Turkey has increased taxes on most imported cars. This step is intended to mitigate the negative impact of the crisis on external trade. The presidential decree was published in the State Gazette on Sunday.
For most cars with a cylinder capacity of 1600 cubic centimetres, the bulk of the cars that Turkey imports, the special consumption tax was increased from 60% to 80%. For electric cars with a capacity of more than 2000 cubic centimetres, the rate was increased from 100 to 130 percent. For cars from the highest segment, the rate is increased from 160 to 220 percent.
The increases do not apply to locally produced cars, and the question is whether domestic producers can benefit. They depend to a large extent on imported goods.
The measures follow a series of tax increases that Turkey has announced since the beginning of the pandemic in order to discourage imports while at the same time supporting domestic industry. The crisis is affecting Turkey’s main export destinations, such as the European Union. In addition, the country is experiencing a decline in tourism and with it revenue for the government.