Reactions. What do countries say about new American taxes

First reactions after the announcement of US President Donald Trump on imposing some taxes Very large customs, especially against China and the European Union, according to AFP:

Australia

« These rates are not unexpected, but let’s be clear: they are completely unjustified, » said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said that his country’s relationship with the United States is likely to be damaged.

Brazil

The Brazilian Parliament has unanimously adopted a ‘law of reciprocity’ that offers the Government the means to respond to commercial barriers to its exports.

Canada

« We will fight against these rates with countermeasures, » announced Prime Minister Mark Carry, according to which the new customs duties will « fundamentally change » international trade.

China

Beijing has stated that it « is firmly opposed » to the new rates announced by Donald Trump, who are particularly harsh for its products, promising to respond to defend their rights and interests. « 

US customs duties ‘does not comply with international commercial rules and seriously harms the rights and interests of the parties concerned,’ the Chinese Ministry of Chinese accused.

Colombia

‘The US government believes that by increasing customs duties on its imports in general, it can increase production, richness and employment. In my opinion, this could prove to be a big mistake, « said President Gustavo Petro.

Denmark

‘Globalized trade has benefits everyone (…) I do not understand why the United States wants to trigger a commercial war against Europe. No one wins, everyone loses, « said Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, ensuring that ‘Europe will remain united. Europe will provide solid and proportional answers’.

Switzerland

« Long-term economic interests of the country are priority, » said the president Karin Keller-Sutter, whose country is hit by 31%rates. ‘Respecting international law and free trade are fundamental,’ she added, specifying that Bern will ‘define what follows’.

Germany

The German chemical industry, for which the United States is the largest export market, urged the EU ‘to keep their heads on the shoulders on Wednesday, pointing out that’ a climbing will only aggravate the damage ‘.

On the other hand, the Federation of the German Automobile Industry (VDA) has estimated that the new customs duties will only create stained loss ‘and asked the EU to act a units and with the necessary force, continuing to signal its availability to negotiate’.

Ireland

Prime Minister Michael Martin said he « deeply regrets » the EU rates and asked the 27 to answer in a ‘proportion’ way.

« Any action must be proportional and aim to defend the interests of our companies, our workers and citizens, » said the prime minister, whose country houses the European headquarters of major American groups and registers the highest surplus with the United States of all EU members.

Italy

« The introduction of tariffs by the United States against the EU is a measure that I consider wrong, » said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

She wants to come to an agreement with the United States, to avoid a commercial war that would inevitably weaken the West for the benefit of other world players. ‘

Japan

Tokyo informed Washington that new American rates, including a 24% fee on Japanese products, are ‘extremely unfortunate,’ said the Minister of Trade and Industry, Yoji Muto.

The American customs offensive could contravene the rules of the WTO and the bilateral agreements, the Japanese government said.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom wants to conclude an agreement with the US to ‘mitigate’ the impact of customs duties and does not intend to respond immediately, the Minister of Trade Jonathan Reynolds announced.

‘The United States being our nearest ally, our approach is to remain calm and to commit to this agreement that we hope to mitigate the impact of what was announced’ on Wednesday, he said.

Thailand

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced that his country has a ‘solid plan’ to respond to 36% massive customs taxes imposed by Donald Trump to his exports to the United States and hopes to negotiate a reduction in these taxes.