New US tariffs: Vorarlberg's industry with great challenges!

New US tariffs: Vorarlberg's industry with great challenges!

On March 12, 2025, the new tariffs of the United States came into force on steel and aluminum imports from the EU. President Trump thus pursues the goal of protecting the domestic industry and correcting commercial weight weights, as reports wko.at . The increased tariffs of 25 percent could damage industry, but in Vorarlberg the direct effects are manageable, according to Simon Kampl, the managing director of the Vorarlberg Industrial Association. Only about five percent of the goods exported from the EU are omitted to aluminum and steel. Nevertheless, Kampl demands a quick location package at the national level to support Vorarlberg companies in the face of increasing wage costs and production prices.

reactions and countermeasures

The EU is already planning countermeasures to defend its own economic interests, which could lead to a possible trade conflict. As vorarlberg.orf.at , this could include the introduction of tariffs to US products such as whiskey and motorcycles. The EU Commission is currently checking the possible measures to react appropriately. The far-reaching consequences of these new tariffs could not only affect the steel and aluminum industry, but also numerous other sectors such as the automotive and mechanical engineering industry that depend heavily on these raw materials.

The commercial barriers could lead to a decline in exports in the long term and negatively influence the economic situation in Europe. According to estimates, GDP's GDP could suffer considerably in the coming years, while the American economy could also have to deal with the upcoming trade conflicts. While the challenges of tariffs and trade wars persist, it remains crucial to develop active strategies for risk reduction and for a diversified supply chain.