Another U.S. ally is retaliating against the Trump’s administration to levy steel and aluminum tariffs.
Turkey’s economic ministry said it would put tariffs on $267 million in American products such as coal, paper, whiskey, automobiles and machinery.
“We have repeatedly and clearly communicated that none of America’s stated criteria for imposing tariffs are applicable to Turkey or Turkish exporters,” Turkey’s government said in a statement. “U.S. steel trade with Turkey creates American jobs and benefits the U.S. economy. America has a trade surplus in steel commerce with Turkey. However, our American partners appear unwilling to consider the facts or the negative impact its tariffs will have on a great many U.S. companies and workers.”
Turkey is a longtime member of NATO, which was established by the U.S. and Western allies to fight the spread of communism after World War II.
President Donald Trump announced in March the U.S. would impose a 25 percent duty on steel and a 10 percent duty on aluminum in an effort to restore “balance” with foreign steelmakers.
Turkey is the world’s eighth biggest steel exporter, according to a recent U.S. government report.