Gloves are off: Global trade war gets fiercer as Trump's tariffs trigger strong backlash from foes and others

President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs have landed, triggering measured responses from key trading partners who seem unwilling to ignite a full-blown trade war—at least for now. Branded as “reciprocal tariffs” and ranging from 10% to 49%, the new import taxes, according to Trump, are simply the U.S.

giving back what it has endured for decades.“Taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years,” he declared, vowing that “it is not going to happen anymore.” Promising a resurgence of jobs and factories, Trump framed the move as more than just economics—he called it a national security necessity that threatens “our very way of life.



”Here are the first reactions:China Beijing said it firmly opposes the new tariffs on its exports, and vowed countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests .US tariffs do not comply with international trade rules and seriously harm the legitimate rights and interests of the relevant parties , the Commerce Ministry said.GermanyThe German Automotive Industry Association (VDA) said the tariffs would only create losers .

The EU is now called upon to act together and with necessary force, while continuing to signal its willingness to negotiate, the VDA said.The German chemical industry, which counts the United States as its largest export market, urged the EU to keep a cool head , stressing an escalation would only worsen the damage .JapanAfter being hit with a 24 percent US levy on its exports, Japan's trade minister Yoji Muto criticised the measure.

The unilateral tariff measures taken by the US are extremely regrettable, and I have again strongly urged (Washington) not to apply them to Japan, he said.Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters the tariffs may contravene World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and the pair's trade treaty.UK The UK will remain calm and committed to sealing an economic deal with the United States which could help mitigate a 10 percent tariff imposed on British exports to the United States, business minister Jonathan Reynolds said.

He added, though, that nothing is off the table, stating: We have a range of tools at our disposal and we will not hesitate to act. ItalyItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised the new US tariffs on imports from the EU and urged a deal, warning a trade war would only weaken the West. The introduction by the US of tariffs towards the EU is a measure that I consider wrong and that does not suit either party, she said.

We will do everything we can to work for a deal with the United States, aiming to prevent a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West in favour of other global actors. CanadaPrime Minister Mark Carney warned the tariffs will fundamentally change the global trading system . We are going to fight these tariffs with countermeasures.

We are going to protect our workers, he said.Brazil Brazil's Congress approved a so-called Economic Reciprocity Law allowing the executive to respond to the 10 percent tariffs on exports from Latin America's biggest economy.The law was approved unanimously by the House of Representatives after receiving the Senate's green light.

The South American powerhouse is the second-largest exporter of steel to the United States after Canada, shipping four million tonnes of the metal in 2024.AustraliaAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the new tariffs were not the act of a friend and will hurt the close allies' relationship. These tariffs are not unexpected, but let me be clear: they are totally unwarranted, he said.

Switzerland After Switzerland was hit with 31 percent tariffs, President Karin Keller-Sutter said the government would quickly decide what to do next. The country's long-term economic interests are the priority. Respect for international law and free trade are fundamental, she said.

Ireland Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he deeply regretted the 20 percent tariffs imposed on exports from the EU.The Irish government would now reflect with EU partners on the next steps, but any action should be proportionate, aimed at defending the interests of our businesses, workers and citizens , he said.Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the government had a strong plan to handle a 36 percent levy and hopes to negotiate a reduction, saying the government would take steps to mitigate the impact.

Denmark Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the new measures threatened global prosperity. Global trade brought us to a better place: in a generation the world has become richer, extreme poverty has been reduced, child mortality has declined and we all live longer, he said. Saddened to see all that jeopardised due to an -- for Europe -- unwanted trade war.

Colombia Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Trump had made a wrong move in imposing the sweeping tariffs. The US government now believes that by raising tariffs on its imports in general, it can increase its own production, wealth, and employment; in my opinion, this could be a big mistake, he said.With inputs from AFP.