US tariffs 'to hit Wales harder than England... but create opportunity'

GLOBAL tariffs from US President Donald Trump will hit Wales harder than England but could create inward investment opportunities, believes First Minister Eluned Morgan.

- By SION BARRY

Last month, Mr Trump's administration introduced a 10% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports and 25% on the automotive sector.

A 10% tariff on all UK goods, as well as a range of tariffs on nations globally and the EU at 20%, were paused for 90 days. The US has, though, imposed eye-watering tariffs on China, which has reciprocated, leading to concerns that Chinese goods could flood UK and European markets.

Of all Welsh goods exported, in value terms US accounts for 15.2%.

Addressing the CBI Wales lunch in Cardiff, Ms Morgan said unlike in England goods make up well over half the value of all Welsh exports.

She said: "There are particular challenges for some businesses in Wales at the moment with the US policies on tariffs. The impact of Wales is proportionately much greater than in England because in England they have a much more service-based economy.