**Global Leaders Condemn Trump's Tariffs Amid Rising Tensions**

**World leaders are reacting strongly against President Trump's newly announced tariffs, warning of economic repercussions and potential trade conflicts.**

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has decried the U.S. tariffs on European Union imports as "wrong", following President Donald Trump's recent declarations that include a staggering 20% tax on EU goods. Meloni, who is aligned with Trump politically, emphasized the adverse effects of these tariffs on both sides, insisting that they would be detrimental to the EU and the U.S. alike. She expressed her commitment to negotiating a solution to avert a trade war.

This announcement is part of a broader set of "liberation day" measures announced by Trump, which will impose a universal 10% tariff on all imports starting April 5, with approximately 60 countries impacted by additional tariffs beginning on April 9. Notably, smaller nations like Lesotho face specifically high rates, with a 50% tariff implemented.

In response, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez vowed to defend his country's companies and workforce, remaining committed to global trade openness. Irish officials, including Trade Minister Simon Harris, indicated readiness to engage in negotiations with the U.S., dubbing this approach the "best way forward." Taoiseach Micheál Martin lamented Trump’s move, labeling it as damaging for all involved.

Outside the EU, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese suggested that the tariffs would backfire, ultimately costing U.S. consumers more. His government has chosen not to retaliate, asserting that it will avoid escalating tensions that could lead to higher prices and hindered growth in the global market.

In Latin America, Brazil's congress has enacted the Economic Reciprocity Law in reaction to Trump’s 10% tariffs. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had previously commented that Brazil must respond proactively to these challenges.

Simultaneously, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has cautioned countries against retaliatory measures, urging them to "sit back and take it in" to prevent further escalation of tensions. The focus on U.S. tariffs comes as Canada and Mexico remain unresolved in the ongoing negotiations, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stating that the imposed tariffs will adversely affect millions of Canadians as they prepare counteractions to the new trade changes.

As these tariffs take effect, the impacts are expected to reverberate through the global trading system, bringing uncertainty and potential upheaval in international economic relations.