Asia has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports in terms ranging from disappointed to defiant to conciliatory, with the strongest reaction so far coming from Europe, which announced countermeasures almost immediately.
Australia described the new tariffs, which came into effect on Wednesday, as “disappointing,” while Beijing has vowed to “take all necessary measures” to protect its interests. South Korea, meanwhile, says it plans to send an envoy to Washington this week to discuss the matter “based on trust,” while Japan said the situation was “regrettable.”
