World leaders around the globe are responding to President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements. Reactions vary, with some expressing disappointment and others issuing threats. On Wednesday, Trump declared a baseline tariff of 10% on imports, along with reciprocal tariffs aligned with the tariffs imposed by each nation on U.S. goods.
Trump is confident that these tariffs will encourage foreign investment in the U.S. and stimulate domestic job growth.
While numerous U.S. allies voiced their frustration regarding the tariffs, they also indicated a reluctance to engage in trade wars. Many are advocating for negotiations with the U.S. to establish new trade agreements.
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remarked that the tariffs represent a “major blow to the world economy.” She stated that there would be “countermeasures,” although specifics were not provided.
In a statement, China’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that “there are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars,” according to the Associated Press (AP).
Furthermore, sources from Reuters report that Beijing is preparing to implement “countermeasures.” Trump’s approach to China has been particularly stringent, especially after a 20% tariff was imposed earlier this year. Now, China is facing a 34% reciprocal tariff in addition to the 10% baseline applied to all listed nations.
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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed that the tariffs would significantly affect U.S.-Japan relations and the global economy, as reported by the AP. He pledged that the Japanese government would work decisively to “protect people’s lives, jobs, and industries.”
Despite facing one of the lowest reciprocal tariffs at 10%, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his country would negotiate with the Trump administration to eliminate the tariffs.
“We will not engage in a race to the bottom, which leads to higher prices and slower growth,” Albanese remarked, according to Reuters.
Currently, Canada and Mexico are exempt from the reciprocal tariffs but face a 25% tariff on goods, with Canada also subjected to a 10% energy tariff. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed to “combat these tariffs with countermeasures,” while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her country would unveil a “comprehensive program” on Thursday, as per Reuters.
During a press briefing, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer refrained from criticizing Trump, asserting that the U.S. president was operating within “his mandate.” However, he indicated that “nothing is off the table.” Starmer assured that his government is striving to create “an economic prosperity deal” with the U.S.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Tuesday that Israel would preemptively lift all tariffs on U.S. goods. Nevertheless, Trump has still imposed a 17% reciprocal tariff on Israel. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich mentioned that his office is “analyzing the ramifications for the economy” and plans to meet with the Finance Ministry to discuss potential responses.
