May 23, 2025
Blog

The first quarter of 2025 has been highly active for the logistics sector, largely due to the new customs tariffs imposed on many countries by re-elected U.S. President Donald Trump. Although this period, characterized by more aggressive economic policies, poses certain challenges to exports from Turkey to the United States, it also presents significant global opportunities for Turkey.

How Will the US’s Customs Tariff Policy Affect Logistics in Turkey?

The new customs tariffs announced by President Donald Trump have shaken the global economy. The downward trend seen in global stock markets, especially in the U.S., is interpreted by many experts as the start of a new economic era.

Turkey is classified among the countries that will be least affected by the new U.S. customs tariffs.It is expected that Turkey will navigate this challenging period with relatively little damage, facing only about a 10% tariff increase, which is lower compared to other countries.

According to the latest data from the Turkish Ministry of Trade, the trade volume between Turkey and the U.S. has reached a peak of 1.5 billion dollars, placing the U.S. among Turkey’s top three trade partners.

Thanks to its role in producing intermediate goods and the advantage of relatively low tariffs, Turkey is expected to gain a more favorable position under these new customs duties.

Sectoral Impacts: How Will the 2025 U.S. Tariff Regulations Affect Turkey’s Exports?

President Trump’s goal of achieving greater commercial independence for America has led to the implementation of these tariff hikes, and they are expected to have varying impacts across different Turkish export sectors.

Under the new U.S. customs regulations, the 10% additional tariff applied to Turkish products is considerably lower than that applied to China (34%), Vietnam (46%), and the European Union (20%).

This difference in tariff rates is expected to provide Turkish exporters with a competitive advantage in the U.S. market.Especially Turkish companies operating in sectors such as automotive, textiles, and machinery are expected to leverage this advantage to increase their market share in the United States.

Steel and Aluminum Sector

The 25% customs duty previously imposed on steel and aluminum imports into the U.S. has now been expanded to include countries that were previously exempt.

This change presents an opportunity for Turkish companies, which were already subject to high tariffs, to compete on a more level playing field in the American market.

Turkish steel and aluminum manufacturers, by emphasizing quality and price competitiveness, can further strengthen their market positions in the U.S.

Additionally, America’s internal manufacturing policies encouraging more production suggest that demand for these raw materials will likely rise, offering further opportunities for Turkish exporters.

Machinery and Automotive Sector

The new customs regulations not only apply to raw materials but also to finished products.Steel and aluminum components used in machinery and automotive sectors that are not processed in the U.S. will now be subject to a 25% additional tariff.

Although this may increase production costs for Turkish companies, the fact that other countries are also affected by similar tariffs means that Turkey’s relative competitive advantage will remain intact.

To adapt successfully to these new conditions, Turkish companies manufacturing machinery and automotive parts will need to:

Optimization of production processes,
Restructure supply chains,
Invest in operational efficiency.

Furniture Sector

Furniture is another major export product from Turkey to the United States, especially in the luxury segment. Although the furniture sector is expected to be somewhat affected by the new U.S. tariffs, Turkey might benefit significantly because many of its competitors will face even higher customs duties.

As a result, Turkish furniture manufacturers and exporters could find a golden opportunity to expand their presence in the U.S. market.