On Thursday, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced that his government is developing state aid programmes to support companies adversely affected by the customs tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump the previous day. During his address, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of these support measures but refrained from disclosing the funding sources for such initiatives.
“We shall protect Romanian companies by utilising all available resources to mitigate the effects of the emerging trade war characterised by customs tariffs between the United States and Europe,” Ciolacu stated at the outset of the government meeting.
Romania will not remain unaffected by this trade conflict. On one hand, direct exports to the United States will be subjected to a 20% tariff. On the other hand, the negative impact on Germany—Romania’s largest trading partner—will also be significant. As the foremost European exporter to the United States, particularly in the automotive sector, Germany will experience challenges due to the newly imposed 25% tariffs, potentially affecting Romanian exports that depend on this vital market.
“Our administration is preparing support measures for all affected industries through state aid programmes designed to be both efficient and straightforward to implement, thereby ensuring swift results,” the Prime Minister emphasised.
Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that a series of tariffs would affect all nations globally. A tariff of 20% will be applied to the European Union, and a 25% tariff will be levied on all vehicles manufactured outside the United States.