President Trump’s newly imposed tariffs, impacting nearly all U.S. trading partners, have drawn reactions from world leaders.

The U.S. government has set a 10% tariff on most imports, while some countries face considerably higher tariffs. Vietnam, for instance, received a 46% tariff one day after reducing its tariffs on U.S. goods.

China faces the highest increase. Trump announced an additional 34% tariff on Chinese exports to the U.S., supplementing the 20% tariff already in place. This brings the total tariff on Chinese imports to 54%, nearing Trump’s campaign pledge of 60%.

“China is strongly against this and will take steps to protect its interests,” stated China’s Commerce Ministry, emphasizing that trade wars produce no winners and protectionism is not a solution.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun cautioned that “Protectionism offers no easy escape” and urged Washington to “correct its errors and resolve trade disputes fairly with other countries, including China.”

The EU, already dealing with 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and car exports to the U.S., now faces an additional 20% tariff. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed disappointment and warned of escalating uncertainty and protectionism with “dire consequences for millions globally.”

Von der Leyen said the EU is finalizing countermeasures on steel and will take similar action to protect its pharmaceutical and auto sectors “if negotiations fail.”

“We must prepare for the inevitable impact. Europe has what it takes to weather this crisis,” von der Leyen stated, highlighting the EU’s strength as the world’s largest market, “a safe harbor in tumultuous times.”

“An attack on one of us is an attack on all,” she added, emphasizing the importance of unity.

The U.K. has so far avoided immediate retaliation to the blanket tariff, but is assessing potential tariffs that would minimize harm to its businesses. Coupled with existing steel and auto tariffs, the new measures could have a significant impact on its economy.

British Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds reportedly told Parliament that the U.K. will “not hesitate to act” if it can’t reach an agreement with Washington to avoid the tariff war.

“We will gather input from U.K. stakeholders until May 1, 2025, on products for potential U.K. tariff responses,” Reynolds stated, giving businesses the opportunity to “influence the design of any possible U.K. response.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney predicted that Trump’s tariffs will “fundamentally alter the global trading system” and pledged to “fight” back through “countermeasures.”

“We’re entering a period of escalating trade tensions that will intensify over time,” he said. “We believe this will negatively impact the U.S. economy, which in turn will affect us.”

“In times of crisis, unity is crucial,” Carney emphasized. “We must act decisively and forcefully, and that is what we will do.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans for a “comprehensive program” to address Trump’s tariffs, but stated she would avoid a “tit-for-tat” approach.

Sheinbaum intends to “strengthen the economy regardless of the circumstances.”

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated, “We’re considering all options for the most effective response.”

“Japan is a major investor in the United States,” he reportedly said. “We question the logic of applying uniform tariffs to all countries. This is a point we’ve consistently made and will continue to emphasize.”

“We must prioritize Japan’s national interests,” he added, without specifying potential actions Tokyo might take.

Despite receiving relatively low tariffs, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described them as “totally unwarranted.”

“President Trump mentioned reciprocal tariffs. A true reciprocal tariff would be zero, not 10%,” he stated. “The administration’s tariffs are illogical and contradict our nations’ partnership.”

“This is not how friends act,” Albanese said.

Albanese emphasized that Americans will bear the brunt of the tariffs and therefore, he will avoid implementing reciprocal tariffs on the U.S.

“We refuse to engage in a race to the bottom,” he added, pledging continued efforts to remove the tariffs.

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