(с) euronews.com
For comparison, goods from Russia and Mexico will not be subject to duties at all. For Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, the tariff will be 10%. For EU countries, the tariff is set at 20%, for Japan – 24%, for China – 34%.
“I don’t blame other countries. I blame former US presidents who allowed this catastrophic imbalance. We covered their deficits, paid for their armies and took care of the whole world. That’s ending,” Donald Trump explained the imposition of duties.
He proclaimed April 2 as “America’s Economic Liberation Day” and said the measure would restore US financial sovereignty.
In 2024, exports of Moldovan goods to the USA increased by 46% (from $62 million to $90 million), it entered the TOP-10 in the list of the largest export countries for Moldova.
Last year, Moldovan strong alcoholic beverages were the most shipped to the US. They were shipped for $13.2 million. In second place were spare parts for airplanes and helicopters ($8 million). In third place were tobacco products ($3.5 million).
“Five years ago Moldova had virtually no trade with the United States,” economist Veaceslav Ionitsa told Logos Press. – In recent years, exports there have begun to grow rapidly, and it would be a pity if the imposed duties suspend this process. Although for the main position – strong alcoholic beverages – the main thing is not the duties, but the access to the market”.
The economist considers the expiration of preferential quotas for Moldovan agricultural exports to EU countries in June to be a much more serious problem.
“If it is not prolonged, it will really become a serious test for our economy. And if I were the authorities, I would be concerned about negotiations with the European Union on this topic already now,” Veaceslav Ionita summarized.
