The Americas React to Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs
The Americas React to Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs
Most leaders conveyed frustration or made requests to negotiate while some expressed gratitude for only getting the baseline rate.
On April 2, shortly after Donald Trump’s announcement of global reciprocal tariffs, members of his administration handed out sheets listing every country in the world with two figures. One listed a number representing the tariffs and trade barriers the administration believes that country has on the United States, though it’s been called into question if that represents a trade deficit calculation instead. The other listed the new tariff that would be charged to the country, at least 10 percent on every nation. Canada and Mexico, who are facing other tariffs and tariff threats, were not included on the list. Nor was Cuba, where Washington retains a trade embargo.
Reactions from presidents across the region were mixed. Canada’s prime minister announced retaliatory measures. Others, like Brazil’s president or the government of Guatemala, said they would leverage existing trade agreements to stymie the tariffs. Several leaders, like the president of Argentina, were more demure or even celebratory, expressing gratitude to only face the baseline rate of 10 percent. The most common reaction was to press for negotiation and dialogue with the U.S. government.
AS/COA Online goes through countries’ presidential or governmental responses, when available, in alphabetical order.
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