Turkish steel sector pleased with Trump’s new tariffs: Industy insider
File photo shows a close-up view of stacked galvanized steel pipes. (Adobe Stock Photo)
U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on steel and aluminum could enhance the competitiveness of Türkiye’s steel sector, provided the tariffs are implemented without exemptions, a representative from the Turkish steel industry told Türkiye Today.
According to the industry insider, the executive order signed by Trump has not yet taken effect and is set to be enacted on March 12. He noted that it is too early to make definitive assessments, as the details of the implementation remain unclear.
“It is not yet certain how the tariffs will be applied or whether any exemptions will be granted,” he said, referring to Trump’s statements suggesting that some strategic sectors might be exempted. The insider also recalled Trump’s 2018 decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on Turkish steel imports, which significantly reduced Türkiye’s market share in the U.S.; however, the country remains among the top 10 exporters of steel to the U.S.
‘A potential boost for Turkish steel in the US’
He emphasized that these new tariffs could level the playing field in the U.S. market, potentially revitalizing Türkiye’s steel exports. “If exemptions are granted, the outcome will depend on which countries or sectors receive them,” he added.
In March 2018, President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imported steel, citing national security concerns. Following this decision, U.S. steel imports from Türkiye dropped from $951.6 million in 2017 to $566.76 million in 2018.
As of 2024, this figure has further declined to $233.47 million, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat). Despite the substantial erosion, Türkiye remains among the top 10 exporters of steel to the U.S.
