Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged Wednesday to “fight” the newly announced tariffs by President Trump, seeking support from international allies to navigate the anticipated challenges.
Carney stated that Trump’s measures would “fundamentally change the international trading system” and predicted a growing negative impact on the U.S. economy.
He emphasized the repercussions for Canada, without elaborating on specific industries or products.
While Canada wasn’t subjected to new tariffs beyond the existing levies on Canadian imports (25%), energy exports (10%), aluminum and steel, Trump announced a 25% tariff on all imported goods.
Trump also suggested potential future tariffs on pharmaceuticals, lumber, and semiconductors, which would affect numerous U.S. trading partners in Europe and Asia, not just Canada and Mexico.
Carney stressed the importance of unity and decisive action during the crisis.
Prior to the tariff announcement, Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed support for “targeted, reciprocal” tariffs on American goods during an election campaign event. He stated that if his party wins the April 28 election, he would aim to negotiate a new trade agreement with President Trump to replace the existing USMCA.
Poilievre also highlighted the need for Canada to maintain border control, protect its freshwater resources, automotive industry, and supply-managed farm sectors.
David Adams, president and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada, criticized the tariffs, stating that they “hurt consumers by increasing costs” and negatively impact workers on both sides of the border.
He urged governments to pursue long-term solutions that eliminate regulatory barriers and provide automakers with the flexibility to adapt to the current uncertainty.
European Union leaders responded to Trump’s announcement of 20% tariffs on all imported goods with disappointment and concern, while reaffirming their commitment to continued negotiations with the U.S.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, generally considered a Trump ally, described the tariffs as “wrong,” warning that they would harm Western interests and benefit adversaries.
Meloni stated her intention to work towards an agreement with the U.S. to prevent a trade war that would weaken the West and pledged to act in Italy’s best economic interest, in collaboration with European partners.
Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed “deep regret” over the new tariffs but affirmed his commitment to working with Washington to resolve the trade dispute.
Harris cautioned that a 20% tariff on goods from all EU countries could significantly impact Irish investment and the broader economy.
Bernd Lange, Chairman of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, called for a unified EU response.
Reuters reported Lange saying that Trump’s “Liberation Day” would be “Inflation Day” for ordinary citizens, as U.S. consumers would bear the brunt of the trade war.
Lange affirmed that the EU would respond with “legal, legitimate, proportionate and decisive” measures.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter stated that her government would assess the next steps.
The U.K. and the president of Mexico indicated that they would continue to work with the U.S. and would not immediately impose reciprocal tariffs.
Reuters reported that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while describing Trump’s decision as “not the act of a friend,” stated that Australia would not impose reciprocal tariffs.
He reportedly condemned the U.S. tariffs as unwarranted and pledged to continue negotiating for their removal.
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