The impact of Trump’s new rates on the Romanian economy

NEW rates Customs announced by Donald Trump will affect the United States commercial relations with various European economies, including Romania. In a context in which our country is strongly dependent on trade with European economies and the US, these measures could have a significant impact on local producers.

Annually, Romania carries out business with the United States worth over three billion euros. In 2024, exports to the US amounted to 2.11 billion euros, and imports of American products totaled about 1.2 billion euros. Thus, Romania registers a commercial surplus of over 900 million euros with the United States. However, the new taxes imposed by the Trump administration could affect this commercial balance, given that many of the products exported to Romania are essential components for various US industries, especially in the car sector.

Impact on the automotive industry and other sectors

In particular, the Romanian auto industry could be severely affected by the new rates. The producers of local car components are already facing a decrease in demand, especially in the context of reducing orders from the big customers in Germany, which provide cars for the American market. According to some estimates, many of the profile companies in western Romania, which provide parts and car components, are preparing to reduce the production as a result of a decline in the demand. Marius Marcu, general manager of a company, said they are expecting a decrease in production volumes by about 10%, given that US car manufacturers will look for local solutions to manufacture their parts, instead of importing them from Europe or other taxes affected by taxes.

This situation could lead to restructuring and layoff in the car sector. Octavian Dan, an economic analyst, envisages that, from June, we will attend a significant decrease in production, and the Central and Eastern Europe industry, including Romania, will be affected by the reduction of orders.

Effects on financial markets and inflation

In addition to the industrial sector, the new rates imposed by the US will also have a significant impact on international financial markets. Additional rates can influence capital flows and interest rates, having an indirect effect on inflation, as import and production costs will increase. Romania, which is already facing a high inflation rate, could experience new increases in the next period, as production costs increase.

Opportunities of diversifying and stimulating internal economy

In the context of these economic challenges, Adrian Negrescu, a financial analyst, suggests in a text that appeared that Romania should diversify its markets and stimulate the development of the internal economy. Negrescu proposes a more confident approach to his own Romanian capital, claiming that Romania should encourage domestic investments and strengthen its local industry. According to him, the stimulation of internal consumption and Romanian capital is essential for reducing the dependence on foreign markets and for developing a more resilient economic ecosystem.

« It is time to learn the lesson and encourage domestic consumption and local businesses to support the national economy. We must stimulate the Bucharest Stock Exchange and attract investors through tax facilities, so that we keep capital in the country and not depend so much on exports, » said Adrian Negrescu.

In this regard, Romania could take the example of other savings, such as Israel, who has decided to eliminate import taxes for American products in an attempt to position himself as a neutral player in the global commercial war.