Breaking news

Turkey Repeals 2018 Tariffs as U.S. Trade Ties Show Promise

Tariffs Lifted Amid Strategic Diplomatic Engagement

Turkey has formally repealed the retaliatory tariffs imposed on U.S. imports in 2018—a move signaling a potential thaw in bilateral relations. The decision, announced in Turkey’s Official Gazette, comes as President Tayyip Erdogan prepares for a series of high-level meetings in the United States, including a visit to the United Nations General Assembly and a scheduled White House appointment with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Reassessment of Past Trade Measures

The reversed tariffs, which in their original form had impacted a range of products from passenger cars and fruit to tobacco and chemical products, were initially enacted to counter U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum during Trump’s first term. The rollback is a calculated step in advancing negotiations between the two nations, particularly as trade volumes have historically lagged behind the ambitious goal of reaching $100 billion in bilateral trade.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

The unfolding developments are rooted in a complex history marked by both personal rapport and policy discord. While the rapport between Erdogan and Trump once signaled a promising era, strategic disputes—including U.S. concerns over Turkey’s defense purchases and regional affiliations—had previously strained relations. This tariff reversal may pave the way for renewed dialogue, offering both countries an opportunity to recalibrate their trade and defense partnerships.

Economic Implications and Strategic Outlook

Turkey’s trade ministry emphasized that the removal of these tariffs reflects progress in ongoing negotiations, underpinning Ankara’s commitment to diversifying and broadening trade ties with Washington. With last year’s bilateral trade volume at approximately $30 billion, both administrations appear keen on increasing economic engagement and exploring new areas of collaboration. In a further signal of its evolving trade policy, Turkey also announced additional customs duties on certain passenger car imports, excluding those from the European Union and nations with which it has free trade agreements.

EU Moderates Emissions While Sustaining Economic Momentum

The European Union witnessed a modest decline in greenhouse gas emissions in the second quarter of 2025, as reported by Eurostat. Emissions across the EU registered at 772 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalents, marking a 0.4 percent reduction from 775 million tonnes in the same period of 2024. Concurrently, the EU’s gross domestic product rose by 1.3 percent, reinforcing the ongoing decoupling between economic growth and environmental impact.

Sector-By-Sector Performance

Within the broader statistics on emissions by economic activity, the energy sector—specifically electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply—experienced the most significant drop, declining by 2.9 percent. In comparison, the manufacturing sector and transportation and storage both achieved a 0.4 percent reduction. However, household emissions bucked the trend, increasing by 1.0 percent over the same period.

National Highlights And Notable Exceptions

Among EU member states, 12 reported a reduction in emissions, while 14 saw increases, and Estonia’s figures remained static. Notably, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Finland recorded the most pronounced declines at 8.6 percent, 5.9 percent, and 4.2 percent respectively. Of the 12 countries reducing emissions, three—Finland, Germany, and Luxembourg—also experienced a contraction in GDP growth.

Dual Achievement: Environmental And Economic Goals

In an encouraging development, nine member states, including Cyprus, managed to lower their emissions while maintaining economic expansion. This dual achievement—reducing environmental impact while fostering economic activity—is a trend that has increasingly influenced EU climate policies. Other nations that successfully balanced these outcomes include Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden.

Conclusion

As the EU continues to navigate its climate commitments, these quarterly insights underscore a gradual yet significant shift toward balancing emissions reductions with robust economic growth. The evolving landscape highlights the critical need for sustainable strategies that not only mitigate environmental risks but also invigorate economic resilience.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter