US Tariffs Looming! How Are UK, China, EU And India Tackling Donald Trump’s Moves? News24 –

United States President Donald Trump is all set to announce reciprocal tariffs for “all countries” on Wednesday, April 2. The President will declare tariffs at 4 pm ET during an event at the Rose Garden in the White House. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the tariff once announced, will go into effect “immediately.” Trump’s tariffs, which will be announced shortly has created a global stir from the day it came into news. Countries around the world are trying to protect their economies through various strategies and counter measures, which have not yet been disclosed publicly in detail. Though the leaders of those countries have hinted that they will prioritise protecting their own economies.

‘Dirty 15’ On Target

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was quoted saying that the announcement will represent a “cap” of the highest US tariff level that countries will face. He added that the rates could be reduced if America’s trade partners meet the demands of the administration. Trump is expected to tax 15 per cent of the United States’ trade partners. The group of fifteen countries has been dubbed as the “Dirty 15” by Bessent. The anticipated list of countries includes China, the European Union, Mexico, Vietnam, Canada, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea.

Here’s a look at how the countries are gearing up for Trump’s tariffs including India.

Israel Ends Import Duties On US Goods

One of the significant allies of US and largest trading partners, Israel has cancelled all its remaining tariffs on imports from the United States, ahead of Trump’s announcement of tariffs. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat, at the directive of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced the cancellation all of the customs duties, tariffs that have been levied until now on products from the United States.

“The reduction in customs duties will, in effect, expand the US-Israel trade agreement and strengthen bilateral strategic relations,” the Prime Minister’s Office, Finance Ministry and Economy and Industry Ministry said in a joint statement.

UK To Avoid ‘Knee-Jerk Reaction’

While Israel reduced custom duties, United Kingdom said that it would take a “calm, pragmatic approach.” United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that UK will not make a “knee-jerk reaction” to the Tariffs imposed by the US.

Australia To Stand Up For ‘National Interests’

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the country will “stand up for national interests” against Trump’s tariffs. Notably, Australia has a trade surplus with the US, and also a free trade agreement allowing duty-free entry for US exports. Albanese stressed that his government won’t retaliate against the US with reciprocal tariffs.

EU Warns Of Counter-Measures

European Union (EU) which is likely to face heavy tariffs, warned of counter-measures if harmful tariffs are levied by Trump.

EU executive chief Ursula von der Leyen, stated that she would prefer to negotiate a solution first, but if necessary, then the EU has a “strong plan” to retaliate against US tariffs.

“We do not necessarily want to retaliate. But if it is necessary, we have a strong plan to retaliate and we will use it. Our objective is a negotiated solution. But of course, if need be, we will protect our interests, our people, and our companies,” added Leyen.

How India Is Preparing To Protect Its Exports? 

This is all about how other countries are trying to tackle Trump’s tariffs. Talking about India, the country has not announced counter-measures like others. Though, it has expressed that the government is open to cutting tariffs on over half of United States imports.

Earlier, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that India is engaging with the United States to protect its exports. She added, “Tariff is something the US President has been speaking about. The Commerce Minister has already gone to the US to engage with US officials, including the United States Trade Representative (USTR). We will have to see how the Commerce Ministry takes up negotiations with the U.S. to ensure that our interests are well-represented.”

China Turns To India

China, which is likely to be in the ‘Dirty 15’ group on the other hand, took another turn. Amid the US tariffs chaos, the country has expressed willingness to buy more Indian products to balance trade. Beijing’s Ambassador Xu Feihong said just ahead of a US tariff announcement expected to hit the south Asian neighbors. “We are willing to work with the Indian side to strengthen practical cooperation in trade and other areas, and to import more Indian products that are well-suited to the Chinese market,” the ambassador to India was quoted as saying by China’s state-run Global Times, in a story posted Monday.