The tariffs imposed by Donald Trump aim to increase American production and promote a sense of „local for locals.” However, many American products are actually „Made in Europe.”
The U.S. President, Donald Trump, stated that his tariff regime, which essentially imposes higher taxes on imports, aims to put America first again and compel companies to either withdraw from the U.S. or keep their production within the country.
In January, on the day of his inauguration, he conveyed the message with a post on X: "Buy American products and hire Americans."
And in March, he pursued the same idea: "If you don't manufacture your product in America under the Trump administration, you will pay a customs duty - and in some cases a fairly substantial one," Trump said in a speech delivered at a joint session of Congress.
However, many of the products that Americans are accustomed to and that have a strong brand identity in the U.S. are currently manufactured in Europe.
This is especially true for products made by large multinational companies, which leverage the benefits of global markets - and, in the case of the EU, the previous free trade with the U.S. - to move production elsewhere.
The tariff threat forces some of the most well-known American brands to choose between absorbing the tariff costs themselves and reducing their profits, passing the costs on to American consumers, or dismantling sophisticated factories in the EU, whose construction has taken decades.
Euronews presents some very well-known American products that are manufactured in Europe.
Viagra
Produced in: Ringaskiddy, County Cork, Ireland
Pfizer's factory in County Cork was built in 1969 and has been producing Viagra there since 1998. It covers almost the entire global supply of Viagra pills registered as a brand, as well as the generic drug Sildenafil.
Pharmaceutical products represent the majority of exports from Ireland to the U.S., with some estimates suggesting they reach around 60%.
In February, export volumes increased by 450%, as companies stockpiled and pre-supplied, anticipating the imposition of customs duties.
Botox
Produced in: Westport, County Mayo, Ireland
According to the Irish Times, the AbbVie campus in Westport produces the "entire global reserve" of Botox.
Invented in Los Angeles and beloved by the glittering elites of Hollywood, it has become a staple for those looking to delay aging and are not bothered by the peculiar appearance of their faces.
The U.S. Botox market is estimated at around $4.8 million (€4.2 million). AbbVie has announced an investment in the United States to offset losses if the tariffs are maintained.
Ray-Ban Wayfarers and Aviator Sunglasses
Produced in: Italy
The Franco-Italian giant EssilorLuxottica is the global industry leader in sunglasses production, and about half of its products - including those sold through or by Sunglasses Hut, Oakley, and Target Optical - are sold in the U.S.
Ray-Ban sunglasses were invented by U.S. Air Force Colonel John Macready to shield pilots' eyes from high-altitude light. The Ray-Ban Aviator model is the preferred brand of Trump's "foe," Joe Biden.
Gillette Razor Blades
Produced in: Łódź, Poland
Procter & Gamble claims that its Łódź unit is the world's largest razor blade factory, shipping to over 100 countries.
The factory in Poland does not exclusively produce for the U.S. and also exports to other countries, but Procter & Gamble's CEO has stated that American goods' prices will increase due to the tariffs.
Disposable razors were invented in Boston by King C. Gillette and gained popularity when the U.S. military provided each soldier with a Gillette razor in 1917, cementing their image as an essential household item in every American home.
Polaroid Instant Film
Manufactured in: Enschede, Netherlands
The world's only Polaroid film factory is located in the Netherlands. These films were a popular product from the Cold War era in the U.S., used by families across the country to take instant photos at birthday parties and barbecues, as well as by artists like Andy Warhol.
When the American company announced it would cease production in 2008, brand fans intervened and ensured that a factory in the Netherlands would continue production.
While most people nowadays achieve the "Polaroid" effect through built-in smartphone filters, enthusiasts, hipsters, and members of Generation Z have revitalized the market, valued at $300 million (€262.8 million) in 2024.
Nicorette Gum
Manufactured in: Helsingborg, Sweden
In 1996, the FDA transformed Nicorette nicotine gum - from a prescription-based product to an over-the-counter product, making it a staple on pharmacy shelves in the U.S.
The product is familiar to anyone who has seen their parents trying to quit smoking. Today, the company promotes its Quikmist spray as a way to quit vaping.
However, the truth is that Nicorette gum was invented in Sweden, but this certainly does not diminish its appeal in the U.S. market.
Each pack of Nicorette is still produced in Sweden, but Haleon is rushing to test a blister pack in Georgia to protect its dominant position in the nicotine gum segment.
John Deere 6R and 6M Tractors
Manufactured in: Mannheim, Germany
In 2009, country singer and Trump supporter Jason Aldean wrote a successful song titled "Big Green Tractor," dedicated to the famous green and yellow John Deere tractor - a staple of the American agricultural sector.
Trump is certainly aware that a large portion of these agricultural machines are produced abroad, as during the 2024 election campaign, he threatened to impose a 200% tariff on the company if it moved some of its production to Mexico.
The Mannheim unit is Deere's largest factory outside the U.S.
T.D.