US imposes 50% additional tax on white goods

MİTHAT YURDAKUL / ANKARA - The decision also closely concerns Turkish exporters. Turkey is the sixth largest supplier to the US for the products subject to new taxes.

Trump revised the measures regarding steel and aluminum product imports that were put into effect in 2018 within the framework of Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act with two executive orders dated February 10. Within this scope, exemptions provided to some countries were lifted as of March 12, 2025, and steel, aluminum and derivative product imports from all countries were subject to an additional 25 percent customs duty. With the executive order dated June 3, the 25 percent additional customs duty on imports of steel and aluminum products and derivative products was increased to 50 percent. According to the information obtained, the new steel derivative products that will be subject to additional customs duties applied under Section 232 were determined with the announcement published in the US Official Gazette. Accordingly, if refrigerators-freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, ovens and stoves are imported to the US, the products will be subject to an additional customs duty of 50 percent depending on their steel content.

The decision is also of great concern to Turkish exporters. Last year, Turkey’s exports to the US were worth $ 273 million in the products subject to the new tax. With a share of approximately 2 percent in the products mentioned, Turkey is the sixth largest supplier of US imports, following Mexico (41 percent), South Korea (20 percent), China (18 percent), Thailand (10 percent) and Vietnam (3 percent).

The latest developments in the US customs regime were communicated to relevant sectors by the Ministry of Trade through the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey and the Foreign Economic Relations Board.