World leaders have expressed alarm and disappointment following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping reciprocal tariffs on imports, sparking fears of a global trade war and renewed economic instability. The new policy, which Trump introduced on “Liberation Day,” sets a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the US starting April 5. From April 9, further duties ranging from 17% to 49% will be imposed on around 90 countries, which Washington claims maintain unfair tariffs on American goods.
The European Union, set to face a 20% tariff, called the move a “major blow” to the global economy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of “immense consequences” and said the EU was prepared to implement countermeasures. China, which will face a 34% reciprocal tariff, condemned the decision, with its commerce ministry calling for an immediate reversal. Beijing vowed to take countermeasures to protect global economic development.
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The tariffs have also sparked criticism from some of Trump’s traditional allies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the decision as “wrong,” warning that a trade war would weaken the West. Similarly, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin argued that the tariffs would “benefit no-one,” while Japan and South Korea voiced concerns over the potential violation of WTO agreements.
Countries across Asia and Europe have reacted strongly to the new tariffs, with leaders from India, Australia, Israel, and Switzerland all expressing concerns. Economists have raised alarms that the tariffs could negatively affect lower-income Americans and even risk pushing the US into a recession, while Trump’s administration insists the move is about fairness and has warned of escalation in response to any retaliatory measures.
