The president of the United States, Donald Trump, said he would impose a 10% reference rate to all imports to the United States and the duties superior to some of the largest commercial partners in the country, attracting challenging responses of leaders and governments around the world.
Trump is not imposing its new 10% global rates rate in the goods of the main commercial partners of Canada and Mexico, while its previous order continues in its place for up to 25% of the tariffs on many goods in the two countries on border control and fentanyl traffic problems, said the White House on an informative sheet.
Here are some reactions of senior officials and governments around the world:
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen
“The announcement of President Trump of universal rates around the world, including the EU, is a great blow to the world economy.”
“Spiral uncertainty and will trigger the emergence of greater protectionism. The consequences will be serious for millions of people worldwide.”
“We are already finishing a first package of countermeasures in response to tariffs on steel. And now we are preparing for more countermeasures, to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail.”
China Ministry of Commerce
“China firmly opposes this and will take countermeasures to safeguard their own rights and interests.”
“There are no winners in commercial wars, and there is no way out for protectionism. China urges the United States to raise unilateral tariffs immediately and resolve differences properly with its commercial partners through dialogue on equal terms.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru ishiba
“Japan is a country that is making the greatest amount of investment for the United States, so we wonder if it makes sense (Washington) apply uniform rates to all countries.”
“We need to consider what is best for Japan’s national interest. We are putting all the options on the table when considering the most effective response.”
PM Canadian Mark Carny
“(Trump) has preserved a series of important elements of our relationship, the commercial relationship between Canada and the United States. But Fentanyl tariffs still remain in place, as are steel and aluminum rates.”
“We are going to fight against these rates with countermeasures, we will protect our workers and we will build the strongest economy of the G7”.
Brazilian Foreign Ministry
“The Brazilian government regrets the decision made by the US government today, on April 2, to impose additional tariffs of no more than 10% in all Brazilian exports to that country.”
“The Brazilian government is evaluating all possible actions to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including the resource to the World Trade Organization, in defense of legitimate national interests.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“Administration rates (Trump) have no basis on logic and go against the base of the association of our two nations. This is not the act of a friend. Today’s decision will be added to uncertainty in the global economy and increase the costs of US households.”
The interim president of South Korea, have Duck-Soo,
“As the World Trade War has become reality, the Government must pour all its capacities to overcome the commercial crisis.”
New Zealand Commerce Minister Todd McClay
“New Zealand’s interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely … New Zealand bilateral relationship with the United States is still strong. We will talk to the administration for more information and our exporters to better understand the impact that this announcement will have.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez
“Spain will protect its companies and workers and continue to commit to an open world.”
Swedish PM Ulf Kristtersson
“We do not want to grow commercial barriers. We do not want a commercial war … We want to find our way back to a trading and cooperation path together with the United States, so that people in our countries can enjoy a better life.”
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter
“(The Federal Council) will quickly determine the next steps. The country’s long -term economic interests are essential. Adhesion to international law and free trade remain the central values.”
Ireland Premier Micheal Martin
“The decision of the United States tonight of imposing tariffs of 20% on imports from the entire European Union is deeply unfortunate. I firmly believe that tariffs do not benefit anyone. My priority and that of the Government is to protect Irish jobs and the Irish economy.”
PM Italian Giorgia Meloni
“We will do our best to work for an agreement with the United States, with the aim of avoiding a commercial war that would inevitably weaken the West in favor of other world players.”
Manfred Weber, president of the EPP, the biggest party of the European Parliament
“For our American friends, today it is not the day of liberation: it is the resentment day. Donald Trump’s tariffs do not defend fair trade; they attack him out of fear and hurt both sides of the Atlantic. Europe is united, ready to defend their interests and open to fair and firm conversations.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro
“We will only make ourselves more expensive if they remove our jobs. But we will not increase tariffs if their products help create more value jobs.”
