In a bold move, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs on April 2, 2025, prompting a fierce global response. The new levies, including a 10% baseline tariff on most imports and a steeper 20% tariff on the European Union, have set off alarm bells worldwide. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has labeled the tariffs “a major blow to the world economy” and warned of “dire consequences” as the EU gears up for retaliatory countermeasures.
A New Era of Trade Tensions
Trump announced the tariffs during a live address from the White House Rose Garden on April 2, dubbing it “Liberation Day in America.” He argued that the measures would rebuild the U.S. economy, boost domestic manufacturing, and curb trade imbalances. However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from world leaders, with many predicting inflation, economic uncertainty, and a potential trade war.
Von der Leyen, speaking from Samarkand, Uzbekistan, outlined the EU’s stance in a formal statement. She acknowledged flaws in the global trading system but cautioned that tariffs alone won’t fix them. “We are prepared to negotiate with the U.S.,” she said, “but we are also ready to respond.” The EU is finalizing a $28 billion counter-tariff package targeting U.S. goods, building on measures first introduced after Trump’s steel tariffs took effect on March 12, as reported by The Epoch Times.
World Leaders Weigh In
The tariffs, effective at 12:01 a.m. on April 5, have elicited varied reactions globally. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to counter with measures to protect Canada’s economy, aiming to maintain its G7 standing. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed “deep regret” in a statement, advocating for free trade and cooperation with the U.S. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, via a post on X, emphasized protecting Irish jobs, calling the tariffs a universal loss.
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer rejected the idea of a trade war, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sought a diplomatic resolution to avoid weakening the West, as noted in Reuters. French President Emmanuel Macron scheduled an urgent meeting with affected businesses on April 3, signaling France’s readiness to act.
Economic Fallout and Future Uncertainty
Von der Leyen warned that the tariffs could spiral into broader protectionism, driving inflation and disproportionately harming vulnerable populations. Trump, however, dismissed the EU as “pathetic” and accused it of exploiting U.S. trade, a sentiment echoed in his Rose Garden speech. As reported by The Epoch Times, the EU’s next steps hinge on stalled White House talks, with further countermeasures looming if diplomacy fails.
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