The United States has doubled its tariffs on steel and aluminum made in Turkey after that country refused to release a detained American pastor. The pastor, who has lived in Turkey for two decades, was arrested in 2016 for being a “terrorist” and participating in the failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he authorized the new duties, 20% for aluminum and 50% for steel, to punish Turkey for refusing to release the pastor. Turkey has responded with increased tariffs on U.S. products (120% on American cars, 140% on alcoholic drinks, and 60% on leaf tobacco). Tariffs on rice, cosmetics and coal will also be doubled.
The U.S. was the fourth largest source of imports to Turkey last year, accounting for $12 billion of imports, while Turkey’s exports to the United States last year amounted to $8.7 billion, making it Turkey’s fifth-largest export market.
For more information please call Brian Rowe, Director – Customs Compliance & Regulatory Affairs at (905) 882-4880, ext. 213.
