Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported that the duties introduced by the United States could origin a decrease in Polish GDP of 0.4%, which means losses exceeding PLN 10 billion. The decision of the U.S. Administration caused concern among the Polish authorities, although Tusk stresses that despite the difficulties, relationship between the 2 countries should last this attempt.
The president of the United States has signed a regulation on the alleged "reciprocal duty" which provides for a minimum 10% rate for goods imported from abroad. A higher threshold of 20% was set for EU countries. The fresh regulations will enter into force in 2 stages: April 5 for the standard rate of 10% and April 9 for tariffs imposed on individual countries.
Donald Tusk referred to these actions on the X platform, pointing to their negative impact on the Polish economy. According to expert estimates, the impact of this decision may be severe, but the government declares its readiness to face the fresh situation.
Customs War on the horizon
During his speech at the White home Rose Garden, the president of the United States justified his decision by having to defend the American economy. He stressed that the United States had been utilized for years by another states, both allied and hostile. According to him, the fresh customs duties are intended to reconstruct balance in global trade and constitute the " Declaration of economical Independence" of the US.
Trump signed 2 regulations. The first concerns the imposition of "reciprocal duties" on all countries, the second eliminates the alleged de minimis exception. This mechanics has so far enabled imports of goods worth up to $800 without the request to pay duties. In particular, Chinese e-commerce platforms specified as Temu and Shein benefited from this.
Consequences for Europe and China
The U.S. decision does not apply exclusively to Poland. China will be most affected with a work of 34%. The European Union has been placed at a 20% rate and Japan at a 25% rate. In the face of these changes, economists forecast possible trade tensions on the U.S.-EU line and intensifying global economical competition.
Possible effects for Poland
Experts point out that fresh duties may negatively affect Polish exports to the US, which in turn will affect economical growth. In a situation where the American marketplace is 1 of the key customers of Polish goods, difficulties in trade may consequence in a simplification in investment and a decrease in the competitiveness of Polish companies. However, the Polish authorities number on dialog with the American administration and uncovering a compromise that will mitigate the negative effects of the fresh regulations.
