Türkiye Could Emerge as an "Alternative Supplier Country to China"
While the new import tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump have deeply affected global trade balances, they have also given Türkiye significant competitive advantages. PLASFED Chairman Ömer Karadeniz noted that Türkiye was given one of the lowest rates among the import tariffs the US applied to 185 countries, stating that this would offer Türkiye a major advantage in terms of exports and investment.
New import tariffs implemented by US President Donald Trump are profoundly affecting global trade balances while offering Turkey significant competitive advantages. PLASFED Chairman Ömer Karadeniz stated that among the import tariffs the US applied to 185 countries, Turkey received one of the lowest rates, noting that this situation would provide Turkey with substantial advantages in terms of exports and investment.
Karadeniz expressed that the US's application of high tariffs to China and Asian countries has positioned Turkey as an alternative supplier, saying "the plastics sector is emerging as a key sector during this period."
The customs duties implemented by the US as of 2025 continue to significantly affect global trade balances. In line with decisions taken by President Donald Trump, tariffs at varying rates were introduced for different countries and product groups. As of 5 April, the US began applying a 10% customs duty on products imported from all countries. For some countries, this rate was set considerably higher.
With this new decree covering import tariffs for 185 countries, the global trade landscape is shifting significantly, while Turkey has gained a strategic advantage thanks to its lower tariff rate.
PLASFED Chairman Ömer Karadeniz, who stated that the high customs duties the US applied to China and other Asian countries could be an important opportunity for Turkey to increase its competitive strength, said: "Particularly the textile, machinery, white goods and plastics sectors have the potential to fill this gap. The plastics industry, which indirectly serves approximately 45 sectors, could play a key role during this period."
"A strategic opportunity for Turkey"
Karadeniz stated that the new tariff regime implemented by the US could trigger global inflation in the short term, but from Turkey's perspective, this environment could open important doors for both trade cooperation and economic growth. Pointing to the need to come to the forefront in competitiveness and make good use of this opportunity window, Karadeniz said these developments could reshape Turkey's export trajectory.
Plastics sector led exports to the US
Turkey's second-largest export sector, the chemical industry, achieved USD 1.5 billion in exports to the US in 2024. In the first three months of 2025, the plastics industry, which is part of chemical product groups, came to the forefront as the sector with the highest exports to the US. Providing clarification on the matter, PLASFED Chairman Karadeniz stated the following:
"The high-rate tariffs the US applied to our Asian competitors are opening new doors for Turkish industry. Particularly as the plastics sector, we are closely monitoring these developments and aim to increase our export volume by taking swift action. Swift and decisive steps taken in this direction could strengthen Turkey's position in the global supply chain."
Export success demonstrated in Europe could be replicated for the US
Karadeniz noted that US companies are moving away from China and searching for alternative suppliers, emphasizing that Turkey is a strong candidate in this search. The PLASFED Chairman stated that if the export success demonstrated in Europe is replicated for the US, Turkey could increase its exports considerably.
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