World leaders have expressed strong reactions to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with higher duties targeting specific countries. Below are statements from various leaders and officials to Trump’s tariffs as some struck a shell-shocked tone to the sweeping global tariffs.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen:
“President Trump’s announcement of universal tariffs on the whole world, including the EU, is a major blow to the world economy.”
“Uncertainty will spiral and trigger the rise of further protectionism. The consequences will be dire for millions of people around the globe.”
“We are already finalising a first package of countermeasures in response to tariffs on steel. And we are now preparing for further countermeasures, to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail.”
China’s Commerce Ministry:
“China firmly opposes this and will take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests.”
“There are no winners in trade wars, and there is no way out for protectionism. China urges the U.S. to immediately lift unilateral tariffs and properly resolve differences with its trading partners through dialogue on an equal footing.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba:
“The U.S. government’s broad trade restrictions will have a significant impact not only on the economic relationship between Japan and the U.S., but also on the global economy and the multilateral trading system as a whole.”
“We have serious concerns about the consistency of these measures with World Trade Organization rules.”
South Korean Government Statement:
“The government will implement support measures to minimize damage to our companies.”
Canadian Government Statement:
“Canada condemns these tariffs in the strongest terms and will take strong responsive measures to defend its interests.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum:
“We will not impose retaliatory tariffs, but instead will implement a comprehensive economic program to support affected sectors.”
Australian Government Statement:
“While we strongly oppose these tariffs, we will not implement counter-tariffs to avoid further escalating the situation and causing price hikes for our consumers.”
European Parliament Member Bernd Lange:
“We will respond in a firm but proportionate and legal manner to these unjustified U.S. tariffs.”
Brazilian Government Statement:
“We are evaluating possible actions, including approaching the World Trade Organization, in response to the 10% tariff imposed on our goods.”
These statements reflect the widespread international concern and potential for escalating trade tensions following the U.S. tariff announcements.
United Kingdom
The UK government has adopted a measured approach in response to the U.S. tariffs. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasized the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue with the United States. He stated, “I will continue to engage closely and productively with the US to press the case for UK business interests.” Reynolds also noted that while all options remain on the table, the UK is focused on negotiating a broader economic agreement with the U.S. to benefit UK businesses and the economy.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the necessity of protecting national interests in any trade deal, indicating that the UK government is consulting with businesses on potential retaliatory measures but is pausing action pending the outcome of negotiations.
South Africa
The South African government has expressed significant concern over the new U.S. tariffs, particularly a 30% tariff on South African goods and an impending 25% tariff on vehicles and car parts. The Presidency emphasized the urgency of negotiating a new bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. to ensure long-term trade stability. The government stated, “Punitive and unilateral tariffs are detrimental to trade and economic relations.”
Nigeria
There’s no official reaction to the Trump’s tariffs yet from the Nigerian government as of the time of this reporting, despite the 14% tariff slammed on exported goods from Nigeria to the US as earlier reported by Pan-Atlantic Kompass
–With News Wires
