With Donald Trump back in the White House, a new dynamic arises between the U.S. and Europe. For Dutch and Belgian companies, especially those with American customers or partners, this election victory raises the question: what changes can we expect, and how can we prepare for them?
Trade-policy and tariffs
Trump has already hinted that he wants to raise import tariffs again. This reciprocity policy could lead to higher costs for European products exported to the U.S., including those from the Netherlands and Belgium. Higher tariffs could impact Dutch companies, especially those active in the technology, energy, and manufacturing sectors. Reviewing contracts, adjusting prices, or even shifting focus to other markets could be possible steps.
Data and privacy regulations
Another aspect that could have an impact is the policy around data and privacy. Trump’s plans to discourage American companies from investing in China, and vice versa, could lead to restrictions on data exchange. For Dutch and Belgian companies that work with data analytics and business information from the U.S., this might mean that access to data becomes more costly or complex. This calls for a review of data flows and potentially new investments in local infrastructure and compliance.
Changing geopolitical risks
Trump’s tough stance on China and Russia brings geopolitical tensions that could impact global supply chains. For example, the technology sector might face shortages of key components. As a company, you can anticipate these risks by diversifying your supplier base and exploring alternatives to ensure continuity. Screening your current supplier base and examining your existing supply chain to identify potential risks can also be a significant advantage.
Interesting read: Gain control over risks in your supply chain
Energy-policy, sustainability, and ESG
In his campaigns, Trump openly discussed his plans to prioritize traditional energy sources again. This could affect companies with green ambitions or those investing in sustainable energy. Dutch companies that operate sustainably or export to the U.S. might need to adjust their strategy, for example, by focusing more on European customers, where the demand for sustainable solutions continues to grow.
Interesting read: ESG is the new corporate social responsibility
Actions you can take
- Monitor regulations: Stay updated on changes in trade and tax laws to quickly respond to new import tariffs or regulations.
- Review your data policy: Check data exchange with the U.S. and anticipate stricter regulations by implementing new technical solutions or revising contracts.
- Diversify your suppliers: Ensure risk diversification by structuring your supply chain to be less dependent on one region, especially in geopolitically sensitive sectors such as technology.
- Be prepared for fluctuating energy prices: For companies in the energy sector or those working with green energy, it may be wise to invest in energy-neutral operations and explore new market opportunities in Europe.
Conclusion: insight and strategy are essential
We understand that political changes in the U.S. can have consequences for Dutch and Belgian companies. Our goal is to help businesses explore these risks and prepare for future changes. We can provide insights to help your company improve risk management, strengthen supply chains, and make informed decisions. Whether it's market analysis, risk assessments, or gaining insights into international trade.
