As former President Donald Trump hints at returning to the political stage with promises of renewed tariffs and tougher trade policies, a segment of Americans living overseas say they are bracing for economic blowback—again.
Among them is Mark Linton, a 62-year-old American retiree living in southern Spain. After two decades in logistics and trade between New York and Rotterdam, Mark chose Europe for his retirement, drawn by its healthcare system and slower pace of life. But when Trump imposed tariffs on European steel, wine, cheese, and other goods during his first term, Mark says he started to feel like a “pawn in a political chess game.”
“They talk about protecting American jobs, but for those of us living abroad—on fixed pensions or working in international trade—we’re the ones who take the hit,” Mark told International Supermarket News from his home in Málaga.
Tariffs, Tension, and Real-Life Costs
Trump’s trade wars during his first presidency strained relations with allies and sparked retaliatory tariffs from the EU. While they were headline issues in Washington, their ripple effects were felt in the aisles of European supermarkets, restaurants, and wine cellars.
“Suddenly, my favourite bottle of Napa Valley red went up by 30%, and European shops started to phase out American products altogether,” said Linda Carlson, a freelance writer living in Paris. “It’s like America was closing in on itself, and we were being punished abroad.”
American citizens working in import-export, food distribution, and tourism in Europe found themselves caught in the middle. Several small businesses run by Americans catering to transatlantic trade struggled, with some shutting down altogether.
A Sense of Disconnect
Beyond the economic implications, expats expressed a growing sense of political alienation.
“We vote, we pay taxes, but Washington doesn’t seem to consider us,” said Mark. “Trump’s tariffs were designed to look tough, but they ended up isolating the very people who still represent the US abroad.”
There are currently more than nine million U.S. citizens living outside the United States, with a significant portion residing in Europe. Many are dual citizens, retirees, remote workers, or involved in international business. Their voices are often overlooked in domestic political conversations.
Looking Ahead with Caution
With the 2024 presidential race having passed and Trump’s influence still looming large in the Republican Party, American expatriates are watching developments with concern. Many fear a return to policies that ignore the nuances of living internationally.
“I’m proud to be American,” said Linda, “but I’m disappointed. We should be building bridges, not breaking them.”
For expats like Mark and Linda, the message is clear: tariffs may be political tools back home, but overseas, they have human consequences—felt in homes, dinner tables, and livelihoods far from Capitol Hill.
