Cliff Notes
- Donald Trump has implemented a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with many trading partners facing significantly higher rates, prompting widespread global concern and backlash.
- China announced it would retaliate against the 34% tariff, while the EU and other nations, including Canada and Japan, voiced their disapproval and are preparing countermeasures to protect their economies.
- Several leaders, including the Prime Ministers of Australia and Italy, emphasised the negative impact of tariffs on US consumers and the potential for escalated trade tensions, urging diplomatic resolution instead of retaliation.
‘No justification’: World leaders react to Trump’s tariff announcement
World leaders and governments have begun reacting to Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
The president imposed a 10% baseline tariff on all imports – but many of America’s biggest trading partners have been hit by a far higher rate.
Speaking at an event he called “Make America Wealthy Again”, Mr Trump criticised foreign “cheaters” and held a chart detailing who would be paying what.
China reacts to 34% tariffs – ‘ready to hit back’
China, facing a 34% tax, said it would “resolutely” hit back and “take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests”.
“China urges the United States to immediately cancel its unilateral tariff measures and properly resolve differences with its trading partners through equal dialogue,” said the commerce ministry.
EU reacts – ‘preparing countermeasures’
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the tariffs would have “dire consequences” for millions of people around the world.
“We [the EU] are already finalising the first package of countermeasures in response to tariffs on steel,” said Von der Leyen.
“We’re now preparing for further countermeasures to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail.”
Irish PM reacts – ‘no justification’
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin added: “We see no justification for this.
“More than €4.2bn worth of goods and services are traded between the EU and the US daily… Tariffs drive inflation, hurt people on both sides of the Atlantic, and put jobs at risk”.
Japan trade minister reacts – ‘regrettable’
Japan‘s trade minister, Yoji Muto, called the tariffs “extremely regrettable” and said all options were open.
Asked if Japan would retaliate to the 24% tariff imposed, he added: “We need to decide what is best for Japan, and most effective, in a careful but bold and speedy manner.”
Canada PM reacts – ‘ready to fight back’
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country would fight back with countermeasures.
“It’s essential to act with purpose and with force, and that’s what we will do,” he told reporters.
Mexico’s President reacts – ‘comprehensive programme announced later today’
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, said she wouldn’t pursue a “tit-for-tat” strategy but that a “comprehensive programme” would be announced later today.
She added: “It’s not a question of if you impose tariffs on me, I’m going to impose tariffs on you. Our interest is in strengthening the Mexican economy.”
No new tariffs were announced for Mexico or Canada, after Mr Trump previously set a 25% rate on all goods entering from both countries, before announcing some exemptions and delays.
Australia PM reacts – ‘Americans will pay the price’
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the 10% tariff on his country – the lowest level – was not reciprocal – and “not the act of a friend”.
“It is the American people who will pay the biggest price for these unjustified tariffs,” he said.
“This is why our government will not be seeking to impose reciprocal tariffs. We will not join a race to the bottom that leads to higher prices and slower growth.”
Italy PM reacts – ‘tariffs wrong and won’t benefit the US’
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, seen as close ally of the US president, called the tariffs “wrong” and said they would not benefit the US.
“We will do everything we can to work towards an agreement with the United States, with the goal of avoiding a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West in favour of other global players,” she said.
Spanish PM reacts – ‘will protect Spanish workers’
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez vowed to protect the country’s companies and workers and to “continue to be committed to an open world.”
Swedish PM – ‘We don’t want trade war’
His Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, said: “We don’t want growing trade barriers. We don’t want a trade war.
“We want to find our way back to a path of trade and cooperation together with the US, so that people in our countries can enjoy a better life.”
New Zealand trade minister reacts – ‘we won’t retaliate’
New Zealand trade minister Todd McClay said: “We won’t be looking to retaliate – that would put up prices on New Zealand consumers and it would be inflationary.”
He denied his country had a 20% tariff on US imports – as claimed on Mr Trump’s chart – and said it was actually below 10%.