Poland has strongly responded to the new US tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration, with Deputy Minister of Economy, Michał Baranowski, likening them to the circumstances that triggered the Great Depression.
He stated that the recent tariff changes are unparalleled in the last 100 years and expressed concern about the potential economic impacts.
He said that there have been "no tariffs like we have seen the last past week … for the last 100 years.”
Baranowski pointed out that similar tariffs in the 1930s led to a dramatic escalation, fuelling political extremism and sparking international conflicts.
He stressed that while the EU regrets these changes, “it is very clear there will be no winners in this confrontation.”
Furthermore, Baranowski urged for serious negotiations with the US, highlighting the significance of transatlantic economic relations for the global economy.
On 2nd April, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on imports from over 180 countries. The decree specifies that certain countries will face reciprocal duties ranging from 11% to 48%, while others will be subject to a “base” rate of 10%.
Subsequently, on 4th April, it was revealed that China would introduce an additional 34% tariff on American imports, on top of the existing tariffs, set to take effect on 10th April.
In response to the US duties, Canada imposed a 25% tariff on cars imported from the US. Meanwhile, the UK unveiled a list of 8,000 US goods that could be subject to tariffs as a countermeasure to US President Donald Trump's policies.
In addition, French President Emmanuel Macron urged a stop to French investments in the United States.