On Wednesday evening, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to "fight" against the new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, indicating he would seek support from other international partners to navigate the challenging times ahead.
"President Trump has just announced a series of measures that will fundamentally change the international trading system," Carney told reporters in the aftermath of Trump’s Rose Garden announcement. He noted that the situation would impact the U.S. economy significantly over time.
"In our judgment, the effects will be negative on the U.S. economy, which will, in turn, impact us," he added, emphasizing that millions of Canadians will feel the repercussions.
WHICH COUNTRIES IMPOSE THE HIGHEST TARIFFS ON THE US?
While Trump did not impose additional tariffs on Canada, following the existing 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports and a 10% tariff on energy exports, he announced a new 25% tariff on all foreign vehicle imports.
He also highlighted the possibility of future targeted tariffs affecting pharmaceutical companies, lumber, and semiconductors—tariffs that would widely impact U.S. trading partners beyond Canada and Mexico, reaching across Europe and Asia.
"In a crisis, it’s crucial to unite," Carney asserted. "It’s essential to act with purpose and strength, and that is our commitment."
Before the tariff announcement, Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed at a campaign event his support for "targeted, reciprocal" tariffs on American goods. He stated that if elected on April 28, he would aim to negotiate a new trade deal with President Donald Trump to replace the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement signed in 2020.
Poilievre emphasized the need for Canada to maintain control over its borders and freshwater resources while protecting its automotive industry and supply-managed agricultural sectors.
David Adams, president and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada—a national trade association representing 16 automakers including BMW Canada, Inc. and Nissan Canada Inc.—commented, "Tariffs are taxes that ultimately increase costs for consumers, driving up inflation and unfairly impacting workers on both sides of the border."
"Governments should focus on long-term solutions to eliminate these tariffs, prioritizing the removal of regulatory barriers to industry competitiveness and providing flexibility to automakers during these uncertain times."
Reactions from European Union leaders emerged following Trump’s announcement of 20% tariffs on all imported goods, expressing disappointment, concern, and a commitment to continue negotiations with the U.S.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, typically aligned with Trump, criticized the tariffs as "wrong" and cautioned that they would not only adversely affect American and European consumers but also benefit Western adversaries.
"We will do everything in our power to negotiate an agreement with the United States to avoid a trade war that would ultimately weaken the West against other global actors," Meloni stated on Facebook.
"Regardless, we will always act in the best interest of Italy and its economy, also engaging with other European partners," she added.
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister, Simon Harris, expressed his "deep regret" over the new tariffs, committing to work with Washington to resolve the tariff war.
"I must be candid tonight that a 20% blanket tariff on goods from all EU countries could significantly affect Irish investments and the broader economy," he stated, noting that the impact would be felt for some time.
Bernd Lange, Chairman of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, called for a unified response from countries targeted by Trump.
"While President Trump may label today as ‘Liberation Day,’ from an ordinary citizen’s perspective, this is clearly ‘Inflation Day,’" he remarked, as reported by Reuters. "Due to this decision, U.S. consumers will bear the heaviest burden in this trade war."
Lange affirmed that the EU would respond with "legal, legitimate, proportionate and decisive" measures.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter indicated her government would strategize the next steps forward.
Both the U.K. and the President of Mexico, prior to the announcement, stated their intention to collaborate with the U.S. without hastily enforcing reciprocal tariffs.
Similarly, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned Trump’s decision as "not the act of a friend," asserting that his country would refrain from imposing reciprocal tariffs while continuing to negotiate for their removal.
