DONALD TRUMP’S TRADE WARS: INTERNATIONAL REACTIONS

European Council President Donald Tusk: “President Trump has recently said, and I quote, ‘trade wars are good and easy to win’ but the truth is quite the opposite. Trade wars are bad and easy to lose. The tariffs could result in a serious trade dispute between Washington and the rest of the world. There should be an extraordinary trade debate over possible repercussions for our citizens and our businesses not to mention the global economy, at the upcoming EU leaders summit in Brussels this month.”

German Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries: “If blanket US import duties on aluminum and steel are imposed, it will lead to ruptures in world trade… Should Trump follow his words with actions, Europe will reply proportionately. It is not credible that European or German steel imports should

endanger the national security of the US.” Spokesperson for Britain’s Prime Minister: “The UK is engaging with the US on what Mr Trump's tariff announcement means in practice. We are particularly concerned by any measures which would impact the UK steel and aluminium industries.”

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi: “Especially given today's globalisation, choosing a trade war is a mistaken prescription. The outcome will only be harmful. China would have to make a justified and necessary response… China will not and need not displace the United States.” Managing Director of IMF, Christine Lagarde: “In a so-called trade war … nobody wins, one generally finds loser on both sides. A trade war would cause formidable damage to global economic growth”.