Trump’s decisions violate WTO regulations and undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system, China pointed out.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the imposition of a base global tariff of 10% for all countries, a 20% tariff on imports from the European Union, and an additional tariff for those countries he considers the “worst offenders.” Below are some reactions to this new wave of U.S. protectionism.

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EUROPEAN UNION

On Thursday, French government spokesperson Sophie Primas said thath the European Union (EU) will impose retaliatory tariffs on all goods and services from the United States by the end of April and is ready for a trade war.

The EU’s first response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum would be implemented around mid-April. The second response of the EU would target all American products and services, and it should probably be ready by the end of April, she said, adding that the EU members are deciding which products to target.

Primas told RTL that the EU would also impose tariffs on American online services, such as services provided by the Big Tech. The EU has not yet taxed those services, she said.

Admitting that a trade war would harm French and European economies, Primas said the trade war would also be “very bad” for the American economy.

UNITED KINGDOM

On Thursday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Britain is “prepared” for the economic impact of U.S. tariffs while continuing to negotiate a deal.

Addressing business leaders at 10 Downing Street, Starmer said, “Last night, the President of the United States acted for his country. That is his mandate. Today, I will act in Britain’s interests, with mine.”

He said that decisions made by the British government in the coming days and weeks will be guided solely by the national interest. “Nobody wins in a trade war,” Starmer said, adding that his country will “fight for the best deal for Britain … But nothing is off the table.”

He went on to highlight Britain’s ability to remain calm in the face of uncertainty: “One of the great strengths of this nation is our ability to keep a cool head…. We have a range of levers at our disposal.”

Speaking to local media on Thursday morning, British Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said he is “disappointed” by the additional tariffs imposed on Britain, describing the 10 percent tariff as not a “fair reflection of how we currently trade.” 

CHINA

On Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that China urged the United States to correct its wrongful imposition of “reciprocal tariffs,” and address economic and trade differences with China and other countries through equal, respectful, and mutually-beneficial negotiations.

Under the pretext of “reciprocity,” the United States has imposed additional tariffs on exports from China and other countries, which seriously violates World Trade Organization regulations and severely undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system, noted Guo.

“China firmly opposes this and will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” said the Chinese diplomat, reiterating that there is no winner in a trade or tariff war, and that protectionism offers no solution.

NEW ZEALAND

On Thursday, New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said that his country will “continue to advocate for a rules-based trading system” following the U.S. tariff announcement.

Confirming New Zealand exporters will face a 10 percent tariff rate from this weekend, McClay said the country has no intention of responding with countermeasures to the U.S. tariffs, as doing so would increase prices for New Zealand consumers and contribute to inflation.

New Zealand exports approximately US$5.17 billion in goods to the United States, meaning a 10 percent tariff would cost exporters around US$524 million.

“New Zealand’s interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely,” he said, adding that tariffs have consequences for the global economy, impacting inflation, demand, currency stability, and economic growth.

The minister highlighted the significance of New Zealand’s efforts to open new trade opportunities and ease barriers for its exporters in the European Union, Britain, the Middle East and India. 

COSTA RICA

Costa Rica will seek discussions with U.S. officials following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of new reciprocal tariffs, which sets to impose a 10 percent increase of levies on goods exported from Costa Rica, the country’s ministry of foreign trade said Wednesday.

“We are gathering more information and analyzing it carefully,” the ministry said in a brief statement. “We will initiate dialogue with U.S. authorities to ensure the best possible market access for Costa Rican products.”

The new tariffs will take effect on Costa Rican exports starting April 5. The U.S. is Costa Rica’s largest trading partner and the top destination for its exports. In 2024 Costa Rica shipped goods worth about US$9.4 billion to the United States, representing 47 percent of its total exports.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: Xinhua – EFE

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