President Donald Trump’s decision to introduce “retaliatory tariffs” on all imports to the United States of America has provoked harsh and almost unanimous condemnation from world leaders – from the European Union, through Asian economic powers, and all the way to Latin America.
World leaders believe that this trade offensive from Washington will represent a “serious blow to the world economy”, and some countries are announcing harsh countermeasures if this policy is not reconsidered. Reactions to the tariffs introduced by Donald Trump are coming.
A united European front: “If you hit one, you hit everyone”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the new tariff – 10 percent on all imports, with additional increases of up to 20 percent for the EU from April 9 – could cause a “spiral of uncertainty” and “catastrophic consequences for millions of people around the world.”
Von der Leyen also announced a possible joint response of the Union members: “If you hit one of us, you hit all of us,” she said, highlighting the risks for the poorest countries, which could suffer the biggest impact.
European Union member states are scheduled to vote on Wednesday, April 9, on countermeasures to US steel and aluminum tariffs, a senior EU official said.
According to Reuters, the proposal of the European Commission will be adopted if it is not opposed by a qualified majority – at least 15 member states representing 65 percent of the population of the Union.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, strongly criticized the new US tariffs earlier today and announced that the EU is already preparing a response.
“Europe is in the final phase of the first package of measures in response to the first tariffs on steel, and we are also preparing additional measures if the negotiations do not yield results,” Von der Leyen said.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni, otherwise a political ally of Trump, assessed this decision as “wrong”, but added that she will try to reach an agreement with the US “to avoid a trade war”.
French President Emmanuel Macron called an emergency meeting with representatives of the most affected sectors at the Elysée Palace, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stressed that his country will continue to “commit to an open world”. Also, the Prime Minister of France, François Bayrou, assessed today that the tariffs introduced by the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, on most imported products are a “disaster” for the world economy.
“It is a huge difficulty for Europe. I think it is also a disaster for the United States of America and for American citizens,” Bayru told reporters after the meeting in the Senate, Figaro reported.
Irish Prime Minister Michel Martin went a step further, calling Trump’s decision “deeply regrettable” and warning that it “doesn’t benefit anyone.”
China threatens decisive countermeasures
The biggest tone of conflict comes from the East, especially from China, which according to Trump is “the biggest trade offender”. A tariff of as much as 54% will be applied to Chinese goods – which is the sum of the previous and new burdens.
China’s Ministry of Commerce called for the “immediate lifting” of the tariffs, with a message that Beijing would “resolutely take countermeasures to protect its rights and interests.”
A similar tone comes from Taiwan, which will be hit with a 32% tariff. Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai called the measures “very unreasonable” and announced a protest to Washington.
South Korea, whose exports will now face an additional 25% tax, has warned that a “global trade war has become a reality”, while Japan views the 24% tariff as “extremely deplorable” and a possible violation of international trade agreements.
Thailand, hit with a record 36%, announced talks with the US, and Israel – which lifted tariffs on US goods in the very hope of avoiding US tariffs – expressed “total shock” after being hit with a 17% tariff.
Brazil responds with the law of reciprocity
In Latin America, the most vocal is Brazil, whose government has passed a law allowing for the introduction of reciprocal measures in response to the US’s 10% tariff.
The country’s foreign ministry said it would consider “all possible measures” including approaching the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Anglosphere – divided reactions
Although Canada and Mexico were not explicitly mentioned in Trump’s announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that the 25% tariff on cars will directly affect millions of Canadians. He announced countermeasures and warned that this move would “fundamentally change the global trading system.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, although he avoided direct condemnation, said he would “fight for a trade agreement with the US” and announced a cold-blooded approach: “These measures will have an economic impact here and around the world.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was harsher: “Americans will pay the highest price for unjustified tariffs.” However, he added that his government will not introduce reciprocal measures because it does not want to “participate in a race to the bottom”.