World leaders react to Trump’s ‘reciprocal tariffs’ Mistake that benefits no one

WASHINGTON: As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs", the world reacted sharply against the decision, with some calling it a "mistake that benefits no one" while others called it a violation of Washington's obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Amid widespread opposition, Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs", imposing a 10-percent "minimum baseline tariff" and higher rates on certain trading partners, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Brazilian government criticised the US for imposing an additional 10 per cent tariff on all Brazilian exports, saying that the move violates Washington's commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The US trade surplus with Brazil in 2024 amounted to approximately $7 billion in goods alone, and the surplus reached $28.6 billion last year when goods and services are combined, Brazil's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, noting that "this represents the third-largest trade surplus for the United States worldwide."

Given that the United States has recorded recurring and significant trade surpluses of 410 billion dollars in goods and services with Brazil over the past 15 years, the unilateral imposition of an additional 10 percent tariff on Brazil under the justification of restoring balance and ensuring "trade reciprocity" does not reflect reality, the ministry said.

"In defending Brazilian workers and businesses, and in line with its strong commitment to the multilateral trading system, the Brazilian government will consult with domestic industries to protect their interests and seek dialogue with the U.S. government," it said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also on Wednesday night criticised Trump's decision to impose tariffs on the EU, calling it "a mistake that benefits no one."

She said that Italy would work to reach an agreement with the US to prevent a trade war that could weaken the West in favour of other global players.

"We will do everything we can to reach an agreement with the United States to avert a trade war, which would inevitably weaken the West and strengthen other global actors," Meloni said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also condemned the new US tariffs on imports from the nation as "unwarranted" and "not the act of a friend." (IANS)

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