Turkey encounters 15% U.S. import tax
In June 2023, the trade relationship between Turkey and the United States was robust, with Turkey exporting goods worth $1.2 billion to the US and the US importing $1.5 billion worth of Turkish products. However, a significant development occurred in the trade landscape when the US customs duty on Turkish goods increased from 10% to 15%, effective from August 7, 2025 [1][3].
This tariff rise, part of a broader US effort to reduce its trade deficit, represents an escalation in trade costs for Turkish exporters [1]. Yet, Turkey remains undeterred in its goal to boost bilateral trade volume with the US, aiming to reach $100 billion [1].
Amidst this challenge, Turkey is mindful of the importance of balancing trade risks. To this end, the country is focusing on strengthening its integration with the EU value chains and leveraging shifts in US-EU trade relations to create new opportunities for Turkish exports [2].
However, strong political relations and updated trade agreements, such as upgrading the Customs Union with the EU, will be necessary to avoid increased vulnerability from trade disruptions [2].
Despite the US tariff hike, the commitment to growth in bilateral trade with the US remains steadfast in Turkey. The tariffs may pressure Turkish exporters, but they are viewed as a hurdle rather than a roadblock in Turkey's pursuit of expanding trade ties with the US [1].
It is essential to note that the current bilateral trade volume between Turkey and the US, as well as the current volume of US imports from Turkey, are not specified in the given information. Additionally, the exact date of the implementation of the US customs duty on Turkish goods is not explicitly stated in the provided paragraphs [2].
In summary, the US tariff hike on Turkish goods from 10% to 15% starting August 7, 2025, has increased export costs for Turkey [1][3]. Despite this, Turkey is determined to increase bilateral trade with the US to $100 billion, balancing trade risks through stronger EU integration and diversification [2].
Politics and general news outlets may report on the implications of the increased US customs duty on Turkish goods, a development in war-and-conflicts-unrelated trade landscape between Turkey and the United States. In response, Turkey aims to strengthen its EU integration and leverage shifts in US-EU trade relations to create new opportunities for Turkish exports, recognizing the importance of solid political relations and updated trade agreements to avoid increased vulnerability from trade disruptions.
