Last night, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the new Reciprocal Tariffs Act, imposing an extra 20% levy on EU goods, set to take effect in the coming days. The EU and the U.S. share a longstanding, mutually beneficial agricultural trade relationship built on complementary strengths. The introduction of additional tariffs threatens to disrupt global supply chains, drive up prices, and limit market access for farmers and agri-cooperatives on both sides of the Atlantic, with significant economic consequences for the agricultural sector.
Copa and Cogeca express deep concern over yesterday’s announcement by US President Donald Trump that will lead to an escalation in trade tensions between two key trading partners, which threaten to undermine a sector that relies on stability and open and predictable markets.
Copa President Massimiliano Giansanti, in his initial reaction underlined that “European farmers and agri-cooperatives are already facing mounting challenges, from rising production costs to climate-related pressures. These new tariffs will add to further uncertainty and financial strain on our sector, affecting both producers and consumers. Ensuring our food security must be Europe’s compass in these difficult times, as our common national security starts there. We urge policymakers on both sides to seek dialogue and avoid a full-scale trade conflict.”
Further reflection on yesterday’s announcement, Cogeca President Lennart Nilsson added “Retaliatory trade measures will not benefit farmers in either the EU or the US. Instead, they will limit our opportunities, raise prices, and weaken the resilience of agricultural businesses. We call on both administrations to prioritise negotiations and explore all diplomatic avenues before resorting to measures that could have long-lasting consequences.”
Copa and Cogeca strongly urge EU and US policymakers to fully exhaust diplomatic efforts in the coming days. Both sides must work constructively to address grievances without jeopardizing existing trade benefits, ensuring that farmers and agri-cooperatives can continue to contribute to food security and economic resilience on both sides of the Atlantic.
Fonte: Copa Cogeca
