RIGA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. decision to impose tariffs on European Union (EU) goods has raised concern among 45 percent of Baltic citizens, with 9 percent saying they are very worried, according to a population survey released on Wednesday by Citadele Bank.
In Latvia, nearly one in ten people believe the U.S. tariffs could significantly affect their job or income. Nearly half admit to being slightly concerned, acknowledging that the tariffs could have a potentially negative impact.
In Estonia, 12 percent of residents foresee a major impact of the tariffs on their jobs or income, the highest percentage among the Baltic States. In Lithuania, 7 percent of respondents expressed similar concern. Meanwhile, 46 percent of Estonians and 43 percent of Lithuanians anticipate possible negative effects.
Karlis Purgailis, Chief Economist at Citadele Bank, pointed out that the survey data highlights the risks associated with tariffs. In addition to the direct impact on tariff-sensitive industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, metalworking, and electronics, there is also an indirect impact: higher uncertainty can undermine consumer confidence and discourage the purchase of non-essential goods and services, slowing demand in the Baltics.
Despite the risks and uncertainty posed by the tariffs, Citadele Bank still forecasts that the Baltic economies, including their labor markets, will continue to grow.
According to the bank's latest forecasts, all three Baltic countries will see economic growth in 2025 and 2026. Latvia's economy is projected to grow by 1.4 percent in 2025 and 2 percent in 2026. Lithuania's GDP is expected to rise by 2.5 percent in 2025 and 2.3 percent in 2026. Estonia's GDP growth is projected at 1.5 percent in 2025 and 2.3 percent in 2026.
The survey was conducted by Citadele Bank and the research agency Norstat in June 2025. More than 3,000 residents of the Baltic States aged 18 to 74 were surveyed online.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on July 12 that Washington will impose a 30 percent tariff on imports from the EU starting Aug. 1 if no progress is made in bilateral trade talks. Following Trump's announcement, the EU has proposed a new round of tariffs on U.S. goods worth 72 billion euros (84 billion U.S. dollars). ■
