[Text/Observer Network Xiong Chaoyi] US President Trump, waving the "tariff stick" indiscriminately, signed two executive orders on April 2 local time regarding the so-called "reciprocal tariff," causing strong reactions worldwide.
The Washington Post reported on April 3 local time that both the United States' so-called "allies" and "adversaries" were shocked by Trump's tariff blitz. Some have prepared to counterattack, while others still hope for negotiations. Trump's new threats have also united the United States' "allies" and "adversaries" in the same line of defense.
In particular, after Trump imposed massive tariffs on all major Asian economies, analysts believe these measures may strengthen China's influence in the region. Suzanne Patton, director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Australian think tank Lowy Institute, said: "This decision is so principle-free, sudden, and impactful that it raises questions about what kind of partner the U.S. will become. This move only confirms China's claim that the U.S. is an unreliable, distant, and treacherous partner."
Scholars from Thailand's think tanks believe that being an ally of the U.S. is worse than being an adversary. "As an adversary, at least you know what you're up against." Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Albanese also candidly admitted that Trump's tariff hikes violate the foundation of the Australia-U.S. partnership, which is not a friendly move.
Analysts pointed out that in the face of Trump's ongoing tariff threats, China's response seems to foreshadow further countermeasures. At the same time, the EU has stated that if negotiations fail, it will take further countermeasures. Although Japan and South Korea, the U.S.'s two main allies in East Asia, have made strong responses, experts believe they may lack counterattack options and find it difficult to impose retaliatory tariffs. A Japanese trade negotiator believes that Trump's tariff policies may prompt Japan to turn to other countries to reduce dependence on the U.S. supply chain, including increasing trade with China.
April 2, 2025, the White House, USA, Trump holds a speech on foreign trade barriers. Visual China
Not just China, many of America's trading partners are furious.
According to Trump's announcement of the new policy, China's "reciprocal tariff" rate will reach 34%, Vietnam's tariff will be as high as 46%, Thailand's tariff will be 36%, Indonesia's tariff will be 32%, India's tariff will be 26%, Japan's tariff will be 24%, South Korea's tariff will be 25%, and the EU's tariff will rise to 20%.
The Washington Post reported that previously, the U.S. had already imposed a 20% tariff on Chinese goods, including some household appliances, machinery, and clothing, and the current tariff has already reached 45%. With the additional 34% rate expected to take effect on April 9, the tariff on Chinese goods continues to increase.
A CNBC reporter also revealed that White House press secretary Caroline Levitt confirmed that the U.S. would impose a latest "reciprocal tariff" of 34% on top of the previous 20% tariff on China. This means that once these tariffs take effect, the total U.S. tariff rate on China will reach 54%.
Chad Brown, a senior researcher at the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE), mentioned that according to Trump's latest policy, all goods imported from China—including iPhones, laptops, toys, and video game consoles—will face at least this rate.
On April 3, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce stated that China firmly opposes the U.S. announcement of "reciprocal tariffs" on all trading partners and will resolutely take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests.
The spokesperson pointed out that the U.S. claims it has been at a disadvantage in international trade and justifies raising tariffs on all trading partners under the pretext of "reciprocity." This approach disregards the balanced results achieved through years of multilateral trade negotiations and ignores the fact that the U.S. has long benefited greatly from international trade. Based on subjective and unilateral assessments, the U.S. has arrived at the so-called "reciprocal tariff," which does not conform to international trade rules and severely harms the legitimate rights and interests of relevant parties. It is a typical example of unilateral bullying.
China also mentioned that many trading partners have expressed strong dissatisfaction and clear opposition to the U.S.'s actions.
"As Trump's 'tariff stick' threatens the world, this prompts U.S. allies to engage in dialogue with China," said Ma Bin, associate professor at the Institute of International Studies, Fudan University. "This driving effect is very obvious."
"Being an ally of the U.S. is worse than being an adversary."
"European political and business leaders, upon learning the details of the tariff hikes, added their shock, anger, and confusion to the global protest wave."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that if negotiations with the U.S. fail, the EU is ready to respond. "There is no order in chaos, and there is no clear path in complexity," she said in a statement. The U.S. tariff initiative is a "major blow."
She revealed that the EU is finalizing its first round of retaliation against U.S. steel tariffs and is preparing further countermeasures to protect its interests and businesses if negotiations fail. She added, "It's not too late to solve problems through negotiation," and told Europeans, "I know many of you are disappointed by our longest-standing ally."
April 3, 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen holds a press conference before the EU-Central Asia Summit. Visual China
The outgoing German Vice Chancellor and Economy and Climate Protection Minister Robert Habeck warned that the U.S.'s "tariff frenzy" could trigger a chain reaction, dragging multiple countries into economic recessions and even causing significant damage globally. Italian Prime Minister Meloni said that the U.S. imposing tariffs on the EU was "wrong" and that she would push for an agreement with the U.S. to "prevent a trade war that inevitably weakens the West and benefits other global participants."
Besides targeting the two major economies of China and Europe, Trump also swung his "tariff stick" at many smaller economies. ASEAN countries were hit with high tariffs, and these rates shocked America's allies.
"We are at a loss," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a senior researcher at Chulalongkorn University's Institute of Security and International Affairs. Thailand has always been an American treaty ally.
"Now being an ally of the U.S. is worse than being an adversary. As an adversary, at least you know what you're up against." Thitinan said, "But being treated like an adversary despite being an ally... this is unexpected and not good."
Although Australia was "only" taxed at 10%, the lowest tariff tier, the situation is relatively eased, but Prime Minister Albanese also expressed similar views. "The U.S. government's tariffs lack logical basis and violate the foundation of our bilateral partnership; this is not a friendly move."
Industry insiders: Affected by tariffs, Japan may increase trade with China
Analysts said that the destructive impact of Trump's tariffs on U.S. allies will depend on the implementation and possible exemptions. The White House listed specific industry exemptions such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, which may provide relief for partners like South Korea.
The Washington Post reported that the two East Asian countries, Japan and South Korea, view the latest tariff announcement as the prelude to negotiations with the Trump administration. Last week, Trump announced a 25% tariff on all imported cars and key automotive components, already impacting Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Kia.
The report described Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba's response to the tariff issue as the "strongest yet" on April 3, stating that the Japanese government has repeatedly requested a review of these tariffs, which are "highly regrettable and one-sided." "This not only affects economic relations between Japan and the U.S., but also has significant impacts on the global economy and the entire multilateral trading system. We have serious concerns."
However, experts noted that Japan has few countermeasure options, and Tokyo would find it difficult to impose retaliatory tariffs. In Seoul, South Korean Acting President Han De-schoo convened an emergency working group on April 3 to discuss responses, stating that "the era of global trade wars has become a reality."
April 3, 2025, Central Tokyo, Japan, the Nikkei average stock price plummeted sharply after U.S. President Trump announced details of reciprocal tariffs. Visual China
Former Japanese trade negotiator Yudamita Keisuke said that Trump's tariff policies may prompt Japan to turn to other countries to reduce dependence on the U.S. supply chain, including increasing trade with China.
"Japan is heavily reliant on the U.S. for security, but if Japan begins to perceive Trump's stance as unreliable in this regard, the situation would be entirely different," he added.
On April 3, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the U.S. is using the pretext of "reciprocity" to impose tariffs on products from multiple countries, including China, seriously violating WTO rules and severely damaging the multilateral trading system based on rules. China firmly opposes this and will take necessary measures to resolutely defend its legitimate interests.
He emphasized that China has repeatedly stressed that trade wars and tariff wars have no winners, and protectionism offers no way out. China urges the U.S. to correct its erroneous practices and resolve trade disputes with countries, including China, through equal, respectful, and mutually beneficial consultations.
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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7489062432707658240/
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