OAN Staff Blake Wolf
11:20 AM – Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Leaders worldwide are responding to President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements, with some voicing threats of retaliation, while others have shown disappointment or expressed gratitude.
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On Wednesday, President Trump unveiled a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, along with reciprocal tariffs according to each nation’s measures against the U.S.
Shortly thereafter, several allies conveyed their discontent with Trump’s new approach while simultaneously indicating their willingness to negotiate with the U.S.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reacted to the tariff announcement by pledging to “persist in negotiating a deal in our interest.” Starmer refrained from criticizing President Trump’s decisions, mentioning that Trump is fulfilling “his mandate.”
In addition, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged with gratitude that “no one received a superior deal” compared to Australia — but he still termed the move as a hostile action. Since only 5% of Australia’s exports go to the U.S., the direct impact on the domestic economy would be minimal.
Despite receiving a 10% universal tariff, Albanese was quick to denounce the initiative, acknowledging his nation’s favorable tariff agreement. He claimed that Trump’s tariffs “lack logic.”
“President Trump mentioned reciprocal tariffs. A reciprocal tariff should be zero, not 10%,” Albanese remarked. “The administration’s tariffs lack reasoning and contradict the foundation of our two nations’ partnership. This is not the action of a friend.”
“Our government will consistently advocate for Australian jobs, Australian industry, Australian consumers, and Australian values,” he stated.
A small number of items exempt from the tariff schedule includes gold bullion and pharmaceuticals, which are among Australia’s largest exports to the U.S. However, Australia’s attempt to secure a beef exemption, citing a trade surplus with the U.S., appears to have been unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon challenged the Trump administration’s assertion that New Zealand imposes a 20% tariff on U.S. goods, stating: “We don’t comprehend how that figure was derived.”
“Approximately $900m worth of tariffs are imposed on New Zealand exporters, which will ultimately affect U.S. consumers negatively,” Luxon added. “It will lead to increased prices for U.S. consumers, higher inflation, and slowed economic growth, creating real pressures worldwide.”
Nonetheless, Luxon noted that many exporters still view long-term growth potential in the U.S., and he believes New Zealand is “well-positioned” to explore other international markets like India. He also informed reporters that New Zealand would refrain from retaliatory tariffs since his nation benefits from maintaining a low tariff structure.
Furthermore, China has reacted to the tariffs as well, raising the total levy on Chinese imports to over 50%.
“There are no victors in a trade conflict, and protectionism offers no solutions,” claimed China’s commerce ministry, urging Trump to “swiftly cancel” the tariffs as they “threaten global economic progress.”
Beijing has also pledged to initiate “counteractions,” without further elaboration — according to Reuters.
China’s Commerce Ministry asserted that the U.S. action disregards the balance of interests established through numerous multilateral trade discussions over the years and ignores the substantial profits it has reaped from global trade. Notably, state media outlets have been relatively quiet on the matter.
As noted by Wang Wen, dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, this reflects how China is more accustomed to U.S. tariffs, unlike other nations adjusting to fresh economic realities.
China and Mexico are presently exempt from reciprocal tariffs, but they each face a 25% tariff on goods, while Canada is contending with a 10% energy tariff.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans to unveil a “comprehensive program” on Thursday, according to a Reuters report. She also indicated on Wednesday that Mexico will not impose “tit-for-tat” tariffs against the United States. Sheinbaum has reminded senior officials in the Trump administration of the “significance of Mexico’s economy maintaining strong performance.”
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