On April 2nd, Eastern Time, after the U.S. stock market closed, according to Xinhua News Agency, U.S. President Trump signed two executive orders regarding so-called &#34;reciprocal tariffs&#34; at the White House, announcing that the U.S. would establish a 10% &#34;minimum benchmark tariff&#34; on trade partners and impose higher tariffs on certain trade partners.According to charts released by the White House, the U.S. will impose a 10% tariff on imports from the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, a 17% tariff on Israeli goods, a 20% tariff on European Union goods, a 24% tariff on Japan, a 25% tariff on South Korea, a 26% tariff on India, a 36% tariff on Thailand, a 39% tariff on Iraq, a 46% tariff on Vietnam, a 49% tariff on Cambodia, and the highest rate of 50% on Lesotho in South Africa.After the announcement of the tariff policy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that this is a &#34;significant blow&#34; to the world economy, while Japanese officials expressed &#34;extreme regret&#34; over the decision, and the South Korean Prime Minister called for urgent measures to support industries affected by the tariffs.<h2>EU and Canada: Preparing Further Countermeasures</h2>European Commission President von der Leyen expressed regret over the U.S. decision to impose further tariffs, stating that the global economy will suffer a severe blow and inflation will rise due to the tariffs.Von der Leyen stated, &#34;We are ready to respond to the U.S. tariffs and are preparing further countermeasures. If negotiations fail, countermeasures will be taken.&#34;EU foreign affairs chief Kallas also stated that it is necessary to diversify the defense investment portfolio to reduce dependence on the U.S.French President Macron will meet with industry officials potentially affected by the tariffs on Thursday at 4 PM local time.Canadian Prime Minister Carney also stated, &#34;We plan to take countermeasures against U.S. tariffs.&#34;<h2>Japan: Does Not Rule Out Retaliation, But Needs Cautious Assessment</h2>Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Hiroshi Kajiyama, held a press conference today, stating that the U.S. tariff measures are &#34;extremely regrettable,&#34; and &#34;we will continue to persistently negotiate with the U.S. on tariffs, urging the U.S. to exclude Japan from the tariff measures.&#34;Kajiyama mentioned that prior to the announcement of U.S. tariffs, he had an online communication with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, informing Ross that the tariffs would also harm the U.S. economy.When asked whether Japan would retaliate, he stated, &#34;We need to consider retaliatory measures, but first we must thoroughly assess the details of the tariffs.&#34;Kajiyama emphasized that Japan will make every effort to protect domestic industries and pay attention to the consistency of U.S. tariffs with WTO agreements:<blockquote>&#34;We need to determine the most suitable and effective approach for Japan in a cautious yet bold and swift manner.&#34;</blockquote>Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga also stated that a thorough analysis of the tariff details and their impact is underway, and Japan will continue to request the U.S. to exempt Japan from tariffs, closely monitoring whether the tariffs comply with WTO rules<h2>South Korea: &#34;The Global Tariff War Has Become a Reality&#34;</h2>According to CCTV News, South Korea's acting president and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo urgently convened an economic security strategy task force meeting on the 3rd to discuss countermeasures regarding the United States' announcement of a 25% &#34;reciprocal tariff&#34; on South Korea.Han Duck-soo stated at the meeting:<blockquote>&#34;The global tariff war has become a reality, and the current situation is very severe. The government must do its utmost to overcome this trade crisis.&#34;</blockquote>Reports indicate that Han Duck-soo instructed Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun to work with South Korean companies to analyze the specifics of the U.S. tariff measures, engage in communication and consultation with the U.S. side, and formulate support policies for industries and companies significantly affected, such as the automotive sector.<h2>Thailand, Norway: Continuing Negotiations</h2>On Thursday, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated to public broadcaster NRK that Norway will seek to negotiate tariffs with the United States.The Thai Prime Minister also indicated that Thailand will negotiate with the United States regarding the 36% tariff.<h2>Malaysia: No Consideration of Retaliatory Tariffs, Actively Seeking Solutions</h2>Malaysia's stance is relatively moderate. The country's Ministry of Trade issued a statement saying it will take the tariff policy seriously and is actively engaging with the United States to seek solutions.The statement noted that Malaysia is not considering retaliatory tariffs but hopes to expand its export markets and utilize free trade agreements to mitigate the impact of tariffs.<h2>Vietnam: Tariffs &#34;Do Not Align with the Good Relations Between the Two Countries&#34;</h2>According to a statement released on the government website, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that the U.S. tariffs &#34;do not align with the good relations between the two countries, nor do they reflect the wishes of both peoples and the efforts Vietnam has made recently.&#34;Pham Minh Chinh urged ministries and relevant agencies to remain calm and take proactive, timely, and flexible measures to respond to the current situation.

South Korea stated that the situation is very severe and will engage in communication and consultation with the United States; Thailand and Norway expressed that they will continue to advance negotiations with the United States; Malaysia stated that it does not consider retaliatory tariffs and is actively interacting with the United States to seek solutions

- On April 2, 2025, President Trump signed executive orders imposing a minimum 10% tariff on imports from various countries, with higher rates for others, affecting trade relations significantly.  
- The EU and Japan expressed strong disapproval, with EU leaders preparing countermeasures and emphasizing the need for negotiations, while Japan is considering its response carefully.  
- South Korea's Prime Minister declared a "global tariff war" is underway, urging immediate government action to support affected industries, while Malaysia seeks solutions without retaliation.

After the implementation of Trump's tariffs: The EU and Canada are "ready to retaliate," while Japan "will seek exemptions."