Turkey to retaliate against Trump's metal tariffs

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Turkey said on Aug 10 it would retaliate to the raising of steel and aluminium tariffs by the U.S. administration.

In a tweet, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hami Aksoy said President Donald Trump's decision, which also violates the rules of World Trade Organization does not comply with "state seriousness".

He said sanctions would only damage the relationship which has withstood the trials of time.

"All the steps taken against Turkey will be given a befitting response as they have been given before," he noted.

"Turkey always seeks diplomacy, dialogue, mutual understanding and goodwill while solving the problems," added Aksoy. 

U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up his attack on Turkey by raising steel and aluminium tariffs to 50 percent and 20 percent respectively.

The White House announced on Aug. 11 that the new tariffs will be imposed starting from Aug. 13.

The U.S. decision is another salvo in the growing dispute between Turkey and the U.S.

Earlier this week, a Turkish delegation returned from Washington after talks to solve crisis triggered by the detention of American pastor Andrew Brunson, who is under house arrest in Turkey over terrorism charges.

Turkey and the U.S. are currently experiencing rocky relations following Washington’s imposition of sanctions on Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu and Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gül for not releasing Brunson.