President Donald Trump has announced sweeping tariffs of at least 10% on most goods coming into the US. Here’s how countries are responding.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said during a news conference: “For Australia these tariffs are not unexpected but let me be clear — they are totally unwarranted. Trump referred to reciprocal tariffs. A reciprocal tariff would be zero not 10%. The admin’s tariffs have no basis in logic and they go against the basis of our two nations’ partnership.”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said: “Free enterprise and competition have laid the foundations of the West’s success. That’s why Americans can listen to music on Swedish Spotify and we Swedes can listen to the same music on our American iPhones. This is why I deeply regret the path the US has embarked upon, seeking to limit trade with higher tariffs.”
Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “My priority, and that of the government, is to protect Irish jobs and the Irish economy. And we will work with our companies, multinational companies and Irish companies, to navigate the period ahead.”
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said: “Friendship means partnership. Partnership means really and truly reciprocal tariffs. Adequate decisions are needed.”
A French government spokesperson accused Trump of wanting to be “master of the world,” in a rare personal attack on the US president. Sophie Primas told French radio station RTL the tariffs would be a “hard blow” for the international and European economies, but said Europe will continue to negotiate with the US. The EU is preparing countermeasures.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said: “It’s beyond me that the US wants to start a trade war against Europe. No one’s a winner, everyone loses. Instead of raising walls, we should bring down barriers.”
Cecilie Myrseth, Norwegian minister of trade and industry, told Norwegian state broadcaster NRK: “We are doing the calculations and looking through what has come. But it is obvious that this is serious for the world economy, and it is critical for Norway. What we can at first glance is 20% tariffs against the (European Union), and at least 10–15% against Norway. That is of great importance, because we also send a lot of exports to the EU.”
Karin Keller-Sutter, president of the Swiss Federation, said: “The Federal Council has taken note of the US decisions on tariffs. It will quickly determine the next steps. The country’s long-term economic interests are the priority. Respect for international law and free trade are fundamental.”
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