ANKARA, June 8 The Turkish government's decision to impose a forty percent additional customs duty on all imported vehicles from China has caused a stir in the country's auto industry and could lead to changes on the market, writes the Karar newspaper.
In March last year, the Turkish government, taking into account the start of production of the domestic TOGG electric car, introduced an additional tax of 40% on the import of cars from China with electric motors. According to the new regulation, from July 7, 2024, the tax will apply to all vehicles imported from China. 
«An important change has been made to the customs duties applicable to vehicles imported from China. The forty percent additional customs duty, which previously applied only to electric vehicles, will be applied to all types of vehicles from July 7, 2024. This decision, published in the Official Gazette «(Government publication – ed.), caused a great resonance in the automotive industry,» the publication writes.
Under the new regulation, the overall tax rate applicable to vehicles of Chinese origin has increased to 50 percent. 
“Thus, for every car imported from China, you will have to pay a 50 percent tax, including a 10 percent customs duty and a 40 percent additional tax,” the publication emphasized.
The newspaper notes that this decision could lead to significant changes in the Turkish automobile market.
«The tax hike, which could have a particularly strong impact on the competitiveness of Chinese brands, could also change consumer preferences. The rationale for the tax increase is to stimulate domestic production and reduce the trade deficit. However, representatives of the auto sector have expressed concerns that the decision could lead to rising prices, which will affect consumers, and a decrease in the share of Chinese brands in the Turkish market,» the publication writes.