The reactions of August 1 Black

After the entry into force of Donald Trump’s prices, reactions flock from all over the world. Small anthology.

Le Monde Digérais Friday the announcement by Donald Trump from a series of new customs surchasters which will be imposed from August 7. Rates welcomed according to the country with relief, resignation or determination to negotiate a better compromise. We take stock of midday.

Taiwan is optimistic

Taiwan is targeted by a surcharge of 20%, but the Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te said:

His government “will endeavor to obtain a reasonable level of customs duties,” he insists. The postponement of the application of new taxes to August 7 offers a window for final talks.

Taiwanese entrepreneurs fear that the rights of 15% imposed by Washington in Japan and South Korea will give the firms in these countries a competitive advantage.

Canada will resist

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Friday that Ottawa was “disappointed” by Washington’s decision to increase customs duties on Canadian products not covered by a preexisting trade agreement. But the resistance is organized.

To preserve the sectors of wood, steel, aluminum and automobile, not included in the trilateral free trade agreement concluded with Mexico and the United States. Mark Carney explained:

In addition to the launch of major projects, he repeated his desire to release the domestic trade in his country by removing or harmonizing barriers between provinces and territories, in order to create a more fluid and resilient national market in the face of American customs duties.

Switzerland is disappointed

The Federal Council took note “with great regret” of the 39% punitive surcharge inflicted on the Alpine country, but wishes to continue to negotiate with the Trump administration.

The Swiss Professional Association of SMEs in the mechanical sector, electricity and metals, very dependent on exports, claims the government to act “with clarity and self -confidence” using “resolutely the existing negotiation window”.

Bangladesh is very satisfied

Welcoming “a decisive diplomatic victory”, Bangladesh congratulated its negotiators on Friday for concluding “a historic trade agreement” with the United States, claiming that it preserved its fundamental national interests.

Instead of the 35% initially planned, the country obtained a rate of 20% on Thursday, comparable to that imposed by Washington to its competitors in the clothing sector (Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Cambodia).

Thailand evokes a major success

Cambodia and Thailand receive 19%from surcharge, in the wake of a truce between the two countries after several days of conflict. Phnom Penh had been Initially threatened by 49% and Bangkok of 36%.

Thailand welcomed on Friday as a “major success” the announcement of these planed American surcharges. “This is a win-win approach aimed at preserving the exporting base and long-term economic stability of Thailand,” said government spokesman Jirayu Huangsab.

A fifth of Thai exports are intended for the United States.

Cambodia and Vietnam “spared”

For his part, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reacted:

The neighboring Vietnam had concluded in early July an agreement with Washington on a rate reduced to 20%.

Malaysia is relieved

The Malaysian trade ministry welcomed a “favorable outcome”. He insisted:

Japan fears for its cars

Tokyo had concluded an agreement with Washington for Japanese products to be surcharged at 15% and the total customs duties applied to the automobile – a pillar of Japanese exports – is reduced to 15%.

The United States has been imposing 25% surcharge since April in the automotive sector.

But if so -called “reciprocal” surcharge imposed in Japan must apply on August 7, the date of implementation of the new rate on the automobile remains to be specified. Friday, Yoshimasa Hayashi, government spokesperson, reacted:

In addition, differences in interpretation are emerging on the $ 550 billion that Tokyo would have committed, according to the White House, to invest in the United States. The Japanese negotiator spoke of simple loans and guarantees before the press.

What if the goods pass?

The United States intends to surcharge the goods transported to the United States to 40% by passing through third countries (so-called “transhipment” method) in order to escape taxes aimed at the country of origin. A sensitive point for the economies of Southeast Asia, closely linked to China.

However, for lack of details in the immediate future, analysts and businesses question the definition of a “transhipped” property. Washington has promised “a list of countries and installations used in bypass systems”. (ATS/AWP)