Trump's tariff move sparks global trade tensions
Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imports to the USA, set to take effect on April 5th. This decision has generated global commentary.
What do you need to know?
- New tariffs in the USA: Beginning April 5th, the USA will impose a minimum 10% tariff on imports from all countries. For the European Union, tariffs will be set at 20%.
- International reactions: Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the need for reciprocal tariffs, while Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for retaliatory tariffs.
- Context of the decision: Trump described the tariffs as a "declaration of economic independence," aimed at revitalizing American industry.
Which countries will be affected by the new tariffs?
Starting April 5th, the USA will enforce a minimum 10% tariff on imports from all countries. However, imports from the European Union will face a higher tariff of 20%. President Trump stated that this decision responds to what he considers unfair trade practices by other countries. "You think of the European Union, very friendly. They rip us off, it is so sad to see – it is so pathetic. They charge us 39%, we’re going to charge 20% – so we’re charging them essentially half," Trump said.
What are the reactions of world leaders?
Trump's decision has elicited significant international responses. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared that Canada will oppose the American tariffs. British Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds emphasized that the United Kingdom "remain calm and committed to doing this deal [deal with US - ed.]."
What does "liberation day" mean for the USA?
Donald Trump has designated April 2, 2025, as the "liberation day," highlighting that the new tariffs aim to rejuvenate American industry. "Well, we have some very, very good news today, and a lot of good things are happening for our country. April 2, 2025 will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America’s destiny was reclaimed, and the day that we began to make America wealthy again. Going to make it wealthy, good and wealthy," Trump announced. The President stated that his decisions represent a "declaration of economic independence" intended to herald a "golden age" for America.
Trump's decision also prompted a response from Ursula von der Leyen, who announced that the EU will retaliate with its own tariffs. "We are already finalizing the first package of countermeasures in response to tariffs on steel, and we are now preparing for further countermeasures to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail," von der Leyen declared on Thursday morning.
China also addressed the situation, urging the USA to "immediately" retract plans for an additional 34% tariff on Chinese goods. Beijing warned that it would respond with its own tariffs if the USA did not comply.
