Turkey’s recent decision to revoke fuel tax exemptions for Iranian commercial vehicles entering its borders has sparked significant controversy. This measure, implemented on December 29, 2024, forces Iranian truck drivers to pay exorbitant fuel taxes, amounting to 155 percent of Turkey’s special consumption tax rate. Iranian truckers, already facing delays at border crossings, now confront additional financial burdens that could disrupt the region's trade dynamics.The move comes as a retaliatory response to Iran’s “full-tank” policy, which mandates foreign trucks leaving Iran to pay a customs duty equivalent to the fuel in their tanks to combat fuel smuggling. While Turkey justifies its decision as reciprocal, it undermines ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two nations.Unraveling the double standardFor years, Iranian trucks enjoyed exemptions from fuel and customs taxes upon entering Turkey. However, the recent policy change could increase transit costs by up to 50% for Iranian transporters, rendering cross-border trade economically unfeasible. Meanwhile, Turkey continues to exempt Iranian passenger buses from similar taxes, ostensibly to preserve its tourism industry. This selective policy exposes Ankara’s prioritization of tourism revenues over equitable trade relations.Contradicting trade goalsTurkey’s decision stands in stark contrast to its stated goal of increasing trade with Iran to $30 billion annually, as emphasized by Ali Celik, governor of Turkey’s Hakkari Province, during a recent bilateral meeting.Current trade levels hover around $7.5–10 billion, far from the target. Ankara’s unilateral actions, however, signal a lack of commitment to fostering mutual trust and cooperation. (ICE TEHERAN)

Fonte notizia: Tehran Times