A Storm of Reaction to Trump’s Tariffs

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President Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum have elicited strong reactions from leaders in government, business and other organizations around the world. Most of them oppose the tariffs, with many leaders saying they fear that the tariffs could escalate a trade war. Below are several notable reactions.

“If you put tariffs against your allies, one wonders who the enemies are.”

Mario Draghi

President of the European Central Bank

“Choosing a trade war is a mistaken prescription. The outcome will only be harmful. China would have to make a justified and necessary response.”

Wang Yi

China’s foreign minister

“The message is that we believe in the value of an open economy and economic integration of countries in order to generate greater prosperity for our people and our nations. I think that is a tremendously important value at a time when certain sectors of the world are sending messages that run contrary to this choice, preaching messages of nationalism rather than integration.”

Michelle Bachelet

President of Chile

“There are unquestionably bad trade practices by nations like China, but the better approach is targeted enforcement of those bad practices. Our economy and our national security are strengthened by fostering free trade with our allies.”

Speaker Paul D. Ryan

Republican of Wisconsin

“A generalized tariff that would actually harm allies, harm American consumers, by the way, harm American workers that use steel in production, hurting their competitive nature in global markets as well, I’m opposed to that.”

Senator Ron Johnson

Republican of Wisconsin

“The idea that you can undermine core ally relationships, which have been the most enduring source of mutual defense, in the name of a national defense decision? It just doesn’t make any sense.”

Jack Lew

Former Treasury secretary

“I am against import duties in general, but the current rules make things very difficult. It’s like competing in an Olympic race wearing lead shoes.”

Elon Musk

Chief executive of Tesla Motors

“Only free trade will contribute to inclusive growth of the world economy. Protectionism isn’t a solution.”

Taro Kono

Japan’s foreign minister

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