Brussels, 3 April 2025 – The European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions (EFFAT) expresses deep concern over President Donald Trump’s recent “Liberation Day” trade announcement, which signals a dangerous return to protectionism. His proposed 20% tariffs on European food products will have devastating consequences for workers, businesses, and food security on both sides of the Atlantic.
Protecting Jobs Must Be a Priority
The EU exports more than €30 billion worth of food and agricultural products to the U.S. each year, including wine, cheese, chocolate, olive oil, and spirits. In return, the EU imports key commodities like nuts, soy, beef, animal feed, and wheat from the U.S. This deeply intertwined trade relationship sustains hundreds of thousands of jobs—many of them in small businesses and rural communities.
“These tariffs unfairly target European producers and workers, putting pressure on wages, job security, and market stability. The EU must act now to support affected branches and save jobs, preventing a race to the bottom in labour standards,” warns Enrico Somaglia, EFFAT General Secretary.
The agri-food sector is already under immense strain due to climate change, food speculation, price volatility, and disruptions in global supply chains. Additional retaliatory trade restrictions may further destabilize markets, drive up food prices, and endanger food security.
EFFAT’s Urgent Demands to the EU
EFFAT calls on EU Institutions and Member States to immediately engage with social partners and take immediate action to:
1️⃣ Protect Agri-Food Workers – Implement financial support and employment protection measures, inspired by the successful SURE initiative used during COVID-19.
2️⃣ Support Affected Regions – Develop targeted support programs for regions and sectors most impacted by U.S. tariffs, with strict social conditionalities attached.
3️⃣ Strengthen Labour Rights – Reinforce collective bargaining to prevent downward pressure on wages and working conditions.
4️⃣ Regulate Food Markets – Implement safeguards against food speculation and extreme price volatility that could disrupt production and supply chains.
Call for Diplomacy & Multilateral Solutions
EFFAT urges the EU to work closely with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and global partners to de-escalate this crisis through diplomatic channels. Protectionism and trade wars hurt everyone—workers, businesses, and consumers alike. A fair, stable, and predictable global trade system framework is essential for sustainable growth and quality jobs.
The EU must act now to protect European agri-food workers, safeguard jobs, and defend fair trade. EFFAT stands ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure workers do not pay the price for reckless political decisions.
