How World Leaders reacted to Trump’s duties
US President Donald Trump said he would impose a 10% main duty on all of the US imports and higher duties on some of the country’s largest trading partners, causing acute reactions from leaders and governments around the world.
Trump does not impose his new global tariff rate of 10% on goods from the best trading partners Canada and Mexico, but his previous order remains in force for up to 25% duties on many goods on both sides due to border control and problems with fantanyl trafficking, the White House newsletter said.
Here are some reactions from senior officials and governments around the world:
Ursula von der Layen, chairman of the European Commission
« President Trump’s message of universal duties around the world, including the EU, is a major blow to the world economy. Uncertainty will develop spiral and cause the rise of further protectionism. The consequences will be terrible for millions of people around the world. We are already preparing for the first package of countermeas and now. their negotiations fail. «
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Antonio Costa, President of the European Council
« We will engage with all our partners and continue to strengthen and expand our sales network. Now is the time to ratify the agreements with Mercosur, Mexico and decisively to progress in negotiations with India and other key partners. »
China’s Ministry of Trade
« China firmly opposes this and will take counter -meters to protect its own rights and interests. There are no winners in trade wars and there is no successful outcome for protectionism. China insists that the United States immediately eliminates unilateral duties and properly resolve the differences with its commercial partners through a equal basis dialogue. »
Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan
« Japan is a country that makes the most investment in the United States, so we wonder if it makes sense (Washington) to apply the same duties to all countries. We need to consider what is best for Japan’s national interest. We put all the options on the table to consider the most effective answer. »
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Mark Carney, Canada Prime Minister
« (Trump) maintained a number of important elements of our relations, trade relations between Canada and the United States. But duties because of fentanyl, they still remain in force, as well as the customs of steel and aluminum. We will fight these duties with countermeasures, protect our workers and build the strongest economy in the G7. »
Brazil Foreign Ministry
« The Brazilian Government regrets the decision taken by the North America government today, April 2, to impose additional duties of no more than 10% on all Brazilian exports to this country. The Brazilian government assesses all possible actions to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including resorting to the world’s reservation. »
Anthony Albanez, Prime Minister of Australia
« The duties of the administration (of Trump) have no logical reason and contradict the basis of the partnership of our two nations. This is not an act of a friend. Today’s decision will increase uncertainty in the global economy and increase the costs of US households. »
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Han Dak Su, I.d. South Korea
« Because the global trade war is already a reality, the government must invest all its opportunities in order to overcome the trade crisis. »
Todd McLay, Minister of Trade of New Zealand
« The interests of New Zealand are best served in a world where trade is free … New Zealand’s bilateral relations with the United States remain strong. We will talk to the administration (in Washington) to get more information and with our exporters to better understand the effect that this message will have. »
Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain
« Spain will protect its companies and workers and will continue to be committed to opening the world. »
Wolfe Krisison, Prime Minister of Sweden
« We don’t want commercial barriers. We don’t want a trade war … We want to find our way back to trade and cooperation with the United States so that people in our countries can enjoy a better life. »
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Jonas Gar Stere, Prime Minister of Norway
« This is bad news, it’s very serious. There is an opportunity for negotiation, the Americans say, and we will use it in every way possible. »
Karin Keller-Suter, President of Switzerland
« (Federal Council) will quickly determine the next steps. The country’s long -term economic interests are paramount. Adherence to international law and free trade remain basic values. »
Michael Martin, Prime Minister of Ireland
« The US decision tonight to impose 20% duties on imports from all over the European Union provokes deep regret. I strongly believe that duties do not benefit anyone. My priority and the government is to protect Irish jobs and the Irish economy. »
George Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy
« We will do our best to work to reach an agreement with the United States in order to avoid a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West in favor of other global players. »
Manfred Weber, Chairman of the EPP, the largest party in the European Parliament
« For our American friends today is not a day of Liberation – this is a day of dissatisfaction. Mitana Donald Trump does not defend honest trade; they attack her from fear and do damage to both sides of the Atlantic. Europe stands united, ready to defend her interests and open to honest, negotiations. »
Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia
« We will only make imports from the United States more expensive if we take away our jobs. But we will not increase duties if their goods help create jobs of higher value. »
