Cyprus' first reaction to Trump tariffs: “Highly worrying development, undermines trade relations”

The Government of Cyprus described US President Donald Trump’s move to declare a trade war by imposing tariffs on “all” countries as a highly worrying development that undermines long-standing trade relations.

In statements on national television, Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou, when asked about the matter, said Trump’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs is “a highly worrying development because it undermines trade relations that have existed for many years between the US and the rest of the world. It is a problem we need to manage with particular caution”.

Continuing, Antoniou noted that at the European level, there was already a reaction from the President of the European Commission, indicating that the EU will respond to the tariffs.

“There are reactions worldwide,” he added. “We need to see how we move forward in a coordinated way. This is a worrying development. We’re monitoring it and will have to see what unfolds in the coming days.”

“I understand this is the first action by the U.S. President, and in such cases, negotiations usually take place to reduce the impact,” Antoniou said.

Asked how Cyprus specifically is affected, the Deputy Spokesman noted: “If trade within the European Union is hit, it will impact the standard of living of European citizens. A purely tourism-driven country like Cyprus will be affected in this area. If Europeans’ incomes are impacted, then their spending on leisure and travel will also be affected. That’s where we will feel it.”

It is noted that the President of the Republic is currently in the US as part of a strategy to enhance Cyprus’ international profile. He is expected to hold a series of meetings and engagements in New York, Houston, and San Francisco (Silicon Valley) aiming to attract high-quality investments in strategic sectors such as technology, energy, finance, and shipping.