Officials from multiple countries respond to U.S.tariffs on steel and aluminum imports

As U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday signed proclamations to raise tariffs on aluminum from 10 percent to 25 percent, and ended exclusions for steel and aluminum tariffs, officials from multiple countries made responses to the decision.

Canadian Innovation Minister Fran?ois-Philippe Champagne said in a post on X that steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, the U.S.' closest ally, would be totally unjustified. "We will continue to stand up for Canada, support our workers, and defend our industries as we have always done and always will."

An exemption for Australia from U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports is under consideration, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday, according to the Xinhua News Agency. 

Albanese told reporters that he has spoken to President Donald Trump and "presented Australia's case" for an exemption from the 25 percent tariff on aluminum and steel. "The U.S. President agreed that an exemption was under consideration in the interests of both of our countries," Albanese said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing additional tariff cuts ahead of a meeting this week with Trump that could boost American exports to India and avoid a potential trade war, government officials said, Reuters reported on Monday.

Chan Kwok-ki, chief secretary for administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, criticized U.S. tariff measures for not complying with WTO rules on Tuesday, saying the change of policy is confusing, according to RTHK's report.

On Monday, the European Commission had rejected the rationale for new U.S. tariffs on European exports, vowing to protect businesses, workers, and consumers across the bloc.

The European Commission strongly criticized the proposed tariffs, warning they would ultimately hurt U.S. businesses and consumers. "Tariffs are essentially taxes," it said in a statement, emphasizing that the move would increase costs for American companies, drive inflation, heighten economic uncertainty, and disrupt global market integration. Given the deep interdependence between European and American industries, the EU warned that such measures would be counterproductive, effectively imposing taxes on U.S. citizens as well, Xinhua reported.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned on Monday that the EU would retaliate if the proposed tariffs take effect. "There is no hesitation when it comes to defending our interests," Barrot told French television TF1, recalling how the EU countered similar tariffs in 2018 and vowing to take the same approach if necessary.

Germany, Europe's largest economy, is also preparing for action. A spokesperson for the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action stated that while the EU and Germany are working to prevent the tariffs, they stand ready to implement countermeasures if needed.

The country vowed on Monday that Europe would respond in a "united and determined manner." "In the long term, a tariff conflict only has losers," said German Economy Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck. He emphasized the need for continued cooperation with the U.S. but warned that the EU must react decisively to unilateral trade restrictions, according to a report by channel8.