Trump tariffs draw global promises of countermeasures
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Governments say they are ready with countermeasures but are still open to a deal with US President Donald Trump.
PHOTO: DOUG MILLS/NYTIMES
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PARIS – Governments around the world pledged countermeasures on the United States after President Donald Trump unveiled a new baseline 10 per cent tariff on goods from all countries, plus reciprocal tariffs on those that his administration says have high barriers to US imports.
Here is what some governments said about what they would – and would not – do in response.
China
China’s Commerce Ministry said Beijing “firmly opposes” the reciprocal tariffs
Japan
Japanese Trade Minister Yoji Muto called the reciprocal tariffs “extremely regrettable” and said Tokyo would urge the US to exempt Japan from tariff measures.
Canada
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada was “going to fight these tariffs with countermeasures” and would “act with purpose and with force”.
Goods from Canada and Mexico are not currently subject to reciprocal tariffs because Mr Trump’s prior 25 per cent, fentanyl-related duties remain in place on their goods, along with 10 per cent for Canadian energy and potash.
A tariff exemption for goods compliant with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade will continue indefinitely.
Mexico
President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico would not pursue a “tit-for-tat on tariffs” but would rather announce a “comprehensive programme” on April 3.
South Korea
Acting President Han Duck-soo ordered emergency support measures for affected businesses,
Thailand
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the government has a “strong plan” to handle a 36 per cent levy and hopes to negotiate a reduction, saying the government would take steps to mitigate the impact.
Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia would seek to negotiate with the US to remove the tariffs
He said his government would not impose reciprocal tariffs, as this would increase prices for Australian households.
“We will not join a race to the bottom that leads to higher prices and slower growth,” Mr Albanese said.
Brazil
The government of Latin America’s largest economy Brazil, which Mr Trump slapped with a 10 per cent tariff, said it was “evaluating all possible actions to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including resorting to the World Trade Organisation”.
Earlier in the day, Brazil’s Congress approved a Bill that establishes a legal framework for Brazil to respond to potential unilateral trade measures targeting its goods and services, including countermeasures such as tariffs.
Colombia
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Mr Trump had made a wrong move in imposing the sweeping tariffs.
“The US government now believes that by raising tariffs on its imports in general, it can increase its own production, wealth, and employment; in my opinion, this could be a big mistake,” he said.
European Union
Mr Bernd Lange, chairman of the European Parliament’s international trade committee, said the EU would respond “through legal, legitimate, proportionate and decisive measures”.
“I hope that our arguments and the firmness of our response will provide sufficient incentives to bring the US to the negotiating table,” he said.
Ireland’s Trade Minister Simon Harris said the EU “will have to respond in a proportionate manner which protects our citizens, our workers and our businesses”, while Portugal’s Economy Minister Pedro Reis called for a “firm, but also very intelligent” response.
Germany
The German Automotive Industry Association (VDA) said the tariffs would “only create losers”.
“The EU is now called upon to act together and with necessary force, while continuing to signal its willingness to negotiate,” the VDA said.
The German chemical industry, which counts the US as its largest export market, urged the EU to “keep a cool head”, stressing that “an escalation would only worsen the damage”.
Britain
Britain will “remain calm and committed” to sealing an economic deal with the US which could help “mitigate” a 10 per cent tariff imposed on British exports to the United States, Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds said.
He added, though, that “nothing is off the table”, stating: “We have a range of tools at our disposal and we will not hesitate to act.”
Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised the new US tariffs on imports from the EU and urged a deal, warning that a trade war would only weaken the West.
“The introduction by the US of tariffs towards the EU is a measure that I consider wrong and that does not suit either party,” she said.
“We will do everything we can to work for a deal with the United States, aiming to prevent a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West in favour of other global actors.”
Switzerland
After Switzerland was hit with 31 per cent tariffs, President Karin Keller-Sutter said the government would quickly decide what to do next.
“The country’s long-term economic interests are the priority. Respect for international law and free trade are fundamental,” she said.
Ireland
Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he deeply regretted the 20 per cent tariffs imposed on exports from the EU.
The Irish government would now “reflect” with EU partners on the next steps, but “any action should be proportionate, aimed at defending the interests of our businesses, workers and citizens”, he said.
Denmark
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the new measures threatened global prosperity.
“Global trade brought us to a better place: In a generation, the world has become richer, extreme poverty has been reduced, child mortality has declined and we all live longer,” he said.
“Saddened to see all that jeopardised due to an – for Europe – unwanted trade war.” REUTERS, AFP
