Sánchez meets affected sectors to address Trump’s tariffs

Wednesday 02 April 2025 - 15:00

By: Zahouani Ilham

Sánchez meets affected sectors to address Trump’s tariffs

On Thursday, the Spanish government will convene affected sectors at the Moncloa Palace to discuss strategies for responding to the global tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, has called a meeting with sectors that could be impacted by the new tariffs to assess how to handle the changes brought by Trump’s administration.

Government sources reveal that Sánchez will hold a press-free session to explain the government’s response to the situation. Additionally, later on the same day, Sánchez will meet with unions and business leaders to discuss the international and trade climate, particularly the implementation of tariffs on April 2. These tariffs will affect several European products, including aluminum, steel, and automobiles, with rates of 25%, as previously announced by the White House.

Sánchez has previously stated that the European Union’s response will be “proportional” and focused on “progress and openness toward the world,” with support for sectors impacted by tariffs, which the government considers to be both “unjust” and “unwarranted.” Moreover, Yolanda Díaz, Vice President and Minister of Labor, has pledged a "labor shield" for affected businesses and workers.

Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo confirmed that the government's intention is to "negotiate" and reach an "agreement with the United States." However, if unjust tariffs are imposed, he warned that the European Union has the necessary tools to respond. He refrained from speculating on which sectors may be more affected and will instead conduct a thorough assessment of the impact at both the aggregate and sectoral levels.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has indicated that Brussels’ response will be “tough but proportional,” with the reactivation of tariffs previously imposed between 2018 and 2020, worth 8 billion euros, on European products. These tariffs will target goods like alcoholic beverages, such as whiskey, and car parts, though the European Commission will release a detailed list of affected products once the tariffs are enacted.

PP Leader Feijóo Calls for Contingency Plan

Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has called on Sánchez to develop a "contingency plan," requesting both European and Spanish support measures in light of the trade barriers announced by the U.S. “Right now, the government should be working on a contingency plan rather than attacking the opposition,” Feijóo stated in an interview on Espejo Público. He urged Sánchez to engage with regional leaders and economic sectors to minimize the impact of U.S. tariffs.