World leaders and governments have begun reacting to Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
The president imposed a 10% baseline tariff on all imports – but many of America’s biggest trading partners have been hit by a far higher rate.
Speaking at an event he called “Make America Wealthy Again”, Mr Trump criticised foreign “cheaters” and held a chart detailing who would be paying what.
Here is some of the latest reaction.
China, facing a 34% tax, said it would “resolutely” hit back and “take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests”.
“China urges the United States to immediately cancel its unilateral tariff measures and properly resolve differences with its trading partners through equal dialogue,” said the commerce ministry.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the tariffs would have “dire consequences” for millions of people around the world.
“We [the EU] are already finalising the first package of countermeasures in response to tariffs on steel,” said Von der Leyen.
“We’re now preparing for further countermeasures to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail.”
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin added: “We see no justification for this.
“More than €4.2bn worth of goods and services are traded between the EU and the US daily… Tariffs drive inflation, hurt people on both sides of the Atlantic, and put jobs at risk”.
Donald Trump holding the signed executive order. Pic: Reuters
Japan‘s trade minister, Yoji Muto, called the tariffs “extremely regrettable” and said all options were open.
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