COPENHAGEN, Denmark

The American Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic cautioned local businesses to prepare for tariffs ranging from 10% to 25% under newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump, the Czech news outlet Seznam Zpravy reported Thursday.

"We inform Czech companies that the introduction of tariffs is likely, and we recommend that they include them in their plans," said its executive director, Weston Stacey.

The chamber therefore advised companies to start taking the tariffs into account in their business equations.

“Some companies may still be price competitive after the tariffs are in place and could continue without changes. But other companies could lose their competitiveness and may have to consider moving production or final assembly to the US,” Stacey added.

According to the Chamber of Commerce, tariffs for Czech exporters would represent a major obstacle for them to become a lucrative player in the American market.

"We really cannot imagine many manufacturers who would absorb such a customs burden without drastic measures," said Jan Sotona, a spokesman for the chamber.

Trump spoke about Europe a day after his return to the White House.

"The European Union treats us very badly, so they are facing tariffs. That's the only way to get justice," he told reporters.