Opening up the Turkish economy in the context of the customs union with EU

Abstract

The paper consider the Turkey-EU customs union (CU). After reviewing briefly the developments in Turkey-EU relations the paper studies the structure of protection that prevailed prior to the formation of the CU as well as structure of protection that will prevail when all of the adjustments required by the CU will be completed. The resource allocation effects of the CU are studied using nominal and effective protection rates. Besides the liberalization of trade the CU introduces new rules and disciplines that will effect the functioning of markets in Turkey. With the formation of CU Turkey is confronted with reductions in annual tax revenue. The paper studies the possible effects of tax revenue losses as well as the effects of the CU on FDI in-flows.