International Outcry Over US Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

The measure by the US to impose a 25% tariff on all imported steel and aluminum came into effect on the 12th local time, which has drawn widespread international opposition and criticism.

The President of the European Commission said, 'We deeply regret this. The EU must take action to protect consumers and businesses. The countermeasures taken by the EU today are strong and proportionate. At the same time, the EU remains open to negotiations.'

The German Chancellor stated on the 12th that the US tariff policy is wrong, and Europe will give a 'strong response'. The Chancellor said, 'If tariffs are imposed now, it will cause the greatest damage to the US economy, but tariffs will also harm others. Therefore, Europe's answer is clear. We must use our strength to give a strong and appropriate response.'

The UK Prime Minister said on the 12th that he was 'disappointed' with the US tariff policy. The Prime Minister said that the UK will take a pragmatic approach and negotiate a trade agreement with the US. The UK's Secretary of State for Business and Trade also said on the same day that the US steel and aluminum tariff policy is 'disappointing', but the UK government will 'not hesitate' to respond for the national interest.

The French government spokesperson said on the 12th that the US steel and aluminum tariffs will first affect 'the productivity of US companies' and employment in the US, and will lead to inflation in the US. But if the trade war continues, it will naturally affect European consumers in the end. Therefore, Europe will continue to negotiate with the US government.

The Australian Prime Minister said on the 12th that the US decision is 'completely unreasonable'. Australia will continue to consult with the US to seek tariff exemptions. The Prime Minister said, 'This decision of the Trump administration is completely unreasonable. Tariffs and escalating trade tensions are acts of economic self - harm, which will lead to slower economic growth and rising inflation, all of which will be borne by consumers.'

The Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan expressed regret on the 12th over the US government's implementation of steel and aluminum tariffs. The Chief Cabinet Secretary said that Japan will conduct a detailed investigation into the specific content of the relevant measures and their impact on Japan, and will maintain close consultations with the US.

Foreign media: The US tariff policy is not economically viable. An article pointed out that the US government's high - tariff policy on imported steel and aluminum products is having a significant impact on the US manufacturing industry. Another article said that the US government's attempt to balance the US trade deficit by imposing tariffs is not economically feasible. During Trump's first term, he imposed tariffs on important trading partners in the hope of eliminating the US trade deficit. However, in the four years of that term, the US's annual exports of goods were lower than its imports, and the deficit remained high. Statistics from a think - tank show that in those four years, protectionist policies cost US consumers about $57 billion each year.