The US is turning inward economically: 'This is not just a tax, it is an occupation policy'

İlkcan Kemer

Finance Professor and Lecturer Prof. Dr. Duran Bülbül emphasized that the tax and trade policies recently implemented by the US are not merely a tax move, but a global economic occupation strategy. Speaking exclusively to 12punto, Bülbül stated that Turkey is indirectly affected by these policies.

While the direct impact of the US imposing a 10% tax on products imported from Turkey may be limited, it could have serious consequences in terms of indirect effects. Evaluating the issue for 12punto, Prof. Dr. Duran Bülbül stated that these taxes carry not only commercial but also political and strategic significance:

“This is not just a tax policy, it is an economic occupation strategy. The US no longer wants to bear the costs alone and is making an effort to distribute this burden to other countries.”

"Turkey's export volume to the US is at a very low level compared to countries like China and Russia. For example, while Turkey's annual exports to Russia are around 3 billion dollars, exports to Germany correspond to nearly 1.5 months of that figure. However, some of the products Turkey sends to Europe are re-exported to the US via Germany. This means that Turkish products also fall under the tax burden indirectly." Bülbül added that, contrary to popular belief, Turkey is not protected from these taxes: “Turkey's direct exports to the US are limited, but this tax burden affects Turkish goods indirectly. The US did not protect us; on the contrary, with this policy, it has completely ignored Turkey.”

'TRUMP IS MANAGING THE US LIKE A HOLDING COMPANY'

Prof. Dr. Bülbül evaluated the foreign policy and economic strategy pursued by the Trump administration with the 'Trump Holding' analogy:

“Trump now says openly; ‘I am not occupying countries, I am doing business. This has a cost. Either you pay this cost or I will impose taxes on you.’ This approach is an indicator of a system that operates with a corporate logic rather than a state one.”

According to Bülbül, the US is trying to force European Union countries to the negotiating table, compelling them to buy its own products, and this is not only economic but also a diplomatic siege policy:

“This approach shows that there is a move away from the classical neoliberal understanding and a transition to a more inward-looking, protectionist model. The neoliberal system that the US has defended for years is now collapsing from within.”

'WORLD ECONOMIC PEACE IS IN DANGER'

Stating that the quota, tax, and sanction policies implemented by the Trump administration threaten not only trade but also global peace, Bülbül says these aggressive economic approaches create a major pressure element, especially for developing countries.

“The US is pursuing harmful competition policies. These policies have no sustainability. We are in a process that threatens economic peace, and even political balance.”

The recent policies of the US do not remain limited to trade borders. These steps are deep enough to shake global power balances. In the words of Prof. Dr. Duran Bülbül, ‘This is not a tax policy, it is a global occupation strategy.’

News Source: 12punto