Trump turns heat up on Turkey as he authorises doubling of metals tariffs

US President Donald Trump says he has authorised the doubling of steel and aluminium tariffs "with respect to Turkey".

Trump turns heat up on Turkey as he authorises doubling of metals tariffs

US President Donald Trump says he has authorised the doubling of steel and aluminium tariffs "with respect to Turkey".

Mr Trump said in a tweet that the tariff on aluminium imports will be increased to 20% and the tariff on steel imports will be raised to 50% as the Turkish lira "slides rapidly downward against our very strong Dollar!".

Mr Trump is also declaring that "Our relations with Turkey are not good at this time!".

The United States imposed sanctions on two Turkish officials earlier this month over a detained American pastor who is being tried on espionage and terror-related charges.

Turkey vowed retaliation "without delay" and warned the move would further harm relations between the two allies.

Mr Trump's tweet caused a further drop in the Turkish currency, which is now down 13% on the day.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has appealed for calm as the currency plunges, urging people to change foreign money into local lira.

Mr Erdogan said during an address to supporters: "Change the euros, the dollars and the gold that you are keeping beneath your pillows into lira at our banks. This is a domestic and national struggle."

He appeared to blame foreigners for trying to hurt Turkey, saying: "This will be my people's response against those waging an economic war against us."

Mr Erdogan reportedly said his government "will not lose the economic war".

Turkish newspaper Hurriyet and other media reports quote Mr Erdogan as making the comment to a group of worshippers following traditional Muslim Friday prayers during a visit to the northern city of Bayburt.

PA

more courts articles

Stephen Bear ordered to pay back profits from sharing private sex tape Stephen Bear ordered to pay back profits from sharing private sex tape
Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told
Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother

More in this section

Cranes arrive to start removing wreckage from deadly Baltimore bridge collapse Cranes arrive to start removing wreckage from deadly Baltimore bridge collapse
Jacob Zuma Former South Africa leader Jacob Zuma barred from running in elections
Nine detained in Tajikistan in relation to Moscow concert hall attack Nine detained in Tajikistan in relation to Moscow concert hall attack
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited