U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would impose a basic 10% tariff on all imports to the United States, along with higher tariffs on some of the country’s largest trading partners. This move sparked strong reactions from leaders and governments worldwide.
اضافة اعلان
According to a White House briefing, Trump will not impose the new 10% global tariff on goods coming from Canada and Mexico. However, previous orders imposing tariffs of up to 25% on various goods from those countries will remain in effect due to issues related to border security and fentanyl trafficking.
Here are some key reactions from world leaders and governments:
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen "President Trump's announcement of imposing comprehensive tariffs on the entire world, including the European Union, is a severe blow to the global economy. This decision will open the door to rising uncertainty and will fuel the growth of trade protectionism. The consequences will be catastrophic for millions of people worldwide. We have already finalized the first package of countermeasures in response to the steel tariffs, and we are now preparing further actions to protect our interests and businesses if negotiations fail."
Chinese Ministry of Commerce "China strongly opposes this decision and will take countermeasures to protect its rights and interests. There are no winners in trade wars, and there is no exit from protectionism. China urges the United States to immediately lift its unilateral tariffs and resolve disputes with its trading partners through dialogue based on equality."
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba "The wide-reaching trade restrictions imposed by the U.S. government will have a significant impact not only on the economic relationship between Japan and the United States but also on the global economy and the entire multilateral trading system. We have serious concerns about the compatibility of these actions with the WTO agreement and the trade agreement between Japan and the United States. We will continue to press the U.S. to reconsider these actions."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney "(Trump) has maintained several important elements in our relationship, particularly the trade relationship between Canada and the U.S. However, the tariffs related to fentanyl remain in place, as well as those on steel and aluminum. We will counter these tariffs with retaliatory measures, protect our workers, and build the strongest economy in the G7."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer "No one wins in a trade war. This is not in our national interest. We have a fair and balanced trade relationship with the United States. Negotiations are ongoing for an agreement that boosts economic prosperity and strengthens our existing trade relationship – we will fight for the best deal for Britain. However, I will not sign any agreement unless it serves the national interest."
German Finance Minister Jörg Kukies "It is naive to think that if we sit idle and allow this to happen, things will improve. Therefore, I expect a strong response from the European Union."
British Minister of Business Jonathan Reynolds "Anything that disrupts the global trading system poses a threat to the UK, as our economy is largely based on global trade, more so than some other partners. We must retain every right to respond if necessary."
Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs "The Brazilian government regrets the decision made by the U.S. government on April 2 to impose an additional tariff of up to 10% on all Brazilian exports to the U.S. The Brazilian government is currently assessing all possible options to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including resorting to the World Trade Organization, in defense of legitimate national interests."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese "Trump's tariffs are illogical and contradict the basis of the partnership between our two countries. This is not the action of a friend. Today's decision will increase uncertainty in the global economy and raise costs for American households."
South Korean Acting President Han Duck-soo "Since a global trade war has become a reality, the government must mobilize all its capabilities to overcome this crisis."
New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay "New Zealand's interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely... Our bilateral relationship with the United States remains strong. We will engage with the U.S. administration to gain further insight and with exporters to understand the impact of this decision on them."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez "Spain will protect its companies and workers, and remain committed to an open world of trade."
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson "We do not want more trade barriers. We do not want a trade war... we want to return to a path of cooperation and trade with the United States so that people in both our countries can live better lives."
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter "The Federal Council will determine its next steps swiftly. The country's long-term economic interests remain a top priority. Upholding international law and free trade will remain fundamental values."
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin "The U.S. decision tonight to impose a 20% tariff on imports from the entire European Union is extremely unfortunate. I strongly believe that tariffs benefit no one. My priority, and the priority of the government, is to protect Irish jobs and the Irish economy."
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "We will do everything we can to reach an agreement with the U.S. in order to avoid a trade war that will inevitably weaken the West in favor of other global players."
Manfred Weber, President of the European People's Party (the largest bloc in the European Parliament) "To our American friends: today is not a day of liberation, but of resentment. Donald Trump's tariffs do not defend fair trade, but attack it out of fear, damaging both sides of the Atlantic. A united Europe is ready to defend its interests, and is open to fair and firm negotiations."
Colombian President Gustavo Petro "We will not make U.S. imports more expensive unless they take our jobs, but we will not raise tariffs if their products help us create higher value-added jobs." - Agencies
