Trump's tariffs intensify trade war and provoke global reaction.

247 - US President Donald Trump's decision to impose a basic 10% tariff on most imported goods, in addition to even higher tariffs for dozens of other countries, has triggered a new escalation in the global trade war. The measure, announced in the White House Rose Garden, sparked a strong international reaction and impacted financial markets, according to a Reuters report.

China and the European Union have promised immediate countermeasures, arguing that the new tariffs harm international trade and increase economic uncertainty. "The consequences will be terrible for millions of people around the world," stated the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, indicating that the 27-nation bloc is prepared to respond should negotiations with Washington fail.

Impact on markets and international reactions

With Asia being the first region to react to the news, stock indices in Beijing and Tokyo hit multi-month lows. Futures for American and European stock exchanges also registered significant falls, reflecting investors' fears in the face of increased trade instability. The search for safer assets, such as gold and government bonds, increased in the first hours after the announcement.

China, now subject to tariffs of up to 54% on its exports to the US, has declared it will retaliate with equivalent measures. Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan were also targeted by the decision, with rates ranging from 24% to 32%, deepening tensions between Washington and its traditional trading partners.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that any foreign retaliation would only intensify the conflict. "Retaliatory measures will only lead to unnecessary escalation," he stated.

The new tariffs are facing resistance even within the Republican Party. Hours after the announcement, the Senate passed legislation to reverse the tariffs imposed on Canada, with the support of some dissenting Republican senators. However, in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, the measure is struggling to move forward.

In addition to tariffs on imported goods, Trump also signed an order to eliminate the tax exemption for low-value packages (up to $800) shipped from China and Hong Kong, known as the "de minimis" rule. According to the White House, this measure aims to restrict the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., since Chinese chemicals are frequently used in the manufacture of the drug.

The American government is still planning other tariffs targeting semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and minerals considered critical to domestic industry. The decision comes amid a broader effort by Trump to protect strategic US sectors while imposing additional costs on trading partners.

The newly announced tariffs will take effect on April 5th, with the highest rates being applied from April 9th. Given the escalating trade dispute, experts warn of potential repercussions for the global economy, including an economic slowdown and direct impacts on the cost of living for American and foreign consumers.