World leaders responded to President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs published this week affecting practically every U.S. trading partner.
Though other countries had far greater taxes applied to their U.S. exports, the White House has imposed a flat 10% duty on seemingly all imports. Vietnam, which had its tariffs on U.S. imports cut, was given a 46% tax one day later.
Trump said China will face more import tax than any other country with an extra 34% blanket duty on its shipments to the United States beyond the 20% tariff the president applied earlier this year. This increases the total tariffs on Chinese products brought into the U.S. to 54%, just under the 60% Trump promised on the campaign trail.
CHINA – 54% duties
China’s Commerce Ministry was quoted as saying in a statement, “China strongly rejects this and will act to protect its own rights and interests by means of countermeasures.” Trade battles produce no winners; protectionism offers no escape route.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also cautioned that “Protectionism has no exit ramp” and called on Washington to “correct its wrong practices and resolve economic and trade differences with other countries — including China — through fair, respectful and reciprocal consultations.”
EUROPEAN UNION – 20% tariffs
Pledged to retaliate against Trump’s tariff conflict, the EU, which suffered a universal 20% tax on top of the 25% taxes on steel and aluminum as well as vehicle exports to the United States, which are projected to greatly affect European countries.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in a video posted on X, “I know that many of you feel let down by our oldest ally.” Uncertainty will snowball and set out more protectionism. For millions of people all throughout the world, the results will be terrible.
The EU president stated the group was already completing responses to Trump’s steel tariffs and promised to move similarly to safeguard the pharmaceutical and automobile sectors “if talks fail.”
We have to prepare for the effect this will unavoidably have. Europe has all it needs to survive this storm, von der Leyen said, pointing out the EU is the single largest market on the earth, which she described as Europe’s “safe harbor in tumultuous times.”
UNITED KINGDOM -10 percent.
Though London is working to determine which tariffs might be applied that would least harm its own companies, leaders in the U.K. have consistently stated they would not react right away to the blanket tariff—which combined with the steel and auto tariffs, could greatly affect its economy.
According to reports from Politico, British Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Parliamentarians on Thursday that the U.K. will “not hesitate to act” should an agreement with Washington to avoid the tariff conflict cannot be fulfilled.
Reynolds stated in a statement, “We will seek the opinions of U.K. stakeholders over four weeks until 1st May 2025 on products that could possibly be included in any U.K. tariff response.” Businesses will also have their voice through this exercise, which will help shape any future U.K. reaction.
Tariffs of 25% on Canada
Mark Carney, prime minister of Canada, promised to “fight” back by means of “countermeasures” and stated Trump’s levies will “fundamentally alter the international trading system.”
He said, “We’re in a situation where the U.S. economy will be affected, which will accumulate with time.” In our opinion, it will be bad for the U.S. economy, which will affect us.
Carney remarked, “In a crisis, unity is crucial.” Acting with purpose and with force is very necessary; that’s what we shall do.
MEXICO – 25% duties
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum that she would not participate in a “tit-for-tat on tariffs” but would “announce a comprehensive program” to handle Trump’s tariffs.
Under whatever condition, Sheinbaum stated, she intends to “strengthen the economy.”
JAPAN–24%
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated, “We are putting all options on the table in considering the most effective response.”
He allegedly informed his Parliament, “Japan is a nation investing most to the United States.” We question whether it is logical for (Washington) to impose consistent tariffs on every nation. We have been emphasizing it and will keep on doing so.
He said, without specifying what particular actions Tokyo may take, “We have to think about what is best for Japan’s national interest.
TEN PERCENT OF AUSTRALIA
Though Australia was among the countries affected by some of the lowest tariffs released by the White House on Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese termed them “totally unwarranted.”
President Trump mentioned reciprocal tariffs. A reciprocal duty would be $0, not 10%,” he remarked during a press briefing. The tariffs of the government defy logic and contradict the foundation of our two countries’ relationship.
Albanese remarked, “This is not the action of a friend.”
Albanese remarked that Americans would suffer the most from the tariffs and hence he would not impose reciprocal duties back on the United States.
He said we would not participate in the race to the bottom but promised to keep battling to get the tariffs lifted.
