The Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat, announced that negotiations would be held for the 10% customs duty imposed on Turkey. Bolat expressed that the additional tax could provide a competitive advantage for Turkey. US President Donald Trump announced the additional tariffs. Turkey falls into the lowest tax bracket at 10%. Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat made evaluations regarding Trump’s additional tariffs on NTV news. Minister Bolat stated that bilateral relations are going well in terms of trade and investment, saying, “There are $15 billion worth of US investments in Turkey. Turkey also has $11 billion in direct investments going to the US. We have reached $35 billion in mutual trade. In that, the US has a $2.4 billion trade surplus.” Bolat stated that the main aim behind the US increasing customs duties for various reasons is to balance the large trade deficits with certain countries. Bolat emphasized that the high-rate tariffs imposed on China and Canada are for this reason, stating, “Regarding us, the US has a $2.4 billion trade surplus. With the increasing LNG imports and passenger aircraft purchases, the US’s surplus in foreign trade will continue.” Bolat mentioned that the US is open to negotiations regarding customs duties, stating, “We do not find it right to impose a 10% customs duty on Turkey, but the approach that this can be discussed in mutual negotiations encourages us. We will address these issues by participating in the Mid-May American-Turkish Business People’s Meeting.” Bolat stated that they will implement preparations regarding sectors and products, expressing that imposing higher taxes on rival countries could provide Turkey with a slight competitive advantage.