US tariffs draw defiant responses from world leaders

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

Mr Trump is not imposing his new 10% global tariff rate on goods from top trading partners Canada and Mexico, while his previous order remains in place for up to 25% tariffs on many goods from the two countries.

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

European Union

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said President Trump's announcement of universal tariffs was a "major blow to the world economy".

"Uncertainty will spiral and trigger the rise of further protectionism. The consequences will be dire for millions of people around the globe," she said.

Ms Von der Leyen said the EU is finalising a package of measures in response to US tariffs on steel and is "now preparing for further countermeasures to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail".

China

China's commerce ministry said Beijing "firmly opposes" the reciprocal tariffs and will take "countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests".

The ministry added that there were "no winners in trade wars" and there is no way out for protectionism.

"China urges the US to immediately lift unilateral tariffs and properly resolve differences with its trading partners through dialogue on an equal footing."

Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said the US government’s trade restrictions will have a significant impact not only on the economic dynamic between Japan and the US but also on the global economy and multilateral trading system as a whole.

"We have serious concerns about the consistency of these measures with the WTO Agreement and the Japan-US Trade Agreement.

"We will continue to strongly urge the US to review its measures."

Canada

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed that Canada would fight the tariffs with countermeasures, to protect workers and establish the "strongest economy in the G7".

Goods from Canada and Mexico are not currently subject to reciprocal tariffs because Mr Trump's prior 25% fentanyl-related duties remain in place on their goods, along with 10% for Canadian energy and potash. A tariff exemption for goods compliant with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade will continue indefinitely.

UK

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would continue to work on a trade deal with the US, adding that a trade war was "not in our national interest."

"We have a fair and balanced trade relationship with the US.

"Negotiations on an economic prosperity deal, one that strengthens our existing trading relationship - they continue."

"Nonetheless... I will only strike a deal if it is in the national interest."

Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the tariffs as "fundamentally wrong" and an "attack on a trade system that has created prosperity all around the world".

Mr Scholz added that he wanted "cooperation, not confrontation" adding that Europe will form a united response to the move by the US President.

Speaking later, he added: "It's perfectly obvious: even if Europe did nothing at all, it would lead to economic difficulties for the U.S. All this is basic economics that we have been able to read about in the textbooks on trade wars for 100 years."

France

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said the tariffs would cause "immense difficulty for Europe," but said it was also a "catastrophe" for both the US and its citizens.

Australia

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Trump administration’s tariffs have no basis in logic, adding that they went against the basis of the two nations’ partnership.

"This is not the act of a friend. Today's decision will add to uncertainty in the global economy, and it will push up costs for American households."

Spain

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the tariffs were an "attack" that made no distinction between friends and enemies.

"It doesn't discriminate based on ideology or trade balance; it's against everyone and everything."

Brazil

The government of Latin America's largest economy Brazil which Mr Trump slapped with a 10% tariff, said it was "evaluating all possible actions to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including resorting to the World Trade Organization."

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.

South Korea

Acting President Han Duck-soo ordered emergency support measures for affected businesses, including automobiles, the industry ministry said, after Mr Trump's tariff announcement included a 25% rate on South Korea.

"As the global trade war has become a reality, the government must pour all its capabilities to overcome the trade crisis."

New Zealand

Trade Minister Todd McClay said the nation's bilateral relationship with the US remained strong.

"We will be talking with the administration to get more information and our exporters to better understand the impact this announcement will have."

Sweden

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said he wanted to find a way to reestablish trade and cooperation with the US to ensure citizens in both nations enjoy a better life.

Switzerland

The President of Switzerland Karin Keller-Sutter said adhering to international law and free trade were core values of her country, adding that the country's long-term economic interests were paramount.

Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her country will work towards an agreement with the US to try and avoid a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West.

Colombia

Responding to news of the tariffs Colombian President Gustavo Petro said: "We will only make US imports more expensive if they take away our jobs. But we won't raise tariffs if their goods help create higher-value jobs."

Mexico

President Claudia Sheinbaum said yesterday that Mexico would not pursue a "tit-for-tat on tariffs" but would rather announce a "comprehensive programme" today.

Israel

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he was convening ministry officials to formulate a course of action to protect Israel's economy from impending 17% tariffs.