Shifting US Supply Chains: Why Sourcing from Turkey is the Alternative to China for Trump Tariffs

As global trade dynamics shift once again, businesses importing goods into the United States are being forced to rethink their supply chains. The recent announcement by President Trump to impose reciprocal tariffs as high as 54% on Chinese imports, and similarly high rates on other key sourcing countries such as Vietnam (46%), Cambodia (49%), and Laos (48%), has created new challenges—and new opportunities.

Amid these escalating tariffs, one country has emerged as a strategic sourcing alternative: Türkiye. With a modest 10% baseline U.S. tariff, a robust manufacturing base, and existing trade agreements with Europe and beyond, Türkiye offers a compelling case for companies seeking to reduce costs and mitigate geopolitical risk.

Understanding the Tariff Landscape: Why Türkiye Stands Out

The latest tariff data tells a clear story. While many Asian manufacturing hubs are facing steep duties when shipping to the U.S., Türkiye has been spared the brunt of the increases. According to official data:

• U.S. Reciprocal Tariff on Chinese goods: 54%
• U.S. Reciprocal Tariff on Vietnamese goods: 46%
• U.S. Reciprocal Tariff on Turkish goods: 10%

This relatively low tariff presents a cost-saving advantage for importers who are open to sourcing from alternative markets.

Official Statements Reinforce Türkiye’s Opportunity

Following the U.S. announcement, Turkish officials and economists have pointed out that the country’s trade position may improve under the new regime.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz noted, “The decision not to impose such levies on Turkey seems to be to our advantage as of now, for access to the American market.”

Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek emphasized Türkiye’s existing trade framework: “Turkey has free trade agreements with a total of 54 countries outside the US and the EU,” and a customs union with the EU that removes many restrictions. He added that the country’s focus on domestic demand means it is less vulnerable to external trade shocks.

As the world’s 17th largest economy, Türkiye is already integrated into global production lines—especially as a supplier of intermediate goods to EU manufacturers. And with Trump’s tariffs also impacting the EU (20%), Türkiye now has an opening to step up and fill sourcing gaps left by other regions.

Which Industries Should Consider Türkiye as a Sourcing Base?

For importers reliant on China or Southeast Asia, Türkiye presents an opportunity in multiple sectors, including:

• Apparel & Textiles – Competing directly with Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bangladesh, Türkiye offers high-quality garment manufacturing with shorter lead times to Europe and North America.
• Furniture & Homewares – Turkish suppliers produce wood, metal, and upholstered furniture to global standards.
• Footwear & Leather Goods – Türkiye is a historic hub for leather production and is well-positioned to replace suppliers from Laos, Madagascar, or China.
• Home Appliances & White Goods – Leading European brands already manufacture in Türkiye for export.
• Construction Materials, Tools & Industrial Products – Türkiye exports large volumes of ceramics, fittings, glass, and other building materials.

In addition, Türkiye’s logistics infrastructure allows for flexible, multi-modal shipping routes, with sea, road, and air options connecting Europe, Asia, and North America.

Türkiye’s Strategic Advantages for U.S. Importers

Besides low tariffs, Türkiye offers:

• Proximity to Europe – Ideal for companies with dual supply routes to both the EU and U.S.
• Diversified and experienced manufacturing base – Capable of medium to high-volume production across a range of industries.
• Stable trade relations with the U.S. and EU – Reducing the risk of sudden policy changes or political tension.
• Multilingual, skilled workforce – Many factories are already export-focused and used to meeting Western compliance standards.

Can Selcuki of Istanbul Economics Research put it plainly: “A lot of manufacturing production will have to be relocated… Turkey, with its strong manufacturing base and closeness to the EU, is in a unique position to make use of this reorganization.”

How TCI Supports Businesses Sourcing from Türkiye

At TCI (Trade & Customs Insights), we provide a comprehensive sourcing and consulting service to help companies make a successful transition to Türkiye-based suppliers. Whether you’re shifting production from China or diversifying away from other high-tariff markets, TCI ensures a strategic, low-risk sourcing process.

Here’s how we help:

1. Product & Specification Review

We start by understanding your current sourcing needs and reviewing the exact specifications of your products. This helps us align you with the right Turkish manufacturers.

2. Industry & Supplier Research

Using our extensive network and local market intelligence, we research and identify manufacturers in Türkiye who meet your production, compliance, and quality standards.

3. Supplier Vetting & Selection

We arrange in-person visits and interviews with shortlisted suppliers to ensure they can meet expectations in terms of quality, pricing, timelines, and responsiveness.

4. Cost Analysis & Benchmarking

We help you compare current sourcing costs against projected Turkish alternatives, including landed costs and tariff impact.

5. Trial Order Coordination

Before committing to full production, TCI can arrange and oversee a trial order with your chosen supplier.

6. Logistics & Documentation Support

We assist with the logistics chain from Türkiye to your target market, ensuring all customs documentation, tariffs, and legal requirements are handled professionally.

7. Post-Trial Review & Strategy Refinement

After delivery of your trial order, we conduct a full performance review to help you decide whether to scale up, renegotiate, or re-source.

This full-service model gives clients confidence, control, and clarity when exploring sourcing from Türkiye.

Conclusion: Why Turkey Is An Alternative to China?

In 2025, U.S. importers are facing one of the most significant shifts in trade policy in years. High reciprocal tariffs are forcing businesses to rethink their sourcing strategies—and those who move quickly will benefit the most.

Türkiye offers a compelling alternative: low U.S. tariffs, proven manufacturing capabilities, and a strategic location. Türkiye actively fills sourcing gaps caused by U.S.-China trade tensions, making it a strong option for companies in fashion, furniture, tools, and consumer goods.

But entering a new market comes with risks—and that’s where TCI can help. With our boots-on-the-ground sourcing support in Türkiye, we make the transition seamless and efficient.

Ready to explore sourcing from Turkey?

Contact TCI today to discuss how our consulting team can help your business take advantage of this global trade shift.

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Or email me, Aidan Conaty

Aidan Conaty