World leaders react to Trump Tariff: Canada to impose counter measures on U.S., says PM Mark Carney

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday (April 3, 2025) the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose tariffs was “not the act of a friend,” but ruled out placing reciprocal tariffs against the United States.

Canada will fight U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs with countermeasures, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Wednesday (April 2, 2025).

"It's essential to act with purpose and with force, and that's what we will do," he told reporters ahead of a cabinet meeting to discuss Canada's response.

Trump tariff announcement LIVE updates

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday (April 3, 2025) the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose tariffs was “not the act of a friend,” but ruled out placing reciprocal tariffs against the United States.

“The (Trump) administration’s tariffs have no basis in logic and they go against the basis of our two nations’ partnership. This is not the act of a friend,” Albanese told reporters.

Australia would not impose reciprocal tariffs as this would increase prices for Australian households, he added.

“We will not join a race to the bottom that leads to higher prices and slower growth,” Albanese said.

Brazil to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade

The Brazilian government said on Wednesday (April 2, 2025) it is evaluating all the possible actions in response to the United States’ decision to impose 10% tariffs on imports from Latin America’s No. 1 economy.

“The Brazilian government is evaluating all possible actions to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including resorting to the World Trade Organization, in defense of legitimate national interests,” it said in a statement, adding that it remains open to dialogue and believes U.S. claims the tariffs are reciprocal do not “reflect reality.”

World leaders slammed U.S. tariff

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said, “The decision by the U.S. tonight to impose 20% tariffs on imports from across the European Union is deeply regrettable. I strongly believe that tariffs benefit no one. My priority, and that of the government, is to protect Irish jobs and the Irish economy.”

 Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, seen as close to U.S. President Donald Trump, said on Wednesday that tariffs introduced by his administration were “wrong” and would not benefit the United States.

“We will do everything we can to work towards an agreement with the United States, with the goal of avoiding a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West in favor of other global players,” she said in a statement on Facebook.

“In any case, as always, we will act in the interest of Italy and its economy, also engaging with other European partners,” she added.

Published - April 03, 2025 04:34 am IST