Trump Tariffs Trigger Outrage, Canada and Australia Threaten Countermeasures

Global leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, and Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni, have expressed concerns and criticism following US President Donald Trump's tariff announcement on April 2, Wednesday.

Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs on trading partners includes levies on American goods.

Speaking in the White House Rose Garden during his "Liberation Day" event, the 78-year-old President announced that a 25% tariff on all foreign-made vehicles would take effect at midnight local time. He also stated that a 10% tariff on all imports to the US would begin on April 5.

Describing the move as the start of a “global age” for the US, Trump specified that the UK would face a 10% tariff on goods, the EU would see a 20% rate, China would be hit with a 34% tariff on imports, and India would receive a 26% "discounted reciprocal tariff."

Canada promises to take retaliatory action

“Trump has preserved a number of important elements of our relationship, the commercial relationship between Canada and the United States. But the fentanyl tariffs still remain in place, as do the tariffs for steel and aluminum,” Canadian PM Mark Carney said.

He added that Canada will combat the tariffs with countermeasures to protect its workers and strengthen its position as having the "strongest economy in the G7."

Route of trade and collaboration with the US

“We don't want growing trade barriers. We don't want a trade war... We want to find our way back to a path of trade and cooperation together with the US, so that people in our countries can enjoy a better life,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said.

"Global trade made possible"

The South Korean Acting President Han Duck-Soo said “the global trade war has become a reality”and the government should utilise all its resources to beat the “trade crisis”.

Trump's tariffs are "illogical"

Australian PM Anthony Albanese criticized Trump, stating that his administration's tariffs are "illogical" and undermine the foundation of their two nations' partnership. He added that it is "not the act of a friend" and warned that the move will fuel "uncertainty in the global economy" and raise costs for American households.

Colombia to "safeguard its domestic industry and exporters"

Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia stated that they are prioritizing measures to protect the national industry and its exporters.

Brazil plans to "turn to the World Trade Organization"

Brazil is “evaluating all possible actions to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including resorting to the World Trade Organisation, in defense of legitimate national interests. The Brazilian government regrets the decision made by the North American government today, April 2, to impose additional tariffs of no more than 10% on all Brazilian exports to that country.”

Italy seeks 'agreement' with US to 'avoid trade war'

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said Italy will do everything possible to reach an "agreement" with the US to prevent a trade war that would inevitably "weaken the West in favor of other global players."

The Irish believe tariffs "benefit no one"

Irish PM Micheal Martin said, "The US's decision to impose 20% tariffs on imports from the European Union is deeply regrettable. I firmly believe that tariffs benefit no one. My priority, and that of the government, is to protect Irish jobs and the Irish economy."

New Zealand's ties with the US remain "strong"

New Zealand's Trade Minister stated, "New Zealand benefits most in a world where trade flows freely... Our bilateral relationship with the US remains strong. We will engage with the administration to gather more information and with our exporters to better understand the impact of this announcement."