The Zaragoza Chamber considers the US tariffs on European products to be a change in the rules of international trade.

 

The unilateral imposition of 20% tariffs on products imported from the European Union by the former president's administration Donald Trump has generated a wave of unrest and concern within the Zaragoza Chamber of CommerceThe business institution has expressed its deep concern regarding a measure that it considers an alteration to the rules of the international trade and that could have significant repercussions on the economy and the competitiveness of Spanish companies, both nationally and regionally.

 

Although Spain's direct exports to the United States represent a relatively modest portion of total foreign sales, at around 5%, the Zaragoza Chamber emphasizes that this decision goes beyond the bilateral impact.

 

Initial estimates from the Spanish Chamber of Commerce point to a possible 14% reduction in Spanish exports to the US market as a direct consequence of these tariffs. While the immediate impact on the Spanish economy could be less pronounced compared to other European partners With greater dependence on the North American market, the Zaragoza Chamber insists that the indirect consequences could be equally damaging.

 

"It is crucial to remember that approximately 70% of our exports go to our European partners," the Zaragoza Chamber of Commerce points out, adding that the strength of the European Union as a trading bloc is fundamental to prosperity.

 

In the Aragonese region, the direct impact of US tariffs is initially expected to be more limited, given that exports to the United States represent less than 2% of the autonomous community's total foreign sales. However, the Zaragoza Chamber of Commerce has identified key sectors that could be particularly affected. Among them, the food sector stands out. capital goods, with companies that supply machinery and technology to the United States, and the important Aragonese agri-food sector, which could see its competitiveness diminished in a demanding market now burdened with a significant tariff.

 

Beyond the direct sectoral impact, the Chamber of Commerce of Zaragoza warns about the indirect effects that could arise from a disruption in global competitivenessThe imposition of tariffs could trigger a protectionist spiral at a global level, with reprisals and countermeasures that would affect multilateral trade and hinder access to other markets for Spanish and Aragonese companies.

 

In response to this situation, the Zaragoza Chamber of Commerce has called for coordinated and pragmatic action. "We fully trust that the European Union will act decisively to protect the interests of the affected sectors and to mitigate the consequences of these unjustified tariffs," the Chamber stated. "We urge all levels of government, from European institutions to the Spanish Government and regional authorities, to work together, setting aside any ideological considerations, to defend the economic interests of our country and our region."

 

The Chamber of Deputies has reiterated its firm commitment to actively collaborating in the search for solutions and supporting businesses.