World leaders condemn Trump's tariffs, some pledge retaliation

3/4/2025 16:34

Countries across the world, including some of America's closest allies, condemned President Donald Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs and some pledged counter-measures while hoping the White House would be open to negotiations.



China urged the United States to immediately cancel its latest tariffs and vowed to safeguard its own interests, threatening to spiral the world's largest economies deeper into a trade war that is likely to upend global supply chains.



Leaders in Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan and South Korea, all major U.S. allies in the region, blasted Trump's move. "We need to decide what is best for Japan, and most effective, in a careful but bold and speedy manner," said Trade Minister Yoji Muto, when asked whether Japan would retaliate.



Trump said on Wednesday that he would impose a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the U.S. and higher duties on dozens of other countries.



Among close U.S. allies, Japan was targeted with a 24% rate, South Korea with 25%, Taiwan with 32% and the European Union with 20%. The UK, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia and most of South America were let off with the minimum 10%.