Introduction
Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency in 2025 might seem a distant topic for a cab driver from Bizkaia. But in reality, many of his decisions have effects that reach our roads. In this post we explain in a clear and close way how Trump’s policies can affect your day-to-day life as a cab professional.
What we are going to tell you
- Trade policy and local economy
- Tariff and price wars
- Transatlantic tourism: ups and downs
- Fuel: prices, Trump and the pump
- Euro/dollar exchange rate and tourist spending
- Visas, restrictions and new travelers
Trade policy and local economy
Trump’s return has revived his protectionist agenda: new tariffs, tension with Europe and a possible trade war. How does this translate for cabs? In a word: less economic activity.
If our companies export less and the economy cools down, there are fewer meetings, fewer congresses and fewer cab transfers. Bizkaia depends on industrial sectors that could be affected. So, at this point: clear threat.
2. U.S. tariff war
When we hear “tariffs”, it may sound like something far away, something from international politics, but in practice, for a taxi driver in Bizkaia it means something very specific: price increases. But in practice, for a cab driver in Bizkaia, it means something very specific: price increases. Why? Because when imports become more expensive (for example, due to tariffs imposed by Trump), the cost of basic products goes up: from fuel to car parts or even electricity if the cost of energy goes up.
That has a ripple effect:
More expensive gasoline and electricity: filling the tank or charging an electric cab costs more.
Higher cost of living for all: people have less money available.
Less tourism: if flying, staying and moving around are more expensive, fewer visitors come.
Fewer cab runs: if there are fewer tourists and less local consumption, it shows in turnover.
In short: tariffs do not only affect large companies. They also hit the self-employed who drive around Bilbao Airport every day looking for customers. Therefore, this trade policy is a direct threat to the cab driver’s pocket, not something abstract. And it is important to understand it in order to anticipate and adjust business management.
When tariffs go up, your profits go down. Don’t let them tell you that in a roundabout way.
3. Transatlantic tourism: ups and downs
U.S. tourists have been growing strongly in the Basque Country, and the direct Bilbao-New York flight launched in 2024 was big news. If the political and economic climate in the U.S. discourages such travel, demand could drop.
But there’s an interesting twist: many Europeans and tourists from other countries are avoiding the U.S. because of Trump’s image. And where are they going instead? To Europe. Even Bilbao is on the radar. This opens up a great opportunity for the cab sector: more tourists landing here and needing to get around.
4. Fuel: prices, Trump and the pump
The price of energy is key for any cab driver. And Trump influences that a lot. How? With his international decisions.
For example, it has put pressure with sanctions on Venezuela and restrictions on Russian oil. The result? Less oil and gas on the market and higher prices.
We have already seen it: just by hinting at sanctions against Russia, Brent crude rose 2% in one day. That’s cents more in each refueling. And we’re not talking about theory: that’s money that comes out of your pocket or that you have to pass on to the customer.
Although Trump is also seeking more production in the US, with his ironclad commitment to fracking, the reality is that global tension is driving the price of fuel up and down without warning.
Quick conclusion: if there is more conflict, energy goes up. If there is more production, it can go down. In the meantime, pay attention and save where you can.
Cab drivers’ associations, such as FEMADE, work for business sustainability, helping members to implement solutions that improve the profitability of their companies.
5. Visas, restrictions and new travelers
Trump is vetoing the entry of citizens from dozens of countries. This does not directly affect Bizkaia, but it does have an indirect effect: those tourists seek other destinations, and Europe (and Bilbao) benefits.
For example, more Canadians, Latin Americans or Asians could come here. Also, international events that used to be held in the U.S. could move to Europe to make it easier for everyone to attend. This translates into more congressmen, more cabs. Good opportunity.
Conclusion
Trump’s second term brings many changes, but also many opportunities for cabs in Bizkaia. Tourism is being redirected, costs can go up or down, and the world looks to Europe. If we are attentive, prepared and well-informed, we can turn challenges into advantages.
