An additional financial obligation has been imposed on car imports.

In a statement regarding the new regulation, the Ministry of Trade announced that efforts are ongoing to protect domestic and national production which contributes to the Turkish economy through local manufacturing against intense import pressure and unfair competition, to reduce the current account deficit, and to ensure the continuity of quality employment.

The statement emphasized that import policies are being continuously updated by taking into account domestic and international market developments, global trends, and especially the rapidly increasing protectionist tendencies in global trade. It highlighted the strategic role of the automotive sector in the Turkish economy, given its added value through main and sub-industry production, its contribution to exports, and the direct and indirect employment it generates.

At this stage, the Ministry noted that due to global trends, transformations in supply chains, and the growing impact of trade wars, there is a significant need to protect the automotive sector from increasing import pressures. Accordingly, a new regulation on financial obligations for personal car imports was introduced in consultation with all relevant institutions, aiming to preserve the market share of domestic production and protect employment within the sector.

Under the new regulation, and in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and international commitments, an additional financial obligation will be imposed on the import of personal cars from countries outside the European Union and countries with which Turkey has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The additional obligations are as follows:

• Conventional and hybrid cars (excluding plug-in hybrids): 25% or a minimum of $6,000,
• Plug-in hybrid cars: 30% or a minimum of $7,000,
• Electric cars: 30% or a minimum of $8,500.

A transition period has been granted for import processes that have already commenced, and the decision will enter into force on the 60th day following its publication in the Official Gazette.

The Ministry of Trade underlined that, as in developed economies, the automotive sector is of strategic importance for Turkey. It affirmed its commitment to continuing to develop new policies that balance the interests of producers and consumers, while supporting domestic production, employment, and exports.