Romania will roll out support measures to protect its industries from the fallout of a growing trade dispute between the United States and the European Union, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said on Thursday.
Speaking at the start of a government meeting, Ciolacu said Romania would defend its companies “with all available resources” against the impact of new U.S. tariffs on EU goods.
“We are preparing state aid schemes that are efficient, easy to implement, and capable of producing results quickly for all affected sectors,” he said, referring to what he called “the new trade war of tariffs between America and Europe.”
Ciolacu also responded to domestic critics of the government’s economic policies, citing growing investor confidence in Romania.
“Recent data confirms trust from both local and foreign investors,” he said. “Chimcomplex is investing €100 million in a new plant in Onesti. Nokia has launched tire production in Oradea, with turnover expected to exceed €1 billion this year. Major firms like Mobexpert, Dedeman, and leading hypermarket chains are expanding logistics networks, while an American fund has acquired the Regina Maria healthcare network for over €1.3 billion.”
“This is the real picture of Romania’s economy,” Ciolacu added. “Investors are putting serious money on the table because they trust Romania.”
U.S. President Donald Trump this week announced a sweeping set of “reciprocal tariffs,” aiming to boost U.S. industry and curb what he described as the “plundering” of the American economy.
According to the White House, tariffs will be set at 20% for imports from the European Union, 34% for China, 31% for Switzerland, 26% for India, and 10% for both the United Kingdom and Brazil. Canada and Mexico are exempt from the new duties. The tariffs will take effect in two stages on April 5 and April 9.
