The new duty targets the cheapest cars China has to offer. The additional tariff will amount to 40 per cent of the car's value, but not less than $7,000. The measure will take effect from 7 July, according to the presidential decision published in the country's Official Gazette.
It should be noted that the first package of protective duties on Chinese electric cars was introduced by Turkey in 2023. In this way, the state protected the first national electric car TOGG T10X from competition. The appearance of this model was one of the election promises of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Now the economic protective measures have been extended to Chinese hybrid cars as well as internal combustion engine vehicles.
The imposition of additional duties is part of Turkey's broader efforts to stabilise its economy. The country faced a $45.2 billion trade deficit last year. By raising tariffs on Chinese auto imports, Turkey aims to improve its balance of payments and provide competitive leverage for local manufacturers against foreign automakers.
This announcement by Turkey comes at a time when other world powers are also adjusting their policies on Chinese cars. The US recently raised import duties on Chinese cars from 25 per cent to 100 per cent. The European Union is expected to impose new restrictions on Chinese electric cars later this week.
Source: VOA
