To retaliate or not? Here’s how countries are reacting to Trump tariffs

President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs has resulted in a range of responses from foreign leaders, from tit-for-tat retaliation to a willingness to negotiate.

The tariffs, unveiled on April 2, include a baseline 10% levy on all imports to the U.S. as well as higher rates on specific countries, including China, Japan and the European Union.

“Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years, but it is not going to happen anymore,” Trump said, claiming that his wide-ranging levies will bolster American manufacturing and help shrink the national debt.

Days later — after the news sent shockwaves through the global economy — Trump signaled he could be open to reducing rates, telling reporters on April 7, “there can be permanent tariffs, and there can also be negotiations.”

On the same day, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that “over 50 countries” have reached out to negotiate.

Here is how three of America’s biggest trading partners — China, Japan and the European Union — have reacted to Trump’s tariffs.

China

China has responded swiftly and aggressively to Trump’s new tariffs, which include a 34% levy on all Chinese imports — in addition to a previously announced 20% levy.

In retaliation, the Chinese government announced its own 34% tariff on all American imports on April 4, according to the Associated Press. It also accused the Trump administration of “economic bullying,” according to Reuters.

In response, Trump threatened to impose even higher tariffs, writing on Truth Social, “if China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th.”

Japan

Japan, which was subjected to a 24% tariff, has responded more cautiously.

On April 7, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba described the tariffs as extremely regrettable, but stopped short of implementing retaliatory measures, according to the Associated Press.

On the same day, Bessent said he had entered into negotiations with Japanese officials.

“Japan remains among America’s closest allies, and I look forward to our upcoming productive engagement regarding tariffs, non-tariff trade barriers, currency issues, and government subsidies,” he wrote in a post on X.

European Union

Officials from the European Union, which was slapped with a 20% tariff, have said they are preparing countermeasures, but have said they would prefer negotiating a free trade deal.

“We have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods as we have successfully done with many other trading partners,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on April 7, according to Politico. “Because Europe is always ready for a good deal. So we keep it on the table.”

However, European leaders have also proposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, according to Reuters.

Among the measures they are considering are 25% tariffs on select U.S. goods, including luxury goods, agricultural products and household appliances, according to Bloomberg.