The decision by the United States to impose new tariffs on all imported goods has been described as a major blow to the global economy by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Her statement aligns with the stance of several countries, including China, which has announced that it will take strict countermeasures against the U.S. in response.
However, Donald Trump has defended his actions, stating that these measures are a form of retaliation against unfair trade policies. He claimed that his decisions were made with considerable generosity.
Trump further stated that these tariffs would boost U.S. manufacturing. On Wednesday, he remarked that the move would make America “wealthy again.”
On Thursday morning, von der Leyen warned that the imposition of new tariffs would increase uncertainty, leading to severe consequences for millions worldwide. She emphasized the impact on the most vulnerable nations, pointing out that the U.S. had imposed the highest tariffs on those at the greatest risk.
The European Commission chief assured that Europe would respond collectively and warned that if negotiations failed, the European Union was prepared to take countermeasures. She stated, “If you go against one of us, you go against all of us.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the decision as a mistake but indicated that she would work on a deal with the U.S. to prevent a trade war.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his concerns, affirming Spain’s commitment to an open world economy. Meanwhile, Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin described Trump’s decision as “deeply regrettable” and not beneficial to anyone.
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to meet with representatives from the affected business sectors at the Élysée Palace to discuss the consequences of the new tariffs.
China’s Ministry of Commerce has urged the U.S. to immediately revoke the tariffs and has vowed to take firm countermeasures to protect its rights and interests.
Taiwan, which faces a 32% tariff on its exports to the U.S., has called the move “highly unreasonable.” Taiwanese Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai stated that his government would lodge a strong protest with the U.S.
South Korea’s interim President Han Duck-soo remarked that a global trade war is becoming a reality. His government is looking for ways to mitigate the crisis, as South Korea has been hit with a 25% tariff.
Japan has expressed disappointment over the 24% tariff imposed on its exports, stating that it may violate agreements under the World Trade Organization and existing U.S.-Japan trade deals. Similarly, Thailand announced that it would enter discussions with the U.S. over its 36% tariff.
Israeli media reported that economic officials in Israel were shocked by the U.S. tariff imposition. Israel had previously eliminated tariffs on U.S. imports, but now it faces a 17% tariff on its exports.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned that American consumers would bear the highest cost of these unfair tariffs. He clarified that his government would not engage in retaliatory actions, stating, “We will not participate in a competition that raises prices and slows down economic growth.”
A source from Downing Street noted that the lower tariffs imposed on the U.K. reflected the British government’s recent efforts to secure a trade deal with the U.S.
Britain’s Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds stated that his government was interested in negotiating an economic agreement with the U.S. to strengthen fair and balanced trade relations between the two countries.