The White House has asserted that the trade tariffs on Turkey would remain in place, even if American pastor Andrew Brunson, who was detained for terrorism charges, is freed by Turkey.
According to the details received, the tariffs are “specific to national security,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a press briefing.
Last week, US President Donald Trump began the trade war with Turkey by slapping double tariffs on Turkish steel and aluminium imports, amid the collapse of the Turkish currency lira by 20 per cent in the last month due to the growing economic crisis in the country.
Subsequently, Ankara imposed tariffs on certain American goods and products amounting to USD 1.8 billion.
Sanders stated about the tariffs from Turkey are certainly regrettable, and a step in the wrong direction.
Earlier today, Turkey unveiled a second set of tariffs on several US products such as cars, tobacco, pulses and alcohol. Turkish officials said that they increased duties on other American goods.
“In response to deliberated and continued trade tensions, Turkey has again raised tariffs on key US imports. Trade wars help no one, but Turkey will do what is necessary to protect our industries and economy from assault”, said Turkish Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan.
It’s to recall that on Tuesday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for boycotting electronic goods made in the US.