Global Leaders Criticize Trump’s Sweeping New Tariff Policy/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs have drawn strong criticism, cautious responses, and calls for urgent trade talks from global leaders. While avoiding immediate retaliation, many countries warned the measures could damage economies and disrupt global trade. The EU, Canada, China, and others are weighing countermeasures.
Global Reaction to Trump Tariffs – Quick Looks
- Trump announces tariffs from 10% to 49% on global imports
- EU calls move a “major blow to the world economy”
- U.S. tech firms may become EU’s next target
- Parmigiano producers say tariffs will hurt U.S. consumers
- Global markets drop, oil prices fall more than $2
- South Korea, Japan, and China prepare responses
- UK, EU, and Asia call for trade negotiations
- Analysts warn tariffs may trigger global recession
- Norfolk Island puzzled by unexpected 29% U.S. tariff
- EU, Canada, and Mexico weigh strategic retaliation
Global Leaders Criticize Trump’s Sweeping New Tariff Policy
Deep Look
Global Response to Trump Tariffs: Warnings, Strategy, and Trade Tensions Rise
President Donald Trump’s sweeping announcement of new import tariffs has drawn widespread concern and strategic caution from leaders around the world. With levies ranging from 10% to 49% on goods from both allies and adversaries, the new policy has sparked global anxiety over trade stability and economic fallout.
Trump declared that the new tariffs—rolled out on what he dubbed “Liberation Day”—were long overdue corrections to what he views as decades of unfair trade.
“Taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years,” he said. “But it is not going to happen anymore.”
Europe Condemns Tariffs, Urges Talks
Among the most vocal critics was European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who called the U.S. move a “major blow to the world economy.” While stopping short of immediate retaliation, she warned that the new costs on food, medicine, and transportation would hit the most vulnerable populations hardest.
Von der Leyen emphasized that the European Union remains open to negotiations. European officials have so far pursued limited retaliation—targeting politically sensitive American goods like bourbon and motorcycles—while trying to avoid a full-scale trade war that could damage the EU’s export-reliant economy.
France signaled that a new tax on U.S. digital giants could be part of the EU’s response. “We’re going to target services,” said government spokesperson Sophie Primas, referring to major tech firms including Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft.
Germany’s outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Europe must show “strong muscles” to deter future U.S. trade actions, but emphasized the need to reach a trade agreement that benefits both sides. British Prime Minister Kier Starmer echoed that sentiment, warning that “nobody wins in a trade war.”
Italy’s Cheese Industry: Consumers Will Pay
Italian producers of Parmigiano Reggiano noted that their high-end product has little U.S. competition, and that American consumers will bear the cost. “Tariffs only increase prices without protecting local producers,” said Nicola Bertinelli, president of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium.
Asia Reacts with Strategic Caution
In Asia, U.S. allies responded with concern but restraint. Japan announced it would closely assess the tariff impacts. South Korea’s prime minister instructed trade officials to work with businesses to limit damage from the 25% tariff.
China’s Commerce Ministry vowed to take “resolute countermeasures,” likely targeting key U.S. exports or strategic resources such as high-tech minerals, following its past pattern of retaliatory measures.
Markets Slide, Economists Warn of Recession Risk
Financial markets were shaken by the scale and speed of the announcement. U.S. stock futures fell by 3%, Tokyo’s index slid 2.8%, and oil prices dropped more than $2 per barrel.
Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management called the move a “full-throttle macro disruption,” while Deutsche Bank’s Jim Reid described it as “radical policy reordering.” The average U.S. tariff rate now stands at 25%–30%, the highest since the early 20th century.
Olu Sonola of Fitch Ratings warned, “This is a game changer, not only for the U.S. economy but for the global economy. Many countries will likely end up in a recession.”
Unexpected Targets and Legal Confusion
Not all reactions came from major economies. Norfolk Island, an Australian territory of just 2,000 residents, was stunned by a 29% tariff imposed by the U.S.
“We’re scratching our heads here,” said the island’s representative, George Plant. “To my knowledge, we don’t export anything to the U.S.”
Meanwhile, political tensions in the U.S. continue to grow over the administration’s approach to trade and transparency. Three administration officials, including press secretary Karoline Leavitt, are facing a First and Fifth Amendment lawsuit filed by the Associated Press, alleging retaliatory behavior related to editorial content.
What Comes Next?
While many countries have not yet retaliated, the EU and other U.S. trading partners are finalizing potential countermeasures. Europe may impose tariffs on digital services or other U.S. exports, while countries like Canada and Mexico are reviewing how the new U.S. rules impact trade agreements.
Trump’s tariffs have reignited debates over protectionism versus free trade, and their long-term impact remains uncertain. For now, global leaders appear to be trying to strike a balance—applying pressure while leaving the door open for negotiations.
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