World Leaders Criticize Trump's Tariffs on EU Imports

Italian PM Meloni leads criticism of the move, urging for diplomatic negotiations to avoid a trade war.

In a sharp rebuke to US President Donald Trump's recent tariff announcements, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni declared the 20% tariffs on European Union imports to be "wrong." This comes in the wake of Trump's "liberation day" proclamation, which also includes a blanket 10% tariff on all imports beginning April 5. Approximately 60 nations, including EU members, will face higher tariffs effective from April 9, with particularly severe measures imposed on smaller economies like Lesotho, which will see a staggering 50% levy.

While Trump touted the tariffs as a means to "make America rich again," Meloni expressed that such tariffs would be detrimental for both the US and the EU, advocating for a cooperative path to avoid a trade war. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez echoed Meloni's sentiments, emphasizing Spain’s commitment to protecting its businesses and workers while maintaining an open global trade framework.

Irish Trade Minister Simon Harris called for negotiations with the US, considering it the optimal approach, while Taoiseach Micheál Martin lamented Trump’s decision as "deeply regrettable," asserting that it was of no benefit to anyone involved.

From outside the EU, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked that Americans are likely to bear the brunt of these "unjustified tariffs," asserting that his government would refrain from initiating counter-tariffs, claiming it would only lead to inflated prices and sluggish economic growth.

Meanwhile, in Latin America, Brazil's congress moved forward with the Economic Reciprocity Law to combat the 10% tariff from Trump’s administration, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva previously stating that Brazil could not remain passive.

In a warning issued shortly after the tariffs were announced, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned nations against retaliation, cautioning that it could lead to escalation and further conflict.

Interestingly, the US's primary trading partners, Canada and Mexico, were largely absent from these discussions, with the White House indicating that their tariffs, largely stemming from previous executive orders targeting border issues and fentanyl trafficking, would remain in effect. Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada highlighted the immediate impact, noting that the 25% automobile tariff effective Thursday would significantly affect millions of Canadians and pledged to oppose the tariffs with countermeasures.