Will European exporters soon face a 30 % tax to sell their products in the United States? This is the last measure announced by Donald Trump, with an entry into force set for August 1. A perspective that arouses great concern in Belgium.
Pieter Timmermans, managing director of the Belgian Business Federation (FEB), explains: “I had a lot of phone calls from entrepreneurs who tell me” but what will happen? 30 % is considerable, it will directly impact our business, whether in chemistry, whether in technology, machine construction, food and other ‘. And so yes, there is a feeling of concern. »»
On the Agoria side, the Federation of the Technological Industry, the tone is more measured, even if caution remains in order. “We are obviously worried, but this is not the first time that we have seen these threats,” explains Kevin Verbelen, expert in international trade. “It changes every week, it changes every month. And so, we hope this is a new threat, simply to negotiate something before August 1. »»
A potentially massive economic impact
According to the Flemish employers’ organization Voka, the consequences for the Belgian economy could exceed 10 billion euros. The manufacturing industry, but also the sectors of chemistry, food or technologies, would be particularly exposed.
Faced with this threat, several tracks are envisaged at European level.
The first option remains that of dialogue. “Negotiations must continue intensely until August 1,” said Maxime Prévot, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The European Union hopes to avoid a frontal confrontation by finding common ground with Washington.
London could serve as a model. Last May, the United Kingdom obtained a compromise with the United States: American surcharge was maintained at 10 % on most British products, in exchange for a British market opening to certain American agricultural products, and concessions in the steel sector.
A list of already ready countermeasures
But Europe does not intend to remain passive. A list of American products likely to be surcharged up to 21 billion euros has already been prepared in the event of the negotiations’ failure.
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced on Sunday the extension of the suspension of European countermeasures in response to American taxes on steel and aluminum. This suspension, which was to expire in the night of Monday to Tuesday, is maintained until the beginning of August to give diplomacy a chance.
“The United States has sent us a letter with measures that would come into force unless there is a negotiated solution, which is why we will also extend the suspension of our countermeasures until the beginning of August,” she said. And to specify: “At the same time, we will continue to prepare countermeasures in order to be fully ready. »»
The president recalled that the European Union favored dialogue: “We have always been very clear about the fact that we prefer a negotiated solution. This remains the case, and we will use the time we now have until August 1. »»
