Donald Trump has announced the implementation of new tariffs on all goods entering the US, a move described by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as a “major blow to the world economy.”
Von der Leyen’s statement aligns with reactions from several countries, including China, which has voiced its opposition and promised “resolute countermeasures” in response.
This announcement follows the US President’s declaration of a universal 10% tariff on all imports starting April 5th, with around 60 countries facing even higher tariffs beginning April 9th.
Trump argues that these tariffs are retaliation for unfair trade practices and claims he has been “very kind” in his approach.
Additionally, Trump stated that the tariffs aim to strengthen US manufacturing and, as he put it on Wednesday, will “make America wealthy again.”
Von der Leyen, in a Thursday morning statement, warned that these new import taxes would cause “uncertainty to spiral” and have “dire” effects on millions worldwide.
She highlighted the severe impact on the most vulnerable nations now facing some of the highest tariffs from the US.
The European Commission President also declared that Europe would respond collectively, cautioning that the EU, now facing a 20% tariff, is preparing countermeasures should negotiations fail.
She boldly stated, “If you take on one of us, you take on all of us.”
Discussions among EU member states are set to start next week, according to Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a known Trump ally, criticized the decision as “wrong” but expressed her intention to work towards preventing a trade war with the US.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized Spain’s commitment to maintaining an open global economy, while Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin labeled Trump’s decision as “deeply regrettable,” benefiting no one.
French President Emmanuel Macron plans to meet with business leaders affected by the new tariffs at the Élysée Palace.
French government spokeswoman Sophie Primas stated that France is “ready for this trade war,” signaling a prepared stance.
China, heavily criticized by Trump, faces a 34% tariff, significantly increasing from an existing 20%, totaling a minimum of 54%.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has called for the immediate cancellation of these tariffs and affirmed China’s readiness to defend its rights and interests.
Taiwan has criticized the imposition of a 32% tariff on its exports to the US as “highly unreasonable.”
Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai declared the country’s intent to make “serious representations” to the US.
South Korea’s Acting President Han Duck-soo acknowledged that a global trade war “has become a reality,” committing his government to address the trade crisis after being subjected to a 25% tariff.
Japan has expressed that its 24% tariff is “extremely regrettable” and may violate both World Trade Organization rules and US-Japan agreements, while Thailand is negotiating its imposed 36% tariff.
Israel, which had eliminated all tariffs on US imports, reacted with “complete shock” to its new 17% tariff, a sentiment echoed by local officials.
White House officials justified the tariffs as reciprocal measures against countries like China, which they accuse of imposing higher tariffs on US goods and other trade barriers.
Leaders from countries facing the baseline 10% tariff, including Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have voiced concerns that these tariffs are unjustified and will ultimately cost American consumers the most.
Albanese assured that Australia would not engage in retaliatory actions that could lead to higher prices and economic slowdown.
A source from Downing Street has stated that the UK’s lower tariff validates its recent trade negotiations with the US.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in a Thursday morning statement, vowed to secure a trade agreement with the US to mitigate the impact of the tariffs, acknowledging the global economic repercussions.
In response to the tariffs, Brazil’s congress approved the Economic Reciprocity Law on Wednesday to counter the 10% tariff imposed by Trump.
Brazil’s foreign ministry is evaluating all possible actions to ensure fair bilateral trade, including potential appeals to the World Trade Organization.
Following Trump’s announcement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned countries against retaliating, warning of further escalation in his statement to Fox News.
The recent announcements did not mention Canada, Mexico, Russia, or North Korea; however, existing executive orders already impose a 25% tariff on Russia and North Korea due to other issues.
Despite not being directly mentioned, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that the tariffs would significantly impact Canadians, particularly with the upcoming 25% tariff on automobiles.
He vowed to “fight these tariffs with countermeasures,” adding that the US levies would “fundamentally change the global trading system.”
