Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson has launched a scathing attack on U.S. trade policies, calling recent tariff hikes “economically destructive” and warning they’re creating chaos for international businesses. The maverick entrepreneur revealed several Virgin ventures have been forced to shelve expansion plans due to unpredictable American trade measures.
Key Complaints:
• “Whiplash” Policy Making: Cites abrupt 100% tariffs on European wines
• Supply Chain Chaos: Virgin Atlantic cargo operations facing 30% cost increases
• Investment Chill: Space tourism partnerships delayed over component tariffs
Sector-Wide Fallout:
Branson’s comments come as:
✓ EU prepares counter-tariffs on $4B of U.S. goods
✓ Asian manufacturers report 18% drop in American orders
✓ Tesla and BMW reroute supply chains to avoid new battery tariffs
Virgin’s Pain Points:
Cruise Division: Forced to redesign ships due to steel tariffs
Space Ventures: Satellite launches postponed over tech export controls
Healthcare: Medical equipment costs up 22% at Virgin Care clinics
Expert Take:
“Branson’s outburst reflects boardroom panic,” said MIT trade economist Prof. David Autor. “When serial risk-takers call policies unpredictable, you know volatility has crossed into dangerous territory.”
**Slug Link:** *richard-branson-us-tariffs-business-warning*
What’s Next:
1. Virgin lobbying for “tariff impact assessments” before implementation
2. Exploring Caribbean manufacturing hubs to bypass U.S. trade walls
3. Joining coalition of 40 CEOs to petition WTO for emergency session
The billionaire’s intervention comes as U.S. businesses report $42B in tariff-related losses this quarter.
