicating that Turkey is a moderately sized market for Chinese PET manufacturers. Major exporters from China include Jiangsu and Liaoning provinces, which together contributed over 93% of Chinese PET chips exports to Turkey.

Turkey as a Regional Trade Hub

According to Turkish customs statistics, Turkey exported 438,000 tons of high intrinsic viscosity PET in 2024, with Italy accounting for around 18% of the volume. Imports in the same period totaled 118,000 tons, of which China supplied 77%. In the first ten months of 2025, Turkish PET exports increased to 465,000 tons (+34.1% YoY), primarily destined for Italy and Belgium, while imports rose to 183,500 tons, with China supplying 79%. These trade patterns suggest that Turkey functions as a regional intermediary, importing competitively priced PET from China to satisfy domestic demand, while also leveraging higher export prices to access European markets.

Potential Implications of the Safeguard Investigation 

The safeguard investigation appears driven by loss of market share and competitiveness among certain local PET producers. The temporary duty would help domestic manufacturers stabilize pricing and adjust production amid oversupply. Impact on Chinese and other exporters Although the measure is not exclusively targeting Chinese exporters, it could increase short-term costs for PET suppliers entering Turkey. Exporters may need to consider alternative shipment strategies or markets to mitigate trade disruptions. 

The investigation underscores the importance of monitoring Turkey as both an import and export hub. Price-sensitive PET imports from China may face temporary barriers, while Turkish exporters continue to leverage Europe-bound demand. 

Turkey's action mirrors historical cases in other markets, such as South Korea's safeguard and anti-dumping measures on Chinese PET, where domestic producers sought protection against import-driven market share erosion. This case demonstrates the delicate balance between domestic industrial policy and global trade flows, emphasizing the need for exporters to stay informed and flexible. 

Strategic Takeaways 

For Chinese PET manufacturers, Turkey remains a key, albeit modest, export market, but safeguard measures could affect short-term shipment volumes and pricing. Diversifying regional markets and maintaining trade flexibility is essential for mitigating regulatory risks. Monitoring capacity expansions, domestic supply-demand balance, and safeguard investigations in key importing countries will help optimize global PET supply strategies. Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available data and professional analysis. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, trade, or commercial advice.