President Trump’s announcement Wednesday that the U.S. will impose a baseline 10% tariff on imports, with heavier reciprocal levies on goods from some countries, has left world leaders reeling.
The big picture: The reciprocal tariffs will impact dozens of nations, including some of the country’s largest trading partners.
- Imports from the European Union, Japan and South Korea will be subject to tariffs of 20% or higher.
- Imports from Vietnam will face a tariff rate of 46% and Taiwanese imports will see 32% tariffs.
Between the lines: There were mixed reactions, with some airing on the side of caution while others vowed to challenge Trump’s move.
What they’re saying:
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed to fight the tariffs with countermeasures. “We are going to protect our workers,” he said. “In a crisis, it’s important to come together and it’s essential to act with purpose and with force.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the country will “announce a comprehensive program, not a tit-for-tat on tariffs” and plans to “strengthen the economy under any circumstance, per a Reuters translation.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who recently met with Trump at the White House, said he believes it’s not sensible to react by jumping into a trade war with the U.S.
- The government put out a statement saying it “is taking a calm and pragmatic approach … opting not to impose retaliatory measures.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Trump’s tariffs have “no basis in logic” and are “not the act of a friend.” He called them “totally unwarranted.”
Bank of Japan chief Kazuo Ueda said the tariffs could have a large impact on trade activities among nations, per the Japan Times. “It’s unfortunate but uncertainties are high so we will be closely watching developments of policies to grasp their economic impacts more precisely,” he said.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez vowed to “respond decisively.” He said, “Europe will defend itself, we will act swiftly, proportionally and with unity.”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that while he doesn’t want a trade war, he “will continue to take every opportunity to reverse these developments.”
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter said the country will quickly determine what to do next, and its “long-term economic interests are the priority.” She noted, “Respect for international law and free trade are fundamental.”
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin called the tariffs on the EU “deeply regrettable.” He said he strongly believes tariffs benefit no one. “My priority, and that of the government, is to protect Irish jobs and the Irish economy.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a Trump ally, said she considers the the tariffs a wrong approach. “We will do everything we can to work a deal with the United States, aiming to prevent a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West in favor of other global actors.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote, “Friendship means partnership. Partnership means really and truly reciprocal tariffs. Adequate decisions are needed.”
Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Laura Sarabia said the move “reorganizes the rules of global trade” and the country will look to continue to diversify markets.
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Editor’s note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
