Erdogan: Let's boycott US electronics products.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that companies intend to boycott the import of electronic products manufactured in the US; "There is an economic attack against Turkey. Previously, these things were done in a more secretive way, but now they are attacking us openly."
Sputnik Agency Relations between Ankara and Washington have deteriorated due to the case of American evangelical pastor Andrew Brunson, imprisoned in Turkey, as well as tariff issues and contradictions over the purchase of Russian weapons systems.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared on Tuesday (14) that companies intend to boycott the import of electronic products produced by the USA. "There is an economic attack against Turkey. Previously, these things were done in a more secretive way, but now they attack us openly," the Turkish president told the TGRT Haber television channel.
"We can do two things, economically and politically. From an economic standpoint, we are taking measures; our Ministry of Finance and Treasury are working day and night. Furthermore, we will boycott US electronic products. They have the iPhone, but on the other hand, there's Samsung. We have the local brand Venus Vestel, and we will use it," said Erdogan.
Previously, the Turkish president said in a press conference that the United States seeks to "stab his country in the back," despite being NATO allies. Furthermore, Erdogan warned Washington that his country could seek new allies if the US did not show respect and reciprocity in bilateral relations with Ankara.
Erdogan's statements come in the context of the historic low of the Turkish currency against the US dollar, recorded after the US decided last week to sanction Turkish ministers and double tariffs on aluminum and steel in Turkey, which are set at 20% and 50%, respectively.