Major European and UK companies are warning that the United States' sweeping new tariffs under President Donald Trump are creating deep uncertainty, weakening consumer confidence, and complicating long-term investment plans.
Some of the world’s largest companies — including Nestlé, Mercedes-Benz, Unilever, and Ikea operator Ingka — have outlined the escalating challenges posed by Washington’s new trade policies, as Trump pursues a sharp pivot toward protectionism.
Executives highlighted the far-reaching implications of the White House’s recent tariff actions, which were introduced during an April 2 “liberation day” event and include a baseline 10 percent tariff on trade partners, with steeper reciprocal duties targeting dozens of countries. Though full implementation was delayed by 90 days to allow negotiations, business leaders say the damage has already begun.
Jesper Brodin, chief executive of Ingka Group, said the speed of US policy shifts was making strategic planning impossible. “I remember the days when politicians were slow and companies were fast,” he told the Financial Times. “There’s no way Ikea can adapt its footprint and strategy on this type of time horizon.”
The uncertainty is already reshaping boardroom behavior. According to FactSet data, references to tariffs on earnings calls from companies on the Stoxx Europe 600 index more than doubled in April compared with March — from 115 to 223 mentions.
Nestlé chief executive Laurent Freixe described 2024 as a year that began with consumers who were “not optimistic, to say the least,” adding that tariffs have further dampened expectations.
Unilever warned that rapid currency swings since the tariffs were announced, particularly the dollar’s steep fall against the euro, were adding to volatility. Acting CFO Srinivas Phatak called the shifts “unprecedented.”
Companies such as Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo Cars have already scrapped their forecasts for the year, citing low visibility and policy ambiguity. Fabiana Fedeli, portfolio manager at M&G Investments, noted, “You are starting to see companies making statements about low visibility and unwillingness to make long-term plans.”
Retailers like Primark are reconsidering their supply chains. George Weston, CEO of parent company Associated British Foods, said they may move some production away from China, but only once there is “a bit more certainty” around trade rules.
Despite signs of potential talks between the US and China, the EU and UK have yet to reach firm agreements with Washington. Brussels is preparing retaliatory tariffs to take effect on July 8 if no deal is reached.
Meanwhile, companies like Reckitt — maker of Strepsils and Dettol — say market turbulence may impact major transactions, including a multibillion-dollar sale of its cleaning products division.
Executives across industries continue to urge clarity, warning that prolonged ambiguity around tariffs and trade policy could stall investment and further shake global markets.
The World Bank has approved a $640 million loan to Bangladesh to help improve gas supply security and reduce dangerous air pollution in urban areas.
Israel’s sweeping surprise attack on Iran last week marked a major escalation in tensions, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring it had “struck at the head of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Ukraine “will have to understand and accept” the post-war realities, as Moscow signals openness to a third round of peace negotiations with Kyiv.
Israel has confirmed it carried out airstrikes on Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
European foreign ministers are set to meet Iran’s top diplomat in Geneva for urgent nuclear talks amid growing fears that the Israel-Iran conflict could spiral into a broader regional war.
The World Bank has approved a $640 million loan to Bangladesh to help improve gas supply security and reduce dangerous air pollution in urban areas.
Egypt’s first integrated solar and battery storage plant will deliver dispatchable clean energy, enhance grid stability and manage peak demand. The project is expected to generate approximately 3,000 GWh of clean energy and avoid up to 1.4 million metric tonnes of emissions per year.
Israel’s sweeping surprise attack on Iran last week marked a major escalation in tensions, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring it had “struck at the head of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Ukraine “will have to understand and accept” the post-war realities, as Moscow signals openness to a third round of peace negotiations with Kyiv.
Israel has confirmed it carried out airstrikes on Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iran's foreign minister is expected in Istanbul on Saturday for a key Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) council meeting as regional tensions rise over Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
The US Embassy in Qatar has temporarily barred its personnel from entering Al Udeid Air Base due to rising regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
The World Bank has approved a $640 million loan to Bangladesh to help improve gas supply security and reduce dangerous air pollution in urban areas.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Ukraine “will have to understand and accept” the post-war realities, as Moscow signals openness to a third round of peace negotiations with Kyiv.
Israel has confirmed it carried out airstrikes on Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
The World Bank has approved a $640 million loan to Bangladesh to help improve gas supply security and reduce dangerous air pollution in urban areas.
Egypt’s first integrated solar and battery storage plant will deliver dispatchable clean energy, enhance grid stability and manage peak demand. The project is expected to generate approximately 3,000 GWh of clean energy and avoid up to 1.4 million metric tonnes of emissions per year.
Israel’s sweeping surprise attack on Iran last week marked a major escalation in tensions, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring it had “struck at the head of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Ukraine “will have to understand and accept” the post-war realities, as Moscow signals openness to a third round of peace negotiations with Kyiv.
Israel has confirmed it carried out airstrikes on Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
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