Turkey Tariffs
The complex landscape of international trade between the United States and Turkey has undergone significant transformations in 2025, particularly following President Trump’s comprehensive tariff restructuring policies. Using his IEEPA authority, President Trump imposed a 10% tariff on all countries. This took effect from April 5, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT. These developments represent a fundamental shift in US-Turkey trade relations, marking one of the most substantial policy changes in bilateral economic cooperation since the previous administration.
Turkey’s position as a strategic trading partner with the United States has been significantly impacted by these new tariff implementations. Turkey is preparing for the effects of a new 10 percent import tariff imposed by the United States, a measure announced by President Donald Trump as part of a sweeping effort to reshape global trade, according to Turkish media reports on Thursday. The implications of these tariff adjustments extend beyond simple trade numbers, affecting various sectors including textiles, steel, and agricultural products that form the backbone of US-Turkey commercial relationships.
Key Turkey Tariff Facts and Statistics 2025
| Tariff Category | Rate | Effective Date | Impact Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| General US Tariff on Turkey | 10% | April 5, 2025 | All Imports |
| Turkish Tariff on US Rice | 31% | 2025 | Agricultural Products |
| Turkish Tariff on US Apples | 60.3% | 2025 | Fresh Produce |
| Previous Steel Tariffs (2018) | 50% | Historical | Steel Industry |
| Turkey’s Trade Ranking | 34th | 2025 | Overall US Trade Partner |
| US Exports to Turkey (2025 YTD) | $7.41 billion | Through May 2025 | Total Trade Volume |
| US Imports from Turkey (2025 YTD) | $6.79 billion | Through May 2025 | Total Trade Volume |
| Trade Surplus (2025 YTD) | $614.2 million | Through May 2025 | US Favor |
In 2025, trade relations between Turkey and the United States remain shaped by a series of tariffs and historical trade measures. The U.S. imposed a 10% general tariff on all Turkish imports starting April 5, 2025, affecting a broad range of sectors. In response, Turkey maintained high tariffs on specific U.S. agricultural exports, including a 31% tariff on rice and a 60.3% tariff on apples, reflecting ongoing protectionist strategies to safeguard domestic producers. The steel industry continues to reference the historical 50% tariff on U.S. steel from 2018, which, while no longer active, set the tone for the tense trade posture. These tariffs impact key sectors such as agriculture, fresh produce, and industrial goods, underscoring the complexity of bilateral trade relations.
Despite these barriers, trade between the two nations remains robust. As of May 2025, U.S. exports to Turkey reached $7.41 billion, while imports from Turkey stood at $6.79 billion, resulting in a U.S. trade surplus of $614.2 million. Turkey ranked as the 34th largest trading partner of the U.S. in 2025, highlighting its moderate but significant role in America’s global trade landscape. The current tariff framework—while protective in parts—has not deterred overall trade momentum, although future policy shifts could reshape this dynamic.
Turkey Steel Tariffs and Historical Context in 2025
The historical context of US-Turkey tariff relationships provides crucial insight into current 2025 developments. Trump imposed 25% tariffs on iron and steel imports from Turkey in 2018 before doubling them to 50%. According to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission, the tariffs resulted in around a 23% drop in Turkish exports to the United States by 2023, bringing Turkey down from the 13th … This historical precedent demonstrates the significant impact that targeted tariffs can have on bilateral trade volumes and Turkey’s competitive position in US markets.
The steel sector remains a critical component of US-Turkey trade relationships, with the 2018-2019 tariff period serving as a benchmark for understanding current policy implications. The 50% steel tariffs implemented during that period resulted in substantial restructuring of Turkish steel exports, forcing companies to seek alternative markets and adapt their production strategies. The current 10% universal tariff represents a more moderate approach compared to these sector-specific measures, but its broader scope affects a wider range of industries.
| Steel Tariff Period | Tariff Rate | Trade Impact | Turkey’s US Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-2018 | Standard Rates | Normal Trade Flow | 13th Position |
| 2018 Initial | 25% | Moderate Decline | Declining Rank |
| 2018-2019 Peak | 50% | 23% Export Drop | Significant Drop |
| 2025 Current | 10% (Universal) | Market Adjustment | 34th Position |
The transformation of Turkey’s position from the 13th largest US trading partner to the 34th position by 2025 illustrates the long-term consequences of sustained tariff policies. This decline reflects not only the direct impact of steel tariffs but also broader changes in global trade patterns and Turkey’s strategic repositioning in international markets. The current 34th ranking represents Turkey’s adjusted competitive position in the post-tariff environment.
Turkey Textile Trade and Tariff Impact in 2025
The textile sector represents one of Turkey’s most significant export categories to the United States, with 2025 data showing both challenges and opportunities. Nonetheless, Türkiye exported approximately US$2.68 billion in textiles to the US in 2023, and the sector has shown renewed growth—exports rose 14 percent year-on-year in early 2025, suggesting a push to re-establish a stronger foothold in the American market. This 14% growth in early 2025 demonstrates the resilience of Turkish textile manufacturers and their ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
The $2.68 billion textile export figure from 2023 establishes a baseline for understanding the sector’s importance in bilateral trade. The 10% universal tariff implemented in April 2025 poses new challenges for Turkish textile exporters, who must now factor these additional costs into their pricing strategies. However, the early 2025 growth suggests that Turkish companies were anticipating policy changes and positioning themselves competitively before the tariff implementation.
| Textile Trade Metrics | 2023 Baseline | Early 2025 Growth | Post-Tariff Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export Value | $2.68 billion | 14% increase | Market adjustment needed |
| Growth Rate | Stable | Positive momentum | Tariff impact assessment |
| Market Position | Established | Strengthening | Competitive challenge |
Turkish textile manufacturers face the dual challenge of maintaining competitiveness while absorbing the 10% tariff cost. The industry’s 14% growth in early 2025 provides a buffer against tariff impacts, but long-term sustainability depends on continued innovation, efficiency improvements, and potential market diversification strategies. The sector’s performance will serve as a crucial indicator of Turkey’s overall trade adaptation to the new tariff environment.
Turkey Trade Deficit and Surplus Patterns in 2025
The evolution of US-Turkey trade balances reveals significant shifts in 2025 compared to historical patterns. The current $614.2 million US surplus through May 2025 contrasts sharply with previous years’ deficits, indicating fundamental changes in trade dynamics. The 2024 trade deficit of $1.37 billion demonstrates how dramatically the trade relationship has shifted in just one year.
This transformation from a $1.37 billion deficit in 2024 to a $614.2 million surplus in the first five months of 2025 represents a $2 billion swing in trade balance dynamics. Several factors contribute to this shift, including the anticipation of tariff implementations, changes in Turkish export strategies, and adjustments in US import patterns. The April 5, 2025 tariff implementation likely accelerated these trends as businesses adjusted their purchasing and shipping schedules.
| Year | US Exports (Billions) | US Imports (Billions) | Trade Balance | Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $15.16 | $18.79 | -$3.63 billion deficit | Large deficit |
| 2023 | $14.55 | $15.43 | -$875.7 million deficit | Narrowing deficit |
| 2024 | $15.38 | $16.75 | -$1.37 billion deficit | Widening deficit |
| 2025 YTD | $7.41 | $6.79 | +$614.2 million surplus | Surplus emergence |
The 2025 trade surplus emergence represents the first positive trade balance between the US and Turkey in recent years. This shift reflects multiple factors including Turkish companies’ strategic adjustments, changes in global supply chains, and the impact of anticipatory trade behaviors before tariff implementations. The sustainability of this surplus will depend on how both economies adapt to the new 10% universal tariff framework.
Turkey Agricultural Tariffs and Reciprocal Trade in 2025
Agricultural trade between the United States and Turkey demonstrates the complexity of reciprocal tariff relationships that characterize 2025 bilateral commerce. “The US has a surplus in relation to us. In that sense, we expect the 10 percent tariff to be removed.” Turkey’s trade minister’s statement reflects the country’s position that the current trade balance justifies tariff reductions rather than increases.
The agricultural sector reveals stark disparities in tariff treatment between the two countries. While the US MFN tariff on rice remains at 2.7%, Turkey maintains an average 31% tariff on the same product. Similarly, US apples enter Turkey facing a 60.3% tariff, while Turkish agricultural products generally face much lower barriers in US markets. These disparities form the foundation of ongoing trade negotiations and policy discussions throughout 2025.
| Agricultural Product | US Tariff on Turkey | Turkey Tariff on US | Trade Flow Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice in Husk | 2.7% | 31% average | Favors US exports |
| Apples | Duty-free | 60.3% | Restricts US exports |
| General Agricultural | Variable rates | Higher average | Mixed impact |
The April 2025 implementation of the 10% universal tariff adds another layer of complexity to agricultural trade relationships. Turkish agricultural exporters must now navigate both existing sector-specific barriers and the new universal tariff, while US agricultural exporters continue to face Turkey’s historically high protective tariffs. This asymmetric tariff structure creates ongoing tensions in bilateral trade negotiations and policy discussions.
Turkey Overall Import Tariff Structure in 2025
| Import Category | Base Tariff Rate | Effective Date | Coverage Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Baseline | 10% | April 5, 2025 | All Turkish Imports |
| Potential Escalation | Variable | Post-Implementation | Deficit-Based Countries |
| MFN Standard Rates | Product-Specific | Pre-Existing | WTO Framework |
| Sectoral Adjustments | Case-by-Case | Ongoing | Strategic Industries |
The overall import tariff framework between the United States and Turkey reflects a complex multilayered system that combines universal rates with product-specific adjustments. Using his IEEPA authority, President Trump imposed a 10% tariff on all countries. This 10% universal baseline serves as the foundation for all Turkish imports entering the United States, representing the most comprehensive tariff restructuring in recent bilateral trade history.
The implementation strategy demonstrates a systematic approach to trade rebalancing. The additional ad valorem duty on all imports from all trading partners shall start at 10 percent and shortly thereafter, the additional ad valorem duty shall increase for trading partners enumerated in Annex I to this order at the rates set forth in Annex I to this order. This framework allows for potential escalation based on bilateral trade performance and negotiation outcomes, creating dynamic pressure for trade balance improvements.
Turkey Overall Export Tariff Analysis in 2025
| Export Metrics | May 2025 | June 2025 | Annual 2023 | Trend Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Value | $24.82 billion | $20.5 billion | $255.4 billion total | Declining pattern |
| Change Rate | Baseline | -17.4% | Historical peak | Tariff impact visible |
| Global Ranking | Major exporter | Adjusting | 29th worldwide | Competitive pressure |
Turkey’s export tariff performance in 2025 demonstrates both resilience and adaptation challenges in the face of new US trade policies. Exports in Turkey decreased to 20500 USD Million in June from 24816.80 USD Million in May of 2025. This $4.3 billion monthly decline from $24.82 billion in May to $20.5 billion in June reflects the immediate impact of tariff implementations on Turkish export volumes.
The broader export context shows Turkey’s significant position in global trade. Over the observed period from 2014 to 2023, Turkey recorded the highest export value in 2023, amounting to over 255.4 billion U.S. This $255.4 billion annual export value establishes Turkey as a major global trading nation, making the 2025 tariff impacts particularly significant for both bilateral and global trade patterns.
Turkey Product-Specific Tariff Breakdown in 2025
| Product Category | US Tariff Rate | Turkey Competitive Position | Market Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Textiles | 10-20% variable | Favored vs Asian competitors | Moderate advantage |
| Steel Products | 10% baseline | Improved from 50% historical | Significant improvement |
| Automotive | 10% universal | Standard application | Level playing field |
| Agricultural | 10% + MFN rates | Variable by product | Mixed impact |
| Manufacturing | 10% baseline | Across-the-board application | Uniform challenge |
The product-specific tariff structure reveals significant variations across different sectors, with textiles facing particularly complex rate structures. The tax rates that the U.S. applies to Turkey specifically in the textile sector vary between 10% and 20% depending on the product type, and the fact that additional higher taxes will be applied to countries such as China, India, South Korea, Pakistan, and Taiwan, which are Turkey’s direct competitors, creates both challenges and opportunities for Turkish textile exporters.
Turkey’s automotive and industrial sectors face the broader 10% universal tariff plus any sector-specific adjustments. The steel sector, historically subject to 50% tariffs during 2018-2019, now operates under the more moderate universal framework, though specific products may face additional scrutiny. Agricultural products continue to navigate existing MFN rates plus the new 10% baseline, creating complex pricing calculations for Turkish exporters.
The textile sector advantage becomes particularly significant when compared to Turkey’s main Asian competitors. additional higher taxes will be applied to countries such as China, India, South Korea, Pakistan, and Taiwan, which are Turkey’s direct competitors in textile markets. This differential treatment potentially positions Turkish textile exporters more favorably than their traditional competitors, despite the 10-20% rate range.
Turkey Top 10 Trade Partner Countries with Revenue in 2025
| Rank | Export Partners | Revenue (Billions) | Import Partners | Revenue (Billions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | $16.3B | Russia | Major Supplier |
| 2 | United Kingdom | $12.7B | China | Significant Volume |
| 3 | United States | $7.41B (2025 YTD) | Germany | Bilateral Trade |
| 4 | Iraq | Regional Leader | Switzerland | Specialized Goods |
| 5 | Italy | EU Partnership | United States | $6.79B (2025 YTD) |
| 6 | France | EU Member | Italy | EU Trade |
| 7 | Spain | Mediterranean | Iran | Energy/Raw Materials |
| 8 | Netherlands | EU Hub | South Korea | Technology/Manufacturing |
| 9 | UAE | Middle East Gateway | India | Emerging Markets |
| 10 | Egypt | Regional Partner | Japan | Technology/Equipment |
Turkey’s global trade partnership network demonstrates diversified relationships that extend well beyond the United States. The most common destination for the exports of Turkey are Germany ($16.3B), United Kingdom ($12.7B), United States, highlighting the European Union’s continued importance in Turkish trade strategy. In 2022, Turkey major trading partner countries for exports were Germany, United States, Iraq, United Kingdom and Italy and for imports they were Russian Federation, China, Special Categories, Germany and Switzerland.
The export destination ranking shows Germany leading with $16.3 billion, followed by the United Kingdom at $12.7 billion. The most recent exports are led by Cars ($10.1B), Motor vehicles; parts and accessories (8701 to 8705) ($4.59B), Delivery Trucks ($4.34B), Gold ($3.97B), and Refined Petroleum ($3.51B). These figures demonstrate Turkey’s strength in automotive manufacturing and precious metals trading.
The automotive export strength is particularly notable, with cars leading at $10.1 billion, followed by motor vehicle parts at $4.59 billion, and delivery trucks at $4.34 billion. This $18.93 billion automotive cluster represents Turkey’s most significant export category and demonstrates the sector’s vulnerability to US tariff policies affecting the $7.41 billion bilateral trade volume.
Turkey Economic Impact Assessment for 2025
The economic implications of 2025 tariff policies extend beyond immediate trade statistics to broader impacts on both Turkish and American economies. The Trump tariffs amount to an average tax increase of nearly $1,300 per US household in 2025. See more on the 2025 Trump trade war impact. This household impact demonstrates how international trade policies translate into domestic economic consequences for American consumers.
For Turkish businesses, the 10% universal tariff represents a significant competitive challenge that requires strategic adaptation. Companies must either absorb the tariff cost, reducing profit margins, or pass costs to consumers, potentially losing market share. The textile sector’s 14% growth in early 2025 suggests some Turkish companies successfully implemented preemptive strategies, but sustained success requires continued adaptation and efficiency improvements.
| Economic Impact Category | US Impact | Turkey Impact | Mutual Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Costs | $1,300 per household | Reduced export revenue | Price adjustments |
| Business Strategy | Import substitution | Market diversification | Supply chain changes |
| Trade Volume | Selective importing | Export reallocation | Bilateral flow reduction |
| Long-term Planning | Domestic production | Alternative markets | Relationship restructuring |
The $1,300 per household impact on American families reflects the broader economic costs of protective trade policies. Similarly, Turkish exporters face revenue pressures that may necessitate workforce adjustments, investment reallocation, or market diversification strategies. These mutual economic pressures create incentives for both countries to seek negotiated solutions that balance protection goals with economic efficiency.
Turkey Future Trade Prospects and Policy Directions in 2025
Looking ahead through 2025 and beyond, US-Turkey trade relationships will likely continue evolving in response to policy adjustments and economic pressures. Turkey is not among them, having registered a modest trade imbalance in 2024, with $15 billion of US imports and $17 billion worth of exports to America, according to US Trade Representative data. This relatively balanced trade relationship provides a foundation for potential policy modifications as both countries assess the impacts of current tariff structures.
The modest trade imbalance referenced in the data suggests that Turkey may have grounds for seeking tariff relief or modifications. The current $614.2 million US surplus through May 2025 actually reverses the historical pattern, potentially strengthening Turkey’s negotiating position for future trade discussions. Both countries have economic incentives to optimize their trade relationship while maintaining their respective policy objectives.
| Future Scenario | Probability | Impact on Trade | Policy Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tariff Modifications | Moderate | Increased bilateral trade | Negotiated agreements |
| Status Quo Maintenance | High | Continued adaptation | Business strategy adjustments |
| Sectoral Exemptions | Low-Moderate | Targeted trade recovery | Industry-specific negotiations |
| Comprehensive Review | Uncertain | Fundamental restructuring | High-level diplomatic engagement |
The sustainability of current tariff policies depends on their effectiveness in achieving stated policy goals while managing economic costs for both countries. Turkey’s strategic importance as a NATO ally and regional partner may influence future policy considerations, while domestic American economic impacts may create pressure for policy refinements. The 2025 experience will provide crucial data for evaluating the long-term viability of current trade approaches.
Conclusion: Turkey Tariffs Landscape in 2025
As 2025 progresses, both countries will continue evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of current tariff structures. The relatively balanced historical trade relationship provides a foundation for potential future negotiations, while immediate economic pressures create incentives for continued adaptation and strategic planning. The ultimate success of 2025 tariff policies will be measured not only in trade statistics but in their contribution to broader economic and strategic objectives for both the United States and Turkey.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
