World leaders sent strong criticism toward the recent U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose heavy tariffs on international imports, which they fear will start a worldwide trade conflict.
Political leaders Giorgia Meloni of Italy and Anthony Albanese of Australia joined numerous critics who spoke out against Donald Trump’s economic policy moves that create broad economic damage.
The United States will enforce a 10% import tax on all products starting April 5, while China and other nations will face major tariff increases up to 54%.
The Italian leader Meloni expressed to Trump that his strategy to tax EU products at 20% was “wrong” because such measures would not serve either side’s interests.
She declared her dedication to collaborating with the United States in order to prevent an all-out trade conflict while saying, “We must find a deal.”
Moreover, Prime Minister Albanese of Australia declared the 10% tariff against Australian products an unjustifiable measure.
“The American public will face the most significant impact from these tariffs since the measures will increase prices while damaging economic growth,” the president stated.
The Prime Minister explained Australia would refrain from implementing countermeasures while concentrating on economic stabilization above participating in what he described as a downward spiral for nations.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin from Ireland also described the tariff decision as “deeply regrettable” because it would create damage for both Atlantic regions.
Meanwhile, China emerged as one of the most affected nations which strongly expressed its position.
The Ministry of Commerce issued an order for the United States to cancel its trade restrictions immediately while Beijing prepared to protect its interests through countermeasures.
Xinhua portrayed Trump’s policy as destructive bullying which created a cycle of retaliation that damaged all parties in the dispute.
Also, Israel experienced complete surprise when it learnt the United States planned to impose a 17% trade tariff on it, although Israel had previously removed all its tariffs against American products.
Economic Minister Amir Peretz, together with other Israeli government officials, voiced their opposition to this move because they saw how it would hurt both their economy and the US economy.
The Asian countries South Korea and Japan also strongly expressed their worries regarding the situation. South Korean acting president Han Duck-soo declared that a worldwide trade conflict had arrived and his administration would develop strategies to handle economic instability.
Also, the Japanese officials showed their disappointment by highlighting that a 24% trade barrier could breach current U.S. trade pacts.
The international criticism failed to convince U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who defended the tariffs as required to safeguard American economic positions.
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He issued a stern warning against retaliation because any response would make the conflict more extreme.
Moreover, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also stated his concern about how the new 25% tariff would affect Canadian automotive industries.
