U.S. tariff move sparks criticism, concern worldwide

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) speaks to the press after signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., January 31, 2025. /VCG

South Korea's Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo vowed on Monday to "effectively" respond to U.S. protectionist trade policies which could impact the country's exports as well as its companies. 

"As the new U.S. administration is swiftly announcing a set of executive orders under the 'America First' policy and actively utilizing tariffs, the government and the private sector should unite their capabilities to efficiently and effectively respond to the possible effect on the country under different scenarios," Cheong was quoted as saying in the Korea Times, vowing to mobilize "all available resources."

The local trade community has expressed concerns over Trump's tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, the Korea Times noted.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday ordered to impose a 25-percent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, and a 10-percent tariff on Chinese goods, which has sparked criticism and concern worldwide. 

EU criticizes Trump's tariff

The European Commission on Sunday criticized Trump's tariff imposed on the three countries, saying they disrupt global trade and are harmful to all, and vowing to hit back if targeted.

"The European Union (EU) regrets the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China," an EU spokesman was quoted by media as saying.

He highlighted the importance of "open markets and respect for international trade rules," saying they are essential for strong and sustainable economic growth. "Tariffs create unnecessary economic disruption and drive inflation. They are hurtful to all sides," he added.

German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economics Robert Habeck also warned on Sunday that the U.S.'s move is "a very bad alternative," noting Europe would retaliate.

Mexico to take action against U.S. tariffs

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Saturday instructed the Secretariat of Economy to implement tariff and non-tariff measures to defend Mexico's interests in response to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Problems are not resolved by imposing tariffs, but by talking and dialoguing, Sheinbaum said on social media.

"We categorically reject the White House's slander against the Mexican government of having alliances with criminal organizations, as well as any intention of intervention in our territory," she noted.

Sheinbaum said that if the United States wants to combat criminal groups that traffic drugs and generate violence, both countries should work together in an integrated manner, always under the principles of shared responsibility, mutual trust, collaboration, and above all, respect for sovereignty, "which is not negotiable."