On April 11, 2025 in an interview for Euronews Bulgaria, Ivan Mihaylov, Chief Executive Officer of AmCham Bulgaria, commented on the latest developments in global trade relations following the newly imposed U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, and the potential consequences for European and global economies.
Speaking with host Ani Baldjian, Mihaylov emphasized that the ongoing trade war triggered by protectionist measures will have no true winners.
“There will only be losers in a trade war,” he stated, noting the broader implications of tariff escalations on supply chains, financial markets, and investor confidence worldwide.
In light of these tensions, Mihaylov was asked whether American businesses operating in Bulgaria might reconsider their presence in the country. He reassured viewers that there is no risk of U.S. companies pulling out of Bulgaria or downsizing their local operations.
“On the contrary,” he said, “these companies remain strongly committed to the Bulgarian market and workforce.”
Currently, around 100 American firms are active in Bulgaria, across key sectors such as electronics, energy, finance, IT, and defense. These companies are not only stable employers but also significant contributors to the country’s economy. In 2024 alone, U.S. investments in Bulgaria reached USD 514 million, a testament to the strong and enduring Transatlantic partnership.
As the EU prepares countermeasures in response to the new tariffs, Mihaylov highlighted the importance of dialogue, stability, and long-term cooperation over short-term protectionism. His participation once again positioned AmCham Bulgaria as a key voice in the national conversation on international trade and investment.