Many businesses expect Trump's presidency to negatively trade: Dutch enterprise agency

Nearly four out of ten international entrepreneurs in the Netherlands expect that the American presidency of Donald Trump will have a negative impact on trade, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) reported based on a survey. They are concerned about the threat of import tariffs, among other things.

In contrast, 16 percent of entrepreneurs expect that Trump as American president will have a positive effect on trade. Both groups think that the presidency will lead to a different approach to China by the United States. Both groups of entrepreneurs also expect that the security and stability of Europe will change due to Trump’s position on the war in Ukraine and NATO.

Many entrepreneurs who expect a negative impact are considering measures, almost seven out of ten. According to RVO, these entrepreneurs are looking at expanding exports outside the United States, for example. They are also investigating the possibilities for financial support for international trade, such as subsidies.

The RVO surveyed 952 entrepreneurs. It also found that 27 percent do not expect any impact on trade, and 20 percent said they did not know. Trump’s inauguration will happen on Monday.