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World leaders react to tariffs

The Mercury

|

April 04, 2025

US President Donald Trump said he would impose a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the US and higher duties on some of his country's biggest trading partners, drawing defiant responses from leaders and governments around the world.

World leaders react to tariffs

Trump is not imposing his new 10% global tariff rate on goods from top trading partner Canada and Mexico while his previous order remains in place for up to 50% tariffs on many goods from the two countries over border control and fentanyl trafficking issues are the White House said in a fact sheet.

Here are some reactions from top officials and governments around the world:

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

"President Trump's announcement of threatened tariffs on the whole world, including the EU, is a major blow to the world economy."

"Uncertainty will spiral and trigger the risk of another protectionism. The consequences will be dire for millions of people around the globe."

"We are already finalising a first package of countermeasures in response to tariffs on steel. And we are now preparing for further countermeasures, to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail."

China Commerce Ministry

"China firmly opposes this and will take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests."

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