Global Leaders Condemn Trump’s New Tariffs, Warn of Economic Fallout

US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 10% tariff on all imports has sparked global backlash, with many leaders warning of severe economic consequences, BBC reported. The sweeping tariff, which takes effect from April 5, will be followed by steeper levies on 60 countries beginning April 9, raising concerns over a potential trade war.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized the decision, calling it a “major blow to the world economy” that could cause uncertainty and widespread hardship. She emphasized that the European Union (EU), facing a 20% tariff, is preparing countermeasures if negotiations with Washington fail. "If you take on one of us, you take on all of us," she warned.

In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a known Trump ally, described the decision as "wrong" but expressed hopes of reaching an agreement to prevent further economic tensions. Spain’s Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed a commitment to free trade, while Ireland’s Micheál Martin called the move "deeply regrettable." French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to meet with business leaders to assess the impact and potential responses.

China, one of the hardest-hit nations, will face a 34% tariff, and its government has vowed "resolute countermeasures" unless the US reverses course. Taiwan (32% tariff) and South Korea (25% tariff) also strongly condemned the move.

South Korean acting President Han Duck-soo warned that the global trade war "has become a reality", while Japan, which faces a 24% tariff, said the measure was "extremely regrettable" and possibly in violation of trade agreements. Thailand, hit with a 36% tariff, has announced plans to negotiate with the US.

Israeli officials expressed shock over their 17% tariff, especially after the country had recently eliminated all tariffs on US imports, expecting improved trade relations. "We were sure our decision to cancel tariffs on US goods would prevent this," an Israeli trade official told local media.

In Latin America, Brazil has already moved to counteract the tariffs. The Brazilian congress passed a new law aimed at ensuring economic reciprocity, and its foreign ministry said it would consider taking the matter to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the tariffs "unjustified" and warned that American consumers would bear the biggest cost. However, he ruled out retaliatory tariffs, saying Australia would not engage in an escalating trade war. The United Kingdom, which managed to secure a lower tariff rate, saw Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promising to "fight" for a trade deal to soften the economic impact. "There will be economic consequences, both here and globally," he said.

Although Canada and Mexico were not specifically named in Trump’s announcement, both countries will still face 25% tariffs on key goods, including automobiles. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that the tariffs would “directly affect millions of Canadians”, vowing to fight back with countermeasures if necessary.

The White House defended the tariffs, saying they were necessary to correct what it views as unfair trade practices by other nations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned other countries against retaliation, saying, "If you retaliate, there will be escalation."

Despite growing international outrage, Trump insists that the tariffs will boost US manufacturing and "make America wealthy again." However, concerns are mounting that the policy could disrupt global trade markets and trigger a full-scale trade war.