U.S. Tariff Move Sparks Worldwide Criticism and Concern
The United States' recent decision to impose tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China has ignited global criticism and raised concerns over escalating trade tensions. Countries across the world, including South Korea, the European Union, Mexico, Canada, and China, have voiced strong opposition to the U.S. protectionist trade policies.
South Korea Vows to Respond Effectively
South Korea's Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo pledged on Monday to \"effectively\" respond to the U.S. tariffs, which could impact the country's exports and companies.
\"As the new U.S. administration is swiftly announcing a set of executive orders under the 'America First' policy and actively utilizing tariffs, the government and the private sector should unite their capabilities to efficiently and effectively respond to the possible effect on the country under different scenarios,\" Cheong was quoted as saying in the Korea Times, vowing to mobilize \"all available resources.\"
The local trade community has expressed concerns over President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, the Korea Times noted.
European Union Criticizes U.S. Tariffs
The European Commission on Sunday criticized the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, stating that they disrupt global trade and are harmful to all, and vowed to retaliate if targeted.
\"The European Union (EU) regrets the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China,\" an EU spokesperson said.
He highlighted the importance of \"open markets and respect for international trade rules,\" adding that tariffs \"create unnecessary economic disruption and drive inflation. They are hurtful to all sides.\"
German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economics Robert Habeck also warned on Sunday that the U.S. move is \"a very bad alternative,\" noting Europe would retaliate.
Mexico to Take Action Against U.S. Tariffs
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Saturday instructed the Secretariat of Economy to implement tariff and non-tariff measures to defend Mexico's interests in response to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
\"Problems are not resolved by imposing tariffs, but by talking and dialoguing,\" Sheinbaum said on social media.
\"We categorically reject the White House's slander against the Mexican government of having alliances with criminal organizations, as well as any intention of intervention in our territory,\" she noted.
Sheinbaum emphasized that if the United States wants to combat criminal groups that traffic drugs and generate violence, both countries should work together in an integrated manner, always under the principles of shared responsibility, mutual trust, collaboration, and above all, respect for sovereignty, \"which is not negotiable.\"
Canada Hits Back with Its Own Tariffs
Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports late on Saturday after the U.S. imposed 25-percent tariffs on most Canadian products.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Canada will levy 25-percent tariffs on 30 billion Canadian dollars ($21 billion) worth of American goods as of Tuesday.
Trudeau said the tariffs would then be applied to another 125 billion Canadian dollars worth of goods in 21 days.
\"American beer, wine and spirits, along with vegetables, clothing, shoes, and perfume, will be among the first items, as well as household appliances, furniture, and sports equipment,\" he said.
Trudeau added that more non-tariff trade actions are still to be decided but could include restrictions on exporting critical minerals and energy products to the United States and a move to block American companies from bidding on government contracts.
China Warns There Is No Winner in Trade and Tariff War
China firmly deplores and opposes the U.S. decision to impose a 10-percent additional tariff on imports from China and will take necessary countermeasures to defend its legitimate rights and interests, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Sunday.
\"China's position is firm and consistent. There is no winner in trade and tariff wars,\" the spokesperson stressed, adding that the U.S. unilateral tariff hikes severely violate WTO rules. This move cannot solve the U.S.'s problems at home, nor, more importantly, does it benefit either side, still less the world.
According to the spokesperson, China is one of the world's toughest countries on counternarcotics both in terms of policy and its implementation. Fentanyl is an issue for the United States. In the spirit of humanity and goodwill, China has given support to the United States in its response to this issue.
Expert: Unilateral Trade Coercion Won't Fix U.S. Fentanyl Crisis
\"The second Trump administration believes that fentanyl poses a severe threat to American society and wishes to have domestic challenges resolved by other countries who, under U.S. pressure, would intensify their enforcement efforts. However, such unilateral trade coercion violates WTO rules and disciplines, thus constituting the incorrect way to solve the problem,\" said Ji Wenhua, a professor at China's University of International Business and Economics' School of Law.
Professor Ji noted that the U.S.'s unilateral tariff measures will have detrimental effects, and the key to solving the fentanyl issue lies in stronger multilateral cooperation.
\"The U.S.'s unilateralist actions are prone to provoke detestation or even countermeasures from other WTO members. Retaliation in response to U.S. tariffs on their products could lead to a global trade war. In the long run, the U.S. actions will backfire. Higher tariffs will result in increased prices for imported goods, increasing burdens on American consumers and undercutting the competitiveness of U.S. companies globally,\" Ji warned.
(With input from agencies)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
