Within hours of Trump’s “Liberation Day” speech, a chorus of global voices began responding — some cautiously, others furiously. While the U.S. president promised to rebalance what he called “decades of economic exploitation,” world capitals began drawing their own red lines.
Standing in the White House Rose Garden, President Trump called it “Liberation Day”. But for much of the world, it felt more like a diplomatic earthquake.
In a 48-minute address, Trump unveiled:
A 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the U.S. (starting April 5)
Customised higher tariffs on roughly 60 countries — including a staggering 54% rate on China, 46% on Vietnam, 20% on the EU, and 10% on the UK
A national emergency declaration to justify the sweeping economic action
“Our country has been looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered,” Trump said, promising that “American industry will be reborn.”
Ireland: “Tariffs benefit no one”
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin responded sharply, calling the 20% EU-wide tariff “deeply regrettable.”
“They hurt jobs. They hurt people. We will defend the Irish economy.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris echoed the alarm, warning of prolonged damage:
“A 20% blanket tariff could hit Irish investment hard. Every disagreement ends in agreement — but we must be prepared.”
Poland: “Friendship means fairness”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted on X:
“Friendship means partnership. Partnership means really and truly reciprocal tariffs. Adequate decisions are needed.”
Sweden: “We don’t want a trade war”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson struck a broader tone:
“Free trade brought peace, prosperity and innovation. Tariffs make our people poorer and the world more dangerous.”
He warned the U.S. move “reverses decades of cooperation” and pledged that Sweden will continue to fight for open markets within the EU.
🇨🇳 China: Financial freeze
Beijing took quiet but significant action, suspending approvals for outbound investments in U.S. assets — a calculated form of pressure designed to gain leverage before any negotiations begin.
Japan: Calls for talks
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Tokyo will seek immediate dialogue, particularly on car tariffs. He signalled willingness to fly to Washington if needed.
The Bank of Japan warned the tariffs could harm global growth and worsen supply chain fragility.
India: “Reviewing options”
India faces a 26% reciprocal tariff and is weighing its next steps. Officials indicated retaliation is not off the table, but no measures have yet been announced.
South Korea: Rebound at risk
South Korea, seeing an export revival, warned that Trump’s tariffs could derail recovery. The government confirmed it is preparing a mitigation strategy to shield key industries.
Within Trump’s administration, the move drew cheers from top allies:
Kristi Noem: “Strong action that will help make America safe again.”
Mike Waltz: “Economic security is national security.”
Speaker Mike Johnson: “We will not be exploited anymore.”
But the markets didn’t celebrate. U.S. indices closed cautiously, and futures fell:
Nasdaq futures dropped 2.5%
FTSE 100 slipped 0.7%
Gold hit a record above $3,130/oz
Brent crude slid 1% before rebounding
Auto stocks — Ford, GM, Stellantis, and Tesla — all tumbled.
Trump invoked U.S. trade history — recalling the tariff-backed era before 1913 — as a golden age. But economists were quick to issue warnings.
“This is worse than expected,” said Mary Lovely of the Peterson Institute.
“There are huge implications for global trade and inflation.”
Trump promised “kind reciprocity”, but insisted other countries must drop their barriers first:
“Terminate your tariffs. Stop manipulating your currencies. If not — you’ll pay.”
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Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 26 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz has taken steps towards potentially declaring a state of emergency as anti-government protests intensify in the early months of his administration.
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
China’s carbon emissions grew far less than previously thought over the past five years, according to a new analysis that is drawing close attention from climate researchers worldwide.
Muslims around the world have marked Eid al-Adha with prayers, celebrations and acts of charity, though for many Palestinians the holiday unfolded amid conflict, restrictions and loss.
Spanish police visited the headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) in Madrid on Wednesday as part of a widening High Court investigation into alleged attempts to interfere with judicial proceedings involving party and government figures.
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