Türkiye lifts extra tariffs on U.S. imports before Erdoğan-Trump meeting

According to a decree published in the Official Gazette on September 22, 2025, signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the “additional financial obligations” imposed on 22 categories of U.S.-origin products since 2018 have been lifted.

The decision came just before President Erdoğan’s departure to the United States on September 21 for the United Nations General Assembly, and before his scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on September 25. The additional tariffs had originally been introduced in response to tariffs imposed by then-President Trump during his first term on certain Turkish exports, particularly steel and aluminum, under the principle of reciprocity.

At that time, Trump’s administration had raised customs duties on steel and aluminum imports from several countries, including Türkiye, imposing a 50% tariff on steel and 20% on aluminum. Given the significant role the U.S. played in Turkish steel exports, this move had a serious economic impact. In response, Türkiye imposed counter-tariffs on various U.S. imports, with some duties reaching up to 140%.

Key Products Affected

Among the U.S.-origin goods previously subject to high additional duties:

• High-alcohol spirits (e.g., whiskey): previously subject to 140% additional duty
• Passenger and sports cars: 120% additional duty
• Cosmetics and makeup products: 60% additional duty
• Tobacco and cigarettes
• Total of 22 product categories (full list not yet disclosed)

With this new regulation issued during Erdoğan’s U.S. visit, these additional tariffs have been removed.

Implications of Tariffs

• The removal of these tariffs is expected to give a competitive edge to U.S.-origin electric vehicle brands such as Tesla and Ford in the Turkish market, especially in comparison to Chinese electric cars, which are still subject to a 40% additional import duty.
• In the cosmetics sector, this decision will similarly favor U.S. brands, potentially lowering prices and increasing market presence in Turkey.
• The regulation will come into effect 60 days after publication, allowing time for ongoing import procedures to be completed.

Erdoğan-Trump Agenda

Through this move, Ankara signals an expectation that Washington will, in return, reduce or lift tariffs imposed on Turkish exports, particularly steel and aluminum.

Trump announced on September 19 that he had invited Erdoğan to the White House, following the U.N. General Assembly meetings in New York from September 22 to 24. He also said that Türkiye could purchase a large number of Boeing passenger jets for Turkish Airlines (THY). Türkiye, on the other hand, wants to buy F-35 and F-16 fighter jets. The two countries are also deeply involved in the future of Syria; Trump appointed Tom Barrack both as the US Ambassador to Ankara and his Special Envoy for Syria. Erdoğan is also expected to ask Trump to end his unconditional support for Israel’s brutal campaign against civilian Palestinians in Gaza.