Global reaction to Trump's tariffs

SOME nations have reacted with relief after US President Donald Trump announced tariffs that in some cases were lower than threatened, and delayed by a week to Thursday.

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But others — including Switzerland and chip powerhouse Taiwan - still hope to negotiate lower rates, and uncertainty remains over transshipments and levies on Japanese cars.

Trump’s announcement does not cover export giant China which is currently in negotiations on a trade deal ahead of an August 12 deadline.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government was “disappointed” by Trump's decision to increase US tariffs on Canadian goods to 35%.

Trump’s order cited Canada’s failure to stop fentanyl from entering the US. Carney outlined Ottawa's efforts to crack down on fentanyl and to increase border security.

He said sectors of Canada’s economy, including lumber, steel, aluminium and automobiles, were “heavily impacted by US duties and tariffs”.

The government of Switzerland - a major US trading partner - expressed “great regret” at the 39% tariff rate, despite its “very constructive position” in talks.

It said it “still hopes to find a negotiated solution” to the dispute over the US trade deficit with Switzerland.