site.btaForeign Minister Warns of Possible Restrictions on Export of Chips by US against Bulgaria and 16 Other Countries

Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev expressed concern over the risk of a possible expansion of the US restrictive measures on the export of chips used for the development of artificial intelligence, proposed by the previous administration. It  is possible that restrictions will be introduced by the US against Bulgaria and 16 other EU member states, possibly from May 15, 2025, Georgiev said in response to a question from Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria MP Lena Borislavova.

The question was related to the effect and consequences for the Bulgarian economy of introducing a 25% duty on imports of goods from Europe to the US from April 2025. The answer is published on the website of the National Assembly.

Georgiev explained that such a step will affect the development of the supercomputer network in Europe and will have an impact on the Bulgarian scientific community. It should also be noted that these measures will be a significant challenge for the EU as a whole and especially for the single market, since the principle of the free movement of goods and services will essentially be violated, the Minister said in his response. "In this regard, we encourage the efforts of the European Commission to broadcast a single and clear message and develop a common EU approach on this issue. We stress that the EU and the US are partners in the fight against the possible negative consequences of the use of artificial intelligence and this must be clearly communicated at all levels to the American side," Georgiev added.

The Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring developments regarding the intention expressed on February 26 by US President Donald Trump to impose a 25% tariff on imports from the EU as part of a series of US protectionist trade measures. “According to the information we currently have, these tariffs are expected to enter into force on April 2, 2025 and their main focus will be on the automotive sector, seeking reciprocity,” Georgiev added.

In the context of the EU's common trade policy and the possible negative impacts on the single European market in the event of the US introducing additional tariffs on European goods, Bulgaria seeks to promote a more pragmatic approach by the EU and proactive engagement and joint work with the US administration in order to further strengthen trade, investment and technological cooperation based on shared values, including by promoting an open and inclusive global economy that guarantees fair competition, the Minister replied.

Georgiev added that he upholds the view that it is necessary to make targeted efforts to expand cooperation with the US in key areas such as new technologies, innovations and artificial intelligence, and this country strives to present and strengthen its capacity and potential in the field of innovation and artificial intelligence, in order to position itself as a partner of the US in this key area for the purpose of joint technological growth.

The Minister added that the US remains a key trading partner to Bulgaria and the EU as a whole. Strengthening bilateral trade and attracting new direct US investments in key sectors of the Bulgarian economy continue to be a permanent priority, said Georg Georgiev.