Recent Developments in WTO Negotiations on Agriculture and Position of Turkey

Last conference of negotiations on agriculture was held in Bali, in December 2013. During the negotiations on agriculture, a great deal of discussion has been made about reduction of tariffs, reducing domestic supports and elimination of export subsidies, however, a final agreement was not reached. Despite this fact, some decisions was made during the negotiations such as reduction/removal of export subsidies, development of sensitive and special product concepts against adverse effects of reductions in tariffs, reduction in domestic supports in developed countries to a significant extent. These developments are also important in terms of position adopted by Turkey in negotiations on agriculture. Turkey has been protecting its agriculture considerably via tariffs. Bound and applied tariff rates are 61.0 % and 41.2% in agricultural products of Turkey. For this reason, position adopted and to be adopted by Turkey in the negotiations is important. Tariff rates applied by Turkey for animal and dairy products are over % 100. Therefore, issue of sensitive and special products is very important for Turkey. Turkey has no obligation about domestic supports but if a position is adopted in the negotiations towards substantial decreases in developed countries, this can increase chances of competition in international markets for Turkey. Export subsidies of Turkey are at a negligible level. However, if developed countries eliminate their export subsidies, Turkey can get a set of gains for its import products in long run. This study evaluates Turkey's position in negotiations on agriculture and reflections of decisions taken during the negotiations on turkey's agriculture and agricultural policies. Furthermore it also makes some suggestions for Turkey for not being affected adversely and even getting some gains from the process