Turkey Drops US Tariffs Ahead of Erdogan Trump Meeting
Turkey has officially announced the removal of additional tariffs previously imposed on a selection of imports originating from the United States. According to a statement released by the Turkish trade ministry on Monday, products now exempt from these extra duties include alcoholic beverages, automobiles, tobacco products, and cosmetics, signaling a significant shift in bilateral trade relations.
These additional duties were initially implemented by Turkey in 2018 as a direct response to tariffs levied by the United States on imports of Turkish steel and aluminium. Operating within the framework of World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, Ankara had sought to balance the economic impact of the US measures by applying reciprocal tariffs on a range of American-origin goods.
The decision to lift these tariffs comes as a result of "positively progressing negotiations" with the United States, as well as ongoing consultations held under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, which included considerations of panel reports. The ministry's statement highlighted that the "additional financial obligations applied to the import of certain US-origin products have been terminated," reflecting a mutual effort to de-escalate trade tensions.
Beyond the immediate tariff adjustments, both Ankara and Washington continue to underscore the crucial role of economic ties as a cornerstone of their strategic dialogue. The two nations are actively working towards an ambitious target of $100 billion in bilateral trade, underscoring a shared commitment to fostering deeper commercial engagement and strengthening their overall relationship.
This notable move by Ankara is strategically timed, preceding a high-stakes meeting scheduled for later this week between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his US counterpart, Donald Trump. President Trump had previously confirmed that President Erdogan would visit the White House on Thursday, following their recent participation in the UN General Assembly in New York, further suggesting a renewed period of diplomatic engagement and cooperation.
