'This is not act of friend': Global reactions to Trump's new tariffs

How EU reacts

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, considers the introduction of new tariffs by the US President a serious blow to the global economy. She assured that the EU is "ready to respond with countermeasures" if negotiations with Washington fail.

"We are already finalizing work on the first package of countermeasures in response to the steel tariffs. And now we are preparing for further countermeasures to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail," Ursula von der Leyen added.

The President of the European Commission warned of "huge consequences" for the global economy, particularly for vulnerable countries that will now face some of the highest American tariffs.

The President of the European Council, António Costa, in turn, warned that a trade war between the EU and the US "will affect everyone." António Costa noted that Europe must "react firmly but wisely" to Trump's tariffs.

"This is truly a major economic mistake for the US, as well as for Europe and the entire world," Costa said.

European Commissioner for Defense Andrús Kubilius, ahead of an informal meeting of the EU Council in Warsaw, stated that Washington remains an ally of the EU, but it is currently unclear how US tariff policy will impact transatlantic relations.

"You know, the European Union certainly did not want this. We did everything to avoid such a development," Kubilius said.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, emphasized that "there are no winners in trade wars."

"Right now, we buy a lot from the Americans, but we need to diversify our portfolio so that we have the capability to produce ammunition and other things we need here, as well as the ability to buy from other allies, ensuring we have a diversified portfolio," Kallas believes.

Photo: The President of the European Commission threatened the US with an answer to the tariffs (Getty Images)

France

French Prime Minister François Bayrou told journalists that Trump's tariffs mean "disaster" for the global economy and create "great difficulties" for Europe. According to him, this move will be "a catastrophe for the US and its citizens."

In comments published by BFMTV and Le Figaro, Bayrou criticized the American authorities for turning against their allies. Bayrou warned of "serious times" ahead for Europe and the West.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron, in connection with the US decision, intends to meet on Thursday with representatives of French economic sectors "affected by the US tariff measures."

UK

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with British business leaders and insisted that the government will respond to the new US tariffs with "a cool and calm head." According to Starmer, the government will focus on making decisions "guided only by our national interests."

Regarding a possible response to US tariffs, Starmer noted that "nothing is off the table."

Germany

Germany's Minister of Economy, Robert Habeck, who is leaving his post, emphasized the need for a unified EU response, stating that the bloc must consider the fact that it has the largest single market in the world.

"Europe's strength is our strength," he said, adding that he hopes for "a resolution through negotiations."

Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the introduction of US tariffs "wrong," and she pledged to "do everything possible to reach an agreement with the United States to avoid a trade war, which would inevitably weaken the West to the benefit of other global players."

"In any case, as always, we will act in the interests of Italy and its economy, also through discussions with other European partners," Meloni added.

Sweden

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that he "deeply regrets" the US decision, saying that his country "does not want an increase in trade barriers." At the same time, he added that the Swedish government is ready to respond and work with the EU. However, he emphasized that it is free enterprise and competition that have laid the foundation for the West's success.

"That's why Americans can listen to music on Swedish Spotify, and we Swedes can listen to the same music on our American iPhones," the official said.

Ireland

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin stated that tariffs "benefit no one," warning that they "are bad for the global economy and harm people and businesses."

Martin stated that he would work with EU partners to "begin negotiations with the US to limit the damage."

Poland

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk published a brief message on social media, stating: "Friendship means partnership, and partnership means 'truly mutual tariffs.' Adequate solutions are needed."

British Prime Minister vows to respond to Trump's new tariffs with a "cool and calm head" (Getty Images)

Finland

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated that tariff decisions are "concerning" and warned that "there are no winners in a trade war."

"Businesses, consumers, and economic growth suffer. The EU is ready to respond and negotiate. We support these efforts. Finland is ready as part of the Union," Orpo said.

Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that his country "will defend its companies and workers and will continue to be a supporter of an open world."

Denmark

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said that global trade "has made us better" - in one generation, the world has become wealthier, and extreme poverty and child mortality have decreased.

"I do not understand why the US wants to start a trade war against Europe. No one wins; everyone loses. Instead of building walls, we should be tearing down barriers. Europe will stand united," the Danish Minister believes.

Hungary

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó lashed out at Brussels with accusations. According to him, Europeans are once again "forced to pay for the incompetence of Brussels politicians."

"They did not negotiate but turned an economic issue into an ideological one. And all this for a monthly salary of thousands of euros," the Hungarian Minister believes.

Other countries

China

China's Ministry of Commerce urged the US to immediately cancel the tariffs and warned Washington about possible countermeasures.

"There are no winners in trade wars, and protectionism has no way out. China urges the US to immediately cancel unilateral tariffs and properly resolve disputes with its trade partners through equal dialogue," the statement says.

Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, on the other hand, stated that Japan is "the country that invests the most in the US," so he questioned the feasibility of Washington imposing uniform tariffs for all countries.

"We must consider what best serves Japan's national interests. We are considering all options to find the most effective response," the Japanese Prime Minister noted.

Switzerland

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter assured that the country's government "will quickly determine the next steps" in response to the new US tariffs.

"The country's long-term economic interests are of paramount importance. Compliance with international law and free trade remain fundamental values," she stated.

Norway

Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth said that the new US tariffs are serious for the global economy.

"We are finalizing our calculations and reviewing what has been announced. But it is already clear that this is serious for the global economy and critically important for Norway," Myrseth noted.

Photo: Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko called the tariff situation for Ukraine "difficult but not critical" (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)

Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also promised countermeasures in response to the new American tariffs.

"We will fight these tariffs with countermeasures, we will protect our workers, and we will build the strongest economy in the G7," Carney stated.

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed confidence that the Trump administration's new tariffs "have no logic and contradict the foundations of partnership" between the two countries.

"This is not an act of a friend. Today's decision will add uncertainty to the global economy and lead to increased costs for American households," Anthony Albanese warned.

New Zealand

New Zealand's Minister of Trade Todd McClay, in turn, emphasized that his country's interests "are best served in a world where trade is free."

At the same time, he noted that New Zealand's bilateral relations with the US "remain strong."

Brazil

Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret over the US decision in its statement.

"The Brazilian government is evaluating all possible actions to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including an appeal to the World Trade Organization, to protect legitimate national interests," the statement says.

Ukraine's response

According to Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko, there will be a general tariff of 10% for the Ukrainian side, which she does not consider "critical" for Ukrainians.

Svyrydenko noted that in 2024, Ukrainian exports to the US amounted to $874 million, of which $363 million was pig iron and another $112 million — pipes. Meanwhile, Ukraine purchased goods from the US worth $3.4 billion.

"Our tariffs on American goods are quite low - 10% on cars, 0% on coal and oil. Therefore, we now have a chance to negotiate different terms - the American statement clearly mentions such a possibility," the Ukrainian Minister stated.

According to Svyrydenko, if everything remains as it is, the new tariffs will primarily affect small producers.

"We export over 600 different categories of goods to the US (very diverse - even wrenches), with 65 types of products worth more than $1 million. Ukraine has much to offer the US as a reliable ally and partner. Fair tariffs will benefit both our countries," the Ukrainian Minister added.

Trump's new tariffs

Earlier, US President Donald Trump signed an order imposing tariffs on imports from over 180 countries. He justified this step by the need to respond to "unfair tariffs" that other countries apply to American products.

According to the document published on the White House website, reciprocal tariffs ranging from 11% to 48% are introduced for specific countries, while a "base" rate of 10% will apply to the rest. Exceptions were made for Canada and Mexico, whose trade policies are regulated separately.

In particular, China received a tariff of 34%, the EU - 20%, India - 26%, and the United Kingdom - 10%. The strictest restrictions apply to Cambodia (49%), Vietnam (46%), and Sri Lanka (44%). Ukraine will be subject to the "base" 10%.

Meanwhile, Russia, Cuba, Belarus, and North Korea were not affected by the order, as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that "the US does not trade with them."

Furthermore, Trump signed another order declaring a state of emergency in the US due to the threat of a trade balance deficit. According to Bloomberg, this grants the administration expanded powers to implement tariff policies.

Even a group of islands near Antarctica, inhabited by penguins, fell under Trump's announced tariffs. They are completely uninhabited, and it is believed that the last human visit occurred nearly ten years ago.

Sources: The Guardian, Reuters, Bloomberg, BFMTV, Le Figaro, NRK.

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