EVENT - Impact of Tariffs on Business - ASC Members’ Meeting
• Overview of the current situation in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Washington, D.C.
• Exchange of experiences
Guest Speakers: Mag. Irena Jager Agius, Economic Counselor, Embassy of Slovenia & Steve Staresinic, Certified Public Accountant, VIRTAGON International
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 10:00 AM (Washington, D.C.) / 4:00 PM (Ljubljana)
Navigating U.S.–EU Tariffs: Key Takeaways from the American Slovenian Club Discussion
At a recent American Slovenian Club event, experts from diplomacy, accounting, and law shared timely insights on evolving U.S. trade policies, tariffs, and their real-world impact on Slovenian and European companies doing business in the United States. The discussion highlighted both the challenges and the strategic opportunities created by the current trade environment.
Tariffs and the Current U.S. Trade Climate
Speakers emphasized that U.S. tariff policy remains dynamic and, at times, unpredictable. While the U.S. administration has maintained that tariffs strengthen national security and the domestic economy, consumers are increasingly feeling the impact through higher prices—particularly for food and imported goods. Economists estimate that recent cost increases for American households range from $100 to $750 per month, largely driven by import taxes.
For European companies, including those from Slovenia, the current framework agreement between the U.S. and the EU sets a 15% tariff ceiling for many products. While this level is considered manageable by most businesses, concerns remain around expanding product lists, sector-specific investigations, and the lack of transparency in enforcement.
U.S.–EU Relations and What They Mean for Slovenia
Slovenia is treated within the broader EU trade framework, making coordination with Brussels essential. EU officials continue to work toward maintaining a strong negotiating position with the U.S., though American counterparts have criticized the EU’s slower decision-making process. Despite these tensions, trade remains a central pillar of U.S.–EU relations.
A notable trend discussed was the growing importance of critical minerals, which is reshaping trade strategies on both sides of the Atlantic. These developments are influencing new sector-specific partnerships and long-term policy planning.
Practical Strategies Companies Are Using to Adapt
From a business and financial perspective, companies are responding to tariffs in several practical ways:
Stockpiling inventory in U.S. warehouses before tariffs take effect—an effective but temporary solution.
Passing costs directly to consumers, particularly for lower-priced goods where the price increase is relatively small.
Sharing tariff costs between buyers and sellers through renegotiated pricing structures.
Re-engineering products and contracts, separating goods from services (such as software or licensing), since tariffs generally apply only to physical products.
These strategies are often combined, depending on a company’s pricing power, contract terms, and market position.
Legal and Structural Adjustments by Slovenian Companies
From a legal standpoint, many Slovenian companies are responding proactively by:
Opening offices or relocating part of their production to the U.S.
Moving manufacturing from Asia back to Slovenia, where tariffs are significantly lower.
Paying closer attention to contract language, particularly clauses that define who bears responsibility for tariffs.
Exploring customs classifications and product structuring to legally reduce tariff exposure.
While tariffs appear likely to remain in place in some form for the foreseeable future, increased predictability has allowed companies to plan more strategically.
What Comes Next
A pending U.S. Supreme Court case related to presidential tariff powers could have long-term implications for trade policy, with a decision expected in the coming months. Regardless of the outcome, experts agreed that businesses should assume tariffs will continue and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Participants were encouraged to stay engaged by submitting questions and feedback through official Slovenian and EU channels, responding to policy questionnaires, and attending upcoming webinars and trade briefings.
