Foreign leaders are likely to be hit hardest by shared public criticism after President Donald Trump signed an enforcement lawsuit allowing 25% tariffs on cars and auto parts imported into the United States.
This is what foreign leaders and officials have said:
Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney said tariffs were “direct attacks” in breach of the US-Mexico-Canada agreement and Ottawa will consider response options, including the possibility of retaliatory tariffs. The Cabinet Committee on Canada-US relations in Canada held a meeting this morning to discuss its options.
Mexico: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on April 3 that she would provide a “comprehensive response” to tariffs, but showed her government is working behind the scenes to remove or reduce fees for certain Mexican assembled cars and parts.
Japan: Prime Minister Isba said Tokyo will consider “all options” in response to tariffs.
“We are urgently demanding that this 25% will not be applied to Japan,” Isba said. “Japan will invest in the US, create jobs and pay the highest wage.”
South Korea: Automobile companies are expected to experience considerable difficulties due to tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, Trade Minister Ahn Duk-Geun said. Ahn held an emergency response meeting with representatives from automobile companies, industrial associations and research institutions to discuss tariffs.
On Tuesday, Hyundai pledged to invest $21 billion in the US over the next three years. This investment will focus on expanding manufacturing capacity.
European Commission: President Ursula von der Leyen said tariffs would hurt Americans, but she did not promise retaliation. The EU announced retaliatory tariffs in response to Trump’s tariffs collected this month, but postponed them in anticipation of a negotiated agreement.
China: Unlike its Asian rivals, China’s automotive industry is largely isolated from this series of tariffs. The Biden administration increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to 100%, which effectively blocked them from the market. Nevertheless, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun accused the US of violating World Trade Organization rules by imposing automobile fares.
The UK does not plan any immediate retaliatory tariffs on imports of cars from the US, British Prime Minister Rachel Reeves said. According to data from the Automobile Manufacturers and Traders Association, the US is the second largest market for UK automobile exports, after the European Union.