The Welsh First Minister, Eluned Morgan, has cautioned that jobs in Wales could be at risk if US President Donald Trump imposes new tariffs on the UK. Wales, which exports £2.2 billion worth of goods to the US, is set to face a “disproportionate impact” compared to the UK as a whole, according to Morgan.
Two-thirds of Wales’ exports to the US are goods, in contrast to one-third for the UK overall. The only other type of export, services, is exempt from the proposed tax.
Trump has threatened to impose a 10% tariff on eight European countries, including the UK, who oppose his desire to acquire Greenland. The US President has also threatened a 25% tariff in June if his demands are not met.
Speaking to BBC Wales, Morgan said, “There will be a disproportionate impact on Wales. We export more in terms of goods compared to the United Kingdom proportionately, and that means jobs are at risk.” She stated that her role is to “stand firm” and ensure her message is heard, and that she will be writing to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to “make sure he understands” the impact on Wales.
When asked about the possibility of reciprocal tariffs, Morgan acknowledged the need to maintain a good relationship with the US, and that the Prime Minister is trying to “cool the temperature.” She added, “I think everything should be on the table in terms of if this progresses, but at the moment we need to try and calm the temperature down.”
Morgan emphasized that it is up to the people of Greenland and Denmark to decide their future, and not Trump. She did not directly answer whether Trump is a “friend” of Wales, but said that his country is.
Welsh government data shows that Wales exported £2.2 billion worth of products to the US in the year to September 2025. The biggest selling type of product is machinery and transport equipment, worth £1.2 billion. Wales also sold £424 million worth of chemicals, including £188 million worth of medicinal and pharmaceutical products.