Despite the continuing shipping embargo and Turkey’s refusal to recognise the RoC’s EU membership, Turkish goods are appearing in shops in the South, Turkish Cypriot daily ‘Detay’ reports.
‘Detay’ reports that an increasing number of Turkish made goods are turning up in the South. It notes that these items are cheaper than in the North, hitting the sale of textiles and electronic items.
For example a Turkish-made coffee machine by Turkish brand Beko sold in the South is specifically designed for that market – replacing the words Turkish Coffee with Greek Coffee. The machine is on sale for between 75 and 84 euros in the TRNC, however is sold for 69 euros in the South.
‘Detay’ alleges that Turkish businesses are circumventing the Turkish Cypriot market and are targeting the South Cyprus market. Apparently there have been increases in Turkish exports to the South, since it joined the EU.
‘Detay’ adds that legitimate sales across the Green Line were rising between 2004 and 2008. However since that time, trade stagnated between 2013 and 2015.
Cyprus Weekly
