‘No justification’: World reacts to Trump’s tariff announcement | World Information


World leaders and governments have begun reacting to Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

The president imposed a 10% baseline tariff on all imports – however lots of America’s greatest buying and selling companions have been hit by a far increased fee.

Talking at an occasion he referred to as “Make America Rich Once more”, Mr Trump criticised overseas “cheaters” and held a chart detailing who can be paying what.

Right here is a number of the newest response.

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Trump’s tariffs defined

China, going through a 34% tax, stated it could “resolutely” hit again and “take countermeasures to safeguard its personal rights and pursuits”.

“China urges the USA to instantly cancel its unilateral tariff measures and correctly resolve variations with its buying and selling companions by way of equal dialogue,” stated the commerce ministry.

European Fee president Ursula von der Leyen stated the tariffs would have “dire penalties” for thousands and thousands of individuals around the globe.

“We [the EU] are already finalising the primary bundle of countermeasures in response to tariffs on metal,” stated Von der Leyen.

“We’re now making ready for additional countermeasures to guard our pursuits and our companies if negotiations fail.”

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin added: “We see no justification for this.

“Greater than €4.2bn value of products and providers are traded between the EU and the US each day… Tariffs drive inflation, damage individuals on each side of the Atlantic, and put jobs in danger”.

U.S. President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order, on the day he delivers remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 2, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Picture:
Donald Trump holding the signed govt order. Pic: Reuters

Japan‘s commerce minister, Yoji Muto, referred to as the tariffs “extraordinarily regrettable” and stated all choices had been open.

Requested if Japan would retaliate, he added: “We have to resolve what’s greatest for Japan, and best, in a cautious however daring and speedy method.”

Learn extra:
Trump’s tariffs can have penalties – Ed Conway
UK reacts to Trump’s tariffs

What to anticipate from the EU

There shall be a response from the European Union – the query is how quickly, and the way robust.

A symbolic reprisal is one alternative – placing tariffs on traditional American merchandise resembling Harley-Davidson motorbikes or bottles of bourbon.

That gained’t harm the European financial system, however it gained’t make a lot of a distinction, both.

There’s a reluctance to slap wide-ranging, indiscriminate tariffs just because that might improve prices for a lot of European producers.

So one thing extra focused could look interesting and that would imply going after the tech giants – Fb, Apple, Google, Amazon, for instance.

Firms who’ve already had rows with EU regulators and are seen as being, to various extents, near the White Home.

If Europe might particularly goal Tesla, it most likely would.

There are additionally these suggesting the EU ought to maintain fireplace for the second, assured that Trump’s tariffs will backfire and eager that the consequences are seen.

One worry is that a number of the low cost items that had been destined for US markets will now be diverted to Europe, flooding its market.

One other worry is how the Windsor Framework shall be affected, now that there are totally different US tariffs on both facet of the Irish border.

And at last there may be that insult from the President, who referred to as the European Union “pathetic”. A couple of minutes later, a senior EU diplomat despatched me a message saying “the US is Brexiting the world, however you may’t cease the march of folly”.

Transatlantic relations are getting even icier.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated his nation would combat again with countermeasures.

“It is important to behave with goal and with pressure, and that is what we are going to do,” he informed reporters.

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, stated she would not pursue a “tit-for-tat” technique however {that a} “complete programme” can be introduced later right this moment.

She added: “It isn’t a query of when you impose tariffs on me, I’ll impose tariffs on you. Our curiosity is in strengthening the Mexican financial system.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the ten% tariff on his nation – the bottom stage – was not reciprocal – and “not the act of a buddy”.

“It’s the American individuals who pays the largest worth for these unjustified tariffs,” he stated.

“Because of this our authorities won’t be in search of to impose reciprocal tariffs. We won’t be part of a race to the underside that results in increased costs and slower development.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, seen as shut ally of the US president, referred to as the tariffs “fallacious” and stated they’d not profit the US.

“We’ll do every thing we are able to to work in the direction of an settlement with the USA, with the aim of avoiding a commerce battle that might inevitably weaken the West in favour of different international gamers,” she stated.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez vowed to guard the nation’s corporations and employees and to “proceed to be dedicated to an open world.”

His Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, stated: “We do not need rising commerce limitations. We do not desire a commerce battle.

“We need to discover our method again to a path of commerce and cooperation along with the US, so that individuals in our international locations can get pleasure from a greater life.”

New Zealand commerce minister Todd McClay stated: “We can’t be trying to retaliate – that might put up costs on New Zealand customers and it could be inflationary.”

He denied his nation had a 20% tariff on US imports – as claimed on Mr Trump’s chart – and stated it was really beneath 10%.

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