Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia brace for impact of US car tariffs
American tariffs on cars could significantly harm the economies of Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia. Slovakia's prime Minister, Robert Fico, although previously supportive of Trump, is now concerned about the impact of the new tariffs. Hungary and Slovenia may also experience negative consequences.
Slovakia's prime Minister, Robert Fico, known for his support of Donald Trump, now fears the effects of American car tariffs. According to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Slovakia, where the automotive industry employs 200,000 people, could be one of the countries most adversely affected by the new tariffs. Experts predict that Slovak exports could decline by as much as 74 percent.
Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia may also feel the negative effects of American tariffs. The Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, though a supporter of Trump, does not hold him responsible for tariffs; instead, he criticizes the European Union.
"Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" notes that Slovenia, with its developed pharmaceutical industry, may also face setbacks, even though Trump's wife, Melania, is originally from there.
Tariffs will ricochet
Although the direct trade turnover between Central European countries and the USA is not substantial, their economies are closely intertwined with the European automotive market.
"Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" quotes Zdenek Zajicek of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, who emphasizes that a reduction in car exports to the USA will affect orders for Czech components, potentially leading to wide-reaching consequences for the region.
