Trump's Auto Tariffs Put Eastern Europe in a Tight Spot

Daily Wrap Trump's Auto Tariffs Put Eastern Europe in a Tight Spot Przemysław Ciszak • 10 hrs. • American tariffs on cars could seriously damage the economies of Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who previously supported Trump, fears the impact of the new tariffs. Hungary and Slovenia could also feel negative consequences. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his support of Donald Trump, now fears the impact of American auto tariffs. According to the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung," Slovakia, where the automotive industry employs around 200,000 people, could be one of the countries most affected by the new tariffs. Experts predict that Slovak exports could fall by up to 74%. Not only Slovakia, but also Hungary and Slovenia could feel the negative effects of the American tariffs. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, despite being a supporter of Trump, does not blame him for the tariffs, but instead criticizes the European Union. Slovenia, with a developed pharmaceutical industry, could also suffer, even though Trump's wife, Melania, is from that country, notes the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." Tariffs have an indirect impact Although direct trade between Central and Eastern European countries with the US is not extensive, their economies are strongly linked to the European automotive market. The "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" quotes Zdenek Zajicek of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, who emphasizes that restricting car exports to the US could affect orders for Czech vehicle parts, which could have far-reaching consequences for the region.