Leaders condemn Trump’s tariffs, some vow | Australian Markets

Countries throughout the world, together with some of America’s closest allies, have condemned President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs and some pledged countermeasures whereas hoping the White House will likely be open to negotiations.

China urged the United States to right away cancel its latest tariffs and vowed to safeguard its own pursuits, threatening to spiral the world’s largest economies deeper into a trade struggle that’s more likely to upend world provide chains.

Leaders in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and South Korea, all main US allies within the area, blasted Trump’s transfer.

“We need to decide what is best for Japan, and most effective, in a careful but bold and speedy manner,” stated Trade Minister Yoji Muto, when requested whether or not Japan would retaliate.

Trump stated on Wednesday that he would impose a 10 per cent baseline tariff on all imports to the US and better duties on dozens of different nations.

Among close US allies, Japan was focused with a 24 per cent charge, South Korea with 25 per cent, Taiwan with 32 per cent and the European Union with 20 per cent.

The UK, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia and most of South America have been let off with the minimal 10 per cent.

“The consequences will be dire for millions of people around the world,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated.

“We are ready to respond, we are preparing further packages of measures to protect our interests.”

Trump introduced China can be hit with a 34 per cent tariff, on prime of the 20 per cent he beforehand imposed earlier in 2025, bringing the whole new levies to 54 per cent and close to the 60 per cent determine he had threatened whereas on the marketing campaign path.

“China firmly opposes this,” Beijing’s commerce ministry stated in a assertion.

“There are no winners in trade wars, and there is no way out for protectionism.”

However, a number of leaders pressed for talks with the White House, in search of exemptions or a retreat on duties, whereas von der Leyen stated she agreed with Trump that the worldwide trading system had “serious deficiencies”.

Trump was not imposing his new 10 per cent world tariff charge on prime trading companions Canada and Mexico whereas his earlier order remained in place for up to 25 per cent tariffs on many items from the 2 nations over border control and fentanyl trafficking points, the White House stated.

“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,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Wednesday that Mexico wouldn’t pursue a “tit-for-tat on tariffs” however would reasonably announce a “comprehensive program” on Thursday.

The authorities of Latin America’s largest financial system, Brazil, which Trump slapped with a 10 per cent tariff, stated it was “evaluating all possible actions to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including resorting to the World Trade Organisation”.