Opportunities await Türkiye amid US-China trade war, tariffs

The trade wars between the U.S. and China could bring Türkiye to the forefront. One economist and representative of the Turkish business world commented, “It won’t be easy for the U.S. economy to fill the gap left by China—they need us. We must highlight all our exportable goods, focus on pinpoint-targeted opportunities, make product-based agreements, and increase the number of trade fairs and stores in this country. This way, we can quickly increase our $16.4 billion in exports.”

As the world is shaken by trade wars, Türkiye’s actions are being closely followed by economic administrators and business leaders. In this process, the U.S. applying the lowest tariff rate—10%—to Türkiye is seen as an advantage. It is stated that with strategic moves, Türkiye’s exports to the U.S. could rise and become profitable.

‘Agreements should be made on a product basis’

Important messages were shared by economists and the business community regarding how Türkiye-U.S. trade relations should evolve in the upcoming period. Economist Selim Somcag emphasized that it will not be easy for the U.S. economy to fill China’s gap.

“They need us. For every export product we have that the U.S. currently cannot supply from China, we should make agreements with the U.S. to sell them. Encouraging Chinese companies to set up factories in Türkiye may not be the right move because the U.S. would not approve this either. During this period, a Free Trade Agreement should also be avoided. It would be detrimental to us. Agreements should be made on a product basis,” Somcag said.

‘We can sell more goods and services’

President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) Sebik Avdagic stated that the world economic order has returned to protectionism and high tariffs after a long time.

“Türkiye was not subject to Trump’s heavy tariffs and remained under the basic 10% tariff. Last year, we sold $16.4 billion worth of goods and services to the U.S. It’s clear that we can sell much more to a country with a population of 340 million,” Avdagic said.

‘Türkiye can turn this into an opportunity’

Avdagic emphasized that the Turkish business world must quickly analyze Trump’s customs duties and shape their product and competition strategies accordingly.

“In summary, our business world should turn the positive distinction that Türkiye gains from Trump’s tariffs into an opportunity. Due to the additional tariffs, the U.S. may prefer to purchase more goods from Türkiye. Türkiye’s ability to seize this opportunity depends on how well our export sectors develop,” he said.

‘Precision-targeted opportunities’

President of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO), Erdal Bahcivan, also said, “We must prepare for these new developments by studying thoroughly. Because we are faced with a situation that cannot be grasped with memorized knowledge or stereotypical perspectives.

We see that the U.S. is adopting a relatively more positive approach toward Türkiye. We can obtain precision-targeted opportunities. It would be beneficial for our country to have sector-specific preparations. We must proceed with strategic work that reveals sectoral opportunities.”

‘Number of fairs and stores should increase’

President of the Anatolian Lions Businessmen’s Association (ASKON) Orhan Aydin stated that the additional 10% tax imposed on Türkiye has made the country more competitive.

“We must go on alert to increase sales to the U.S. Exporters’ unions in particular should increase the number of fairs and events in this region. Increasing the number of stores of Turkish brands in the U.S. would also be an advantage,” he said.

‘We can be an alternative supplier’

President of the Turkish Young Businessmen’s Association (TUGIAD) Gurkan Yildirim said that the U.S.’ imports from China and the EU might decrease.

“This situation will bring the potential for Türkiye to increase its exports to the U.S. in certain sectors. Türkiye can stand out as an alternative supplier. The high tariffs imposed on China, the EU, and Far Eastern countries may also cause some companies in those regions to shift their production to other countries. Türkiye can also attract investments from these companies,” he added.

Türkiye runs trade surplus with US

Meanwhile, Türkiye exported $16.4 billion worth of goods to the U.S. last year. Sectors that stood out in exports included machinery, mechanical devices, precious stones and metals, automotive, carpets, other textile floor coverings, lime, and cement.

Imports from the U.S. reached $16.2 billion last year. Imports were led by mineral fuels, oils, iron and steel, machinery, mechanical devices, organic chemicals, and plastic products.

Thus, Türkiye had a $121 million trade surplus with the U.S. last year.