Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat announced that they will negotiate the 10% import tax imposed on Turkey. Bolat stated that the additional tax could provide a competitive advantage for Turkey. President Donald Trump unveiled the additional tariffs. Turkey falls into the lowest tax bracket with 10%. Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat shared his assessments on Trump’s extra tariffs on NTV. Minister Bolat mentioned that bilateral relations are progressing well in terms of trade and investment, saying, “There are $15 billion worth of American investments in Turkey. Direct investments from Turkey to the US amount to $11 billion. Bilateral trade reaches $35 billion, with the US having a $2.4 billion trade surplus.” Bolat expressed that the primary goal behind the US increasing import taxes for various reasons is to balance the significant trade deficits with some countries. Pointing out that the high taxes imposed on China and Canada are due to this reason, Bolat emphasized, “The US has a $2.4 billion trade surplus with us. With the increased LNG imports and purchases of passenger aircraft, the US trade surplus will continue.” Bolat stated that the US is open to negotiations regarding import taxes and although they do not approve of a 10% import tax imposed on Turkey, the approach that this could be discussed in mutual negotiations is encouraging. He added, “We will address these issues by participating in the American-Turkish Business People Meeting in mid-May.” Bolat mentioned that they will implement preparations concerning sectors and products, highlighting that imposing higher taxes on rival countries may provide Turkey with a slight competitive advantage.