The tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump yesterday (Wednesday, April 2) will have "devastating consequences" for workers, businesses and food security on both sides of the Atlantic, according to a group of European agri-sector trade unions.

The European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions (EFFAT), which represents 120 national trade unions from 40 European countries, has expressed "deep concern" over Trump's move, saying it "signals a dangerous return to protectionism".

Yesterday, Trump announced a series of "reciprocal tariffs" on other nations, including 20% on European Union imports to the US, which is understood to be in addition to any tariffs that already exist. The Tariff covers EU - and Irish - agri-food.

The EU exports more than €30 billion worth of food and agricultural products to the US each year, including wine, cheese, chocolate, olive oil, and spirits.

In return, the EU imports commodities like nuts, soy, beef, animal feed, and wheat from the US.

EFFAT said that 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," Enrico Somaglia, EFFAT's general secretary, said.

"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 destabilise markets, drive up food prices, and endanger food security," Somaglia said.

EFFAT has called on EU institutions and member states to "immediately engage with social partners and take immediate action".

The group is calling for the EU to take the following measures:

Protect agri-food workers by implementing financial support and employment protection measures;
Support affected regions by developing targeted support programs for regions and sectors most impacted by U.S. tariffs, with strict social conditionalities attached;
Strengthen labour rights by reinforcing collective bargaining to prevent downward pressure on wages and working conditions;
Regulate food markets by implementing safeguards against food speculation and extreme price volatility that could disrupt production and supply chains.

EFFAT also urged the EU to work closely with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and global partners to "de-escalate this crisis through diplomatic channels".

"Protectionism and trade wars hurt everyone; workers, businesses, consumers alike. A fair, stable and predictable global trade system framework is essential for sustainable growth and quality jobs," EFFAT said.