World leaders are reacting fast to President Trump’s new tariff announcement. Some are furious. Others are gearing up for retaliation.
On Wednesday, Trump revealed a 10% baseline tariff on imports. Nations will also face matching tariffs based on what they charge U.S. goods.
Trump says the move will boost American jobs and bring in foreign investors. He believes it’s a win for U.S. workers.
Allies aren’t thrilled. Many voiced disappointment but don’t want a trade war. Most are pushing for talks and new trade deals instead.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen slammed the tariffs. She called it a “major blow to the world economy.” She warned of “countermeasures,” but didn’t say what.
China wasn’t subtle. "There are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars," its Foreign Ministry said. Reuters reports China is prepping its own response.
China already faces a 20% tariff from earlier this year. Now, they’re hit with a 34% reciprocal tariff on top of the new 10%. Trump isn’t backing down.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba warned of serious consequences. “Great impact” on global ties and jobs, he said. He promised to protect Japan’s economy.
Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese said they’ll push for the tariffs to be lifted. His country faces just a 10% tariff. "We will not join a race to the bottom," he told Reuters.
Canada and Mexico dodged the reciprocal tariffs for now. But they’re still hit hard — 25% on goods, and Canada gets an extra 10% on energy. Canada’s PM Mark Carney promised countermeasures. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum will reveal a full plan Thursday.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer kept things diplomatic. He said Trump was acting on "his mandate." But also warned, “nothing is off the table.” He said they’re working on a “prosperity deal.”
Israel made a bold move — it scrapped all tariffs on U.S. goods. Still, Trump announced a 17% tariff on them anyway. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said they’re reviewing the impact. Talks are on the way.