A fresh wave of trade tensions has erupted as world leaders push back against US President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on imports. The universal 10% tariff, set to take effect on April 5, has drawn sharp criticism from the European Union, China, and other affected nations. Some countries will face even steeper levies, with increases starting on April 9.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the tariffs as a “major blow to the world economy.” She warned that the move would trigger uncertainty and have dire consequences for millions worldwide, particularly for vulnerable economies. The EU is preparing countermeasures and will take a unified stance in negotiations.

Trump defended his decision, calling it a necessary step to counter what he views as unfair trade practices. He insisted that the tariffs would strengthen US manufacturing and make the country “wealthy again.” The administration has argued that the levies are a response to high tariffs imposed by other countries and non-tariff barriers that hinder American exports.

In Europe, leaders expressed concern over the impact on their economies. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a known Trump ally, called the decision “wrong” but remained hopeful for a deal to prevent a trade war. Spain’s Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed his commitment to free trade, while Ireland’s Micheál Martin called the tariffs “deeply regrettable.”

French President Emmanuel Macron will meet with business leaders affected by the tariffs to discuss potential solutions. The EU, which is facing a 20% tariff on its exports to the US, has signaled that it will retaliate if negotiations fail. “If you take on one of us, you take on all of us,” von der Leyen stated.

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China, one of the hardest-hit nations, condemned the move and vowed to implement “resolute countermeasures.” Its goods will now face a 34% tariff, bringing total duties to at least 54%. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce urged Washington to cancel the tariffs, arguing that they violate trade agreements.

Asian economies also reacted strongly. Taiwan called the 32% tariff on its exports “highly unreasonable” and pledged to engage in talks with the US. South Korean acting President Han Duck-soo warned that a “global trade war has become a reality” and said his government would take steps to mitigate the economic fallout.

Japan, facing a 24% levy, described the decision as “extremely regrettable” and raised concerns about its compliance with World Trade Organization rules. Thailand, hit with a 36% tariff, is seeking negotiations to lower the impact on its exports.

Israel, which had scrapped all tariffs on US goods before the announcement, was caught off guard by its new 17% tariff. Officials in Jerusalem expressed shock, saying they had expected preferential treatment after removing trade barriers for American imports.

Despite the widespread backlash, Trump remains firm on his decision, emphasizing that the tariffs are meant to protect US industries. However, with multiple countries preparing countermeasures, the move could escalate into a full-blown trade dispute with unpredictable economic consequences.

Reported by BBC News