Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat announced negotiations for the 10% customs duty imposed on Turkey. Bolat expressed that the additional duty could provide a competitive advantage to Turkey. US President Donald Trump revealed additional tariffs. Turkey falls into the lowest tax bracket at 10%. Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat made assessments regarding Trump’s additional tariffs on NTV broadcast. Minister Bolat stated that bilateral relations are progressing well in terms of trade and investment, saying, “There are $15 billion worth of US investments in Turkey. Turkey also has $11 billion worth of direct investments going to the US. We have reached $35 billion in bilateral trade, including a $2.4 billion trade surplus for the US.” Bolat indicated that the main aim of the US raising customs duties for various reasons is to balance the large trade deficits with target countries. Bolat highlighted that the reason behind the high rates of customs duties imposed on China and Canada is for this purpose, stating, “Regarding us, the US has a $2.4 billion trade surplus. With increasing LNG imports and aircraft purchases, the US trade surplus will continue.” Bolat stated that the US is open to negotiations regarding customs duties, saying, “We do not find it appropriate for a 10% customs duty to be imposed on Turkey, but the approach that this could be addressed in mutual negotiations encourages us. We will discuss these issues at the American-Turkish Business Council meeting in mid-May.” Bolat mentioned that they will implement preparations related to sectors and products, expressing that imposing higher taxes on rival countries could provide Turkey with a slight competitive advantage.