Islamabad, April 03: Countries around the world, including key U.S. allies, have condemned President Donald Trump’s newly announced reciprocal tariff regime, with several nations pledging countermeasures while still hoping for negotiations.
China strongly opposed the move and urged the U.S. to cancel the tariffs, warning of further escalations in the ongoing trade war.
Beijing’s commerce ministry stated, “There are no winners in trade wars, and there is no way out for protectionism.”
Trump has now imposed a 34% tariff on China, bringing total levies to 54%—just shy of the 60% he had threatened during his campaign.
Among major U.S. allies, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the European Union were hit particularly hard. Japan faces a 24% tariff, South Korea 25%, Taiwan 32%, and the EU 20%.
EU Warns
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of “dire consequences” and pledged retaliatory measures while acknowledging flaws in the global trade system.
Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and most of South America were spared the harshest measures, facing only the baseline 10% tariff.
However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the move, calling it “not the act of a friend.”
Notably, Canada and Mexico were exempted from the new 10% tariff, though Trump’s prior tariffs of up to 25% on select goods from these countries remain in place.
Also Read: Donald Trump Announces 29% Trade Tariff on Pakistan
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed to protect Canadian workers and the economy, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum opted for a diplomatic approach, promising to announce a “comprehensive programme” rather than retaliatory tariffs.
As global leaders scramble to respond, the new tariffs threaten to disrupt supply chains, escalate trade tensions, and further destabilize the international economy.
