Trump’s auto tariffs threaten Turkish exports, but industry remains confident
Newly manufactured vehicles lined up for export at Gemlik Port in Bursa, Türkiye. (AA Photo)
U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on auto imports could impact Turkish auto exports totaling $1.2 billion in 2024, with further negative consequences if expanded to auto parts, warned Baran Celik, chairman of the Turkish Automotive Industry Exporters Association (OIB).
However, he also expressed confidence in the industry’s resilience, emphasizing its competitive advantages.
Speaking to Türkiye Today, Celik noted that the U.S. is Türkiye’s ninth-largest export destination for automotive products, primarily auto parts and bus, minibus, and midibus vehicles. He highlighted that auto parts make up approximately $1 billion of Türkiye’s total automotive exports to the U.S.
However, he suggested that the initial phase of tariffs is unlikely to include auto parts. “While we cannot fully predict all details as of today, we expect that the additional tariffs will primarily target passenger cars and commercial vehicles,” Celik said. “Therefore, in the first phase, our main industry firms will be negatively affected.”
Trump’s auto tariffs: ‘A mix of opportunities and challenges’
Emphasizing Türkiye’s role as a key production hub in the global automotive industry, Celik stated that the country is likely to feel the effects of ongoing global trade disputes.
Nonetheless, he pointed to Türkiye’s strategic advantages, including its geographical location and flexible manufacturing capabilities. “Maintaining strong trade relations with Europe, as well as Asia and America, will help Türkiye preserve its strategic significance,” he said.
Celik also noted that the tariffs would primarily impact Japanese and Korean manufacturers after Mexico and Canada, which together account for the majority of U.S. auto imports.
Trump last announced on Feb. 18 that additional automotive tariffs, set at approximately 25%, would take effect by April 2. However, he has yet to provide further details on the scope of these tariffs.
The U.S. is the world’s largest automotive importer, with total imports reaching $391 billion. More than 50% of the U.S. automotive industry relies on imports.
Meanwhile, Türkiye’s automotive sector remains the country’s largest exporting industry, closing 2024 with a record-breaking export volume exceeding $37 billion, marking the highest figure in the nation’s history.
