US Trade Partners Respond to New Tariff Measures Announced by Trump Administration

Countries across Asia, Europe, and Oceania responded on Friday to new US tariffs set to take effect following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The order, issued Thursday night, imposes new or increased tariffs on a range of US trade partners, with rates varying by country and some nations negotiating reductions ahead of the implementation deadline.

Canada faces a 35% tariff on its exports to the US, up from 25%, after the White House cited insufficient cooperation on combating illicit drug trafficking. The measure takes immediate effect. Mexico, meanwhile, was granted a 90-day extension for trade negotiations.

Several Southeast Asian countries secured lower tariff rates compared to initial US proposals. Thailand's finance minister Pichai Chunhavajira said the new 19% rate, down from 36%, "reflects the strong friendship and close partnership" between the two nations, but acknowledged challenges for some sectors and said support measures were being prepared. Cambodia's deputy prime minister Sun Chanthol thanked President Trump for reducing Cambodia's tariff rate to 19% from a previously proposed 49%, and announced that Cambodia would impose zero tariffs on all American goods. Cambodia also agreed to purchase 10 Boeing aircraft as part of the trade package.

Pakistan welcomed a 19% tariff rate, lower than the initially announced 29%, with its finance ministry describing the agreement as a "balanced and forward-looking approach" that would benefit key export sectors such as textiles. Malaysia's trade ministry called the reduction from 25% to 19% a "significant achievement," stating that the deal was reached without compromising national interests.

Norway, subject to a 15% tariff, is seeking to negotiate for zero tariffs, with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stating that talks with Washington are ongoing. Switzerland expressed regret over a 39% tariff, higher than the 31% previously proposed, and said it would continue to seek a negotiated solution.

Australia secured a 10% tariff rate on its exports, which Trade Minister Don Farrell said gives the country a competitive advantage. Farrell noted that Australia has not imposed tariffs on US goods and argued that retaliatory tariffs are not effective. New Zealand, facing a 15% tariff, plans to lobby for a lower rate, with Trade Minister Todd McClay expressing concern over the increase.

Japan welcomed the executive order, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi describing the new 15% rate as a "major reduction" from the earlier 25%, but said the government would continue to monitor the impact and seek further reductions, especially for automobiles and auto parts. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te said final tariff negotiations with the US are still pending and expressed hope for a further reduction from the current 20% rate, while also linking trade talks to broader security cooperation.

The recent tariff negotiations also coincided with a ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, following US pressure to resolve a border conflict. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai officials both credited the US for helping to broker peace and facilitate trade agreements.