Turkey has implemented tariffs of 25% to 30% on passenger vehicle imports from countries outside the EU and its free trade agreement partners, according to a presidential decree published in the official gazette on Sept. 22.
The measure aims to support the domestic automotive sector against unfair trade, reduce the current account deficit, and boost employment in the industry, the Turkish Trade Ministry said in a statement on Sept. 22.
“The decision was taken considering the rapidly increasing protectionist measures globally,” the Ministry noted.
According to the decree, the following additional duties will apply:
- For conventional and hybrid vehicles (excluding plug-ins): 25% or a minimum of $6,000 per vehicle, whichever is higher.
- For plug-in hybrids, 30% or at least $7,000 per unit, whichever is higher.
- For EV: 30% or a minimum of $8,500 per vehicle, whichever is higher.
The Trade Ministry said the decision will take effect 60 days after its publication, with a transitional period for ongoing import processes.
The timing of the announcement aligns with Turkey’s removal of retaliatory duties on certain US products, including vehicles, also announced Sept. 22, indicating a strategic shift in trade policy ahead of high-level diplomatic meetings.
The exemption for EU vehicles shows Turkey’s ongoing integration with European automotive supply chains, despite broader geopolitical tensions. Turkey serves as a significant production hub for European automakers, with major manufacturers operating assembly plants that export vehicles both domestically and globally. The selective application of duties maintains these established trade relationships while targeting competitors from Asia and other regions.
Turkey’s vehicle output increased 3.5% year over year in January-August to 908,238 units, according to the Turkish Automotive Manufacturers’ Association, or OSD, data published Sept. 15.
The fluctuations in demand and input costs have been impacting vehicle demand and prices in Turkey.
Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, assessed domestic hot-rolled coil at $550/mt EXW Turkey Sept. 19, stable week over week.
