Fire To Fire: World Leaders React To Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs
Japan is a country that is making the largest amount of investment to the United States, so we wonder if it makes sense for (Washington) to apply uniform tariffs to all countries.
We need to consider what’s best for Japan’s national interest. We’re putting all options on the table in considering the most effective response.
Shigeru Ishiba
Prime Minister of Japan
(Trump) has preserved a number of important elements of our relationship, the commercial relationship between Canada and the United States. But the fentanyl tariffs still remain in place, as do the tariffs for steel and aluminum.
We are going to fight these tariffs with countermeasures, we are going to protect our workers, and we are going to build the strongest economy in the G7.
Mark Carney
Prime Minister of Canada
President Trump’s announcement of universal tariffs on the whole world, including the EU, is 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.
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.
Ursula Von der Leyen
President, European Union Commission
Ireland does not believe in tariffs – Ireland hasn’t started this.
We will work with the European Union – the government’s fundamental objective is to protect Irish jobs.
The decision by the US 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.
Michael Martin
Prime Minister of Ireland
The tariffs are wrong… 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.
Giorgia Meloni
Prime Minister of Italy
Latin America, including Colombia, benefits primarily from Trump’s tariff policy.
But Colombian businesses must take advantage of these opportunities. Agro-industrial and semi-industrial products from countries outside Latin America are becoming more expensive in US markets, and if we can produce those goods more cheaply, it’s time to export them there.
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.
Trump’s decision to impose tariffs by geographic area and not by product type allows us to improve our competitive position on a Latin American scale, and Colombia would benefit if its business community helps us lower energy rates and if the board of the Central Bank abandons the cult and begins to lower interest rates to reduce financial costs.
It’s not labor costs—labor is not a cost—that impede competitiveness; labor is investment, because it generates wealth. The costs that must be reduced are those of lack of association, financial costs, land rents, and energy costs, to gain greater competitiveness.
It is time to implement a shift in the export matrix toward higher levels of added value generation.
The export matrix must change toward greater added value, greater decarbonization, and a more global approach, diversifying the destination of our products.
Gustavo Petro
President of Colombia
China firmly opposes this and will take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests,” the ministry said, as the world’s largest economies look set to spiral deeper into a trade war that stands to upend global supply chains.
China’s Ministry of Commerce
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
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry
Spain will protect its companies and workers and will continue to be committed to an open world.
Pedro Sanchez
Prime Minister of Spain
New Zealand’s interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely … New Zealand’s bilateral relationship with the U.S. remains strong. We will be talking with the administration to get more information, and our exporters to better understand the impact this announcement will have.
I do not know where he got his numbers from but we won’t retaliate.
Todd McClay
New Zealand’s Trade Minister
The Federal Council acknowledges the US tariff decisions. It will quickly determine the next steps. The country’s long-term economic interests are paramount. Adherence to international law and free trade remain core values.
Karin Keller-Sutter
President of Switzerland
As the global trade war has become a reality, the government must pour all its capabilities to overcome the trade crisis.
Han Duck-Soo
Acting President, South Korea
A trade war is in nobody’s interests.
We have prepared for all eventualities — and we will rule nothing out.
Keir Starmer
UK Prime Minister
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