Opposition Leader Bernard Grech has condemned Prime Minister Robert Abela for doing nothing about the latest global US tariffs. The Opposition Leader pointed out that the Prime Minister was aware in advance of the incoming US tariffs, yet rather than taking action, he was preoccupied in in Parliament curtailing the rights of citizens. In a separate statement, the Opposition Leader also said that tariffs are a step backwards for everyone and will hurt consumers and businesses. He added that he expects the Maltese government to take a strong stand.
In 2023, Malta exported up to $135.5 million of exports the US with up to $78 million composing of electronic equipment. Malta’s biggest electronics manufacturer is ST Microelectronics which employs up to 1800 people and produces produces microchips and semiconductor parts. Recently, St Microelectronics issued a statement saying that jobs in Maltese plant won’t be affected with incoming tariffs. The newly imposed tariffs may exempt certain products unavailable in the US such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. The Opposition Leader also visited the plant earlier this year.
Maltese exports to the US also include pharmaceuticals, machinery, aircraft parts, plastics, rubbers and chemicals. The Maltese government has so far not reacted to the US tariffs announcement.
The European Union did not retaliate against tariffs and is currently negotiating the dispute. French President Emmanuel Macron appealed to the French business community to delay investments in the US until the dispute is resolved.
Website Editor
Historian and Publisher
Leave a Reply