An archive photo
MINSK, 12 April (BelTA) – Speaking to journalists during the national clean-up day, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko gave his take on the possible impact of the tariffs imposed by the United States on prices in Belarus, BelTA has learned.
The journalists asked the head of state about the trade war unleashed by the United States and its impact on consumer prices. In particular, the reporters wanted to know whether Belarus will be able to stick to its fair pricing formula.
The president remarked that this is a somewhat superficial view of the situation that suggests that if tariffs are raised in one country, prices will also go up in Belarus. The head of state stressed that there is no direct connection in this particular case. “Why? It will be difficult for anyone to sell their products on the American market now - the barrier is very high. Where [will these goods go]? They will go to other countries across the world, including to us. And those who will bring in imported products will have to compete on our market. This does not push prices up. Therefore, it remains a question whether prices here will increase because of this. They will go up in the United States of America, in China. Maybe some goods that are sold here will also become more expensive. But I have already said: let's take our time, wait and see,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
The president noted that the U.S. economy, of course, generates a significant share of the world's GDP (about a quarter), but it is not 75% and its impact is not so comprehensive. “The Americans have raised duties on imports. And they import a lot. Their GDP is about 25% [of the world's GDP], taking into account the [role of the] dollar and other factors. Of course, such a share is quite an achievement, but it is a quarter, not 75%. And they have entered into a war with the whole world!” the head of state said commenting on Donald Trump's decision to raise duties on goods imported from a number of countries.
At the same time, according to Aleksandr Lukashenko, Trump's statements were emotional, even offensive, and his decisions were inconsistent. At first he announced the introduction of duties, and after some time he backed down.
“This is a phantom. He just blurted it out, and then they began to have second thoughts and realized that this is dangerous. Indeed, you need to think before you blurt something out. There are many smart, sensible people there who will do the research and say what can be done and what can't, and if something is to be raised, this should be discussed first. And if they fight an economic war with China, they definitely need to sit down at the negotiating table and talk,” the Belarusian leader remarked.
The president emphasized that he takes this situation in stride. “We will keep doing what we are doing, without haste. Belarus and Russia have experienced and are experiencing such barriers, duties and sanctions that it could not be worse. Therefore, there is no need to fret too much about it. We will see whether this will lead to an increase in prices or not,” the president added.
“The havoc in the US and around the world, trade wars... I feel calm somehow. We will not die because of this, that's for sure. We have enough knowledge and skills,” the head of state added. “We will do everything so that our people can live a normal life.”
Follow us on:
