European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed that Donald Trump’s decision to impose new tariffs on all goods entering the United States represents a “major setback for the global economy.” Her comments echo the concerns of various countries, including China, which has publicly criticized the move and cautioned that it will take “strong countermeasures” against the US. This reaction came after

Trump announced a universal 10% tariff on all imports effective April 5, with approximately 60 countries facing even steeper tariffs starting April 9. Trump defended these measures as a response to unfair trade practices, stating that he had been “very kind” in his approach.

Trump has stated that the tariffs are intended to improve US manufacturing, declaring on Wednesday that this initiative would “make America wealthy again.”

In a statement made on Thursday morning, von der Leyen expressed that the new import taxes would lead to a “spiral of uncertainty,” resulting in “dire” consequences for “millions of people worldwide.” She highlighted the effects on the most vulnerable nations, noting that several of these countries are currently facing some of the highest tariffs imposed by the US.

The European Commission president pledged that Europe would adopt a collective stance and cautioned that the European Union, which will face a 20% tariff, is preparing to implement countermeasures if negotiations do not succeed. “If you challenge one of us, you challenge all of us,” she said.

Negotiations among various EU member states are set to commence next week, according to Bernd Lange, the chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade.

Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, who supports Trump, said the decision was “wrong,” but she is dedicated to collaborating with the US to “avoid a trade war.”

In Spain, Pedro Sánchez announced that the nation is committed to an open world.” At the same time, Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin described Trump’s decision as “deeply regrettable,” stating that it benefits no one.

On Thursday, President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to meet with industry leaders affected by the new taxes at the Élysée Palace, according to the French presidency. Government spokesperson Sophie Primas stated on Thursday morning that France is “prepared for this trade war.”

Apart from the European Union, China, which the US president has called one of the “worst offenders,” is now dealing with a significant 34% tariff on its goods, added to an existing 20% duty. This results in a total tariff rate of at least 54%. In reaction, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has asked the US to “immediately cancel” these tariffs, warning that China will “strongly take countermeasures to protect its rights and interests.”

Taiwan, facing a 32% tariff on its exports to the US, has criticized this decision as “extremely unreasonable.”

Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that Taiwan would make “serious representations” to the US about this issue.

South Korean acting President Han Duck-soo remarked that the global trade war “has become a reality,” and his government will look for ways to “manage the trade crisis” after a 25% tariff was placed on South Korea.

Japan stated that its 24% tariff was “very unfortunate” and might violate World Trade Organization rules as well as agreements made with the US. At the same time, Thailand said it wants to talk about its 36% tariff. Israel economic officials, who had removed all tariffs on American goods before this announcement, were said to be in “total shock” about the new 17% tariff,

An official shared with the press, “We believed that eliminating all tariffs on imports from the US would solve this problem.” Officials from the White House clarified that these tariffs were put in place in response to nations such as China, which impose steeper tariffs on American goods, establish “non-tariff” obstacles to US trade, or engage in practices that negatively impact American economic interests.

Leaders from countries affected by the 10% baseline rate have shared their worries about Trump’s decisions. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pointed out that it would be the American people who suffer the most from what he called “unjustified tariffs.” He made it clear that his government would not take retaliatory actions, saying, “We will not participate in a downward spiral that leads to higher prices and slower growth.” He added that this approach supports the government’s recent efforts to secure a trade agreement with the United States.

On Thursday morning, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated his determination to “fight” for a trade deal with the US, hoping to lessen the effects of tariffs as the world enters “a new era.” He told business leaders that these measures would have “an economic impact” both at home and around the world, but he reassured them that the government would handle the situation with “cool and calm heads.”

In Latin America, Brazil, the largest economy in the region, passed the Economic Reciprocity Law in Congress on Wednesday to respond to the 10% tariff imposed by Trump.

The foreign ministry announced that it would consider “all potential measures to ensure fairness in bilateral trade, which may include engaging the World Trade Organization.”

Following Trump’s announcement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned nations against “retaliation” and advised them to “remain calm and absorb the situation.”

He warned, “If you choose to retaliate, there will be escalation.” Notably, the pronouncements from Wednesday excluded Canada and Mexico, the United States’ main trading partners. Russia and its ally North Korea were also exempted from the revised tariff list. The White House stated that it will treat both countries in accordance with previous executive orders that had previously imposed a 25% tax to address fentanyl and border security issues.

Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the tariffs will continue to have an impact on Canada. He pointed out that the 25% tariff on automobiles, which takes effect at midnight on Thursday, would “directly impact millions of Canadians.”
He pledged to “combat these tariffs with countermeasures,” emphasizing that the US tariffs would “fundamentally alter the global trading system.”